You should never ignore gum recession. Although it is easy to write off as a cosmetic issue, it can lead to serious oral health problems. As soon as you notice a difference in the way your gums and teeth fit together, you need to contact our periodontist immediately.
A receding gum line is one of the most common symptoms of gingivitis. If you are able to see a periodontal professional soon, then the treatment will most likely be mild. Scaling and root planing is commonly used to treat mild cases of gum disease. However, if you notice receding gums and do nothing, then over time, you will require more extensive treatments, such as periodontal surgery. By catching receding gums early, you stand a better chance of only needing a mild treatment.
When gums pull away from the tooth, the structure becomes looser. This puts it at risk of falling out completely, and gum recession is a common explanation for why adults lose teeth later in life. The gum tissue requires prompt treatment, so it can tighten around the tooth to keep it in place.
The lower parts of teeth do not contain enamel. Therefore, they cannot stand up as well to exposure to bacteria. The roots consist of a material called cementum, which is soft and easy for bacteria to penetrate. It will decay easily if you do nothing.
Finally, tooth root exposure will increase the amount of sensitivity you feel when consuming hot or cold substances. If you drink hot soup broth and it stings a little, then that is a sign you have gum recession in your mouth.
Reduce Risk of These Dangers by Seeing Our Periodontist
Drs. Steven Saunders and Jeff Dickson will examine your smile thoroughly to determine how to best treat the receding gum line. Many patients can benefit from the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique to move gums back to their normal positions. Call our office in Winchester, VA today to see if this procedure is best for you.