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Receding gums

 
Kowhai Dental – Receding gums
 

Receding gums can be hard to stay ahead of. You may not even know your gums are receding, because it happens so slowly.

If you’ve noticed your gums are receding, don’t fret. This is a very common dental issue, and can be treated.

 
 

What are receding gums?

Gum recession is the term used to describe the line or edge of your gums pulling back, wearing away or otherwise exposing more of the tooth. 

This is a cosmetic issue for some, but can also create “pockets” between the tooth and gum. These pockets may then fill with bacteria that leads to gum disease if left untreated.

The first sign of gum recessions is usually increased tooth sensitivity. If you’re finding your teeth are reacting to hot or cold foods more than usual, take a look to see if your gums have receded.

 

Symptoms of receding gums

 

Common causes of receding gums

  • Gum disease

  • Genetic disposition

  • Overbrushing

  • Inadequate home dental care

  • Infrequent hygienist cleanings

  • Hormonal changes (e.g. pregnancy)

  • Smoking

  • Bruxism, or teeth grinding

  • Misaligned bite

  • Oral piercings

 

Treating receding gums at home

In most cases you cannot treat receding gums yourself, as it will usually require a deep cleaning (also called scaling and root planing). 

You may be able to halt or reduce the progression of receding gums by regularly cleaning your gums and teeth. However, if periodontal pockets have formed, you will need to see a dentist or hygienist.

 

When to see a dentist

If you’ve noticed your gums are receding, book in to see your dentist or hygienist as soon as possible. While gum recession is not usually an emergency, it’s still a cause for concern if gum disease is involved. 

You’re not likely to feel pain from receding gums alone, so don’t wait until they become unbearable. 

Call Kowhai Dental on 09 430 0707 or book an appointment online and we’ll help you remove periodontal pockets.

 

What to expect during your visit

In most cases, receding gums will require a deep cleaning. This is a process where your dental hygienist will use a combination of tools, including an ultrasonic device, to remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth and the pockets between your gums and teeth.

In the worst cases of receding gums, you may be given the option of surgery. A flap surgery may be required if a deep cleaning is not sufficient. In this surgery, your surgeon will lift the gum to clean beneath it, and then return it to its place. Teeth may appear longer after flap surgery, as the gums sit more tightly.

If the root of a tooth becomes exposed, grafting may be required to restore the gum. In grafting, your dental surgeon will take tissue from near the tooth or from the palate of your mouth. This tissue is then stitched around the exposed root.

 
 

Cost of treatment

The cost of treating sensitive teeth can vary significantly depending on the cause of sensitivity, and the severity of the underlying problem. 

Here at Kowhai Dental in Whangarei, our initial consultations start at $183. Of course, if your treatment requires more than an examination, this price may increase (i.e. if you require a cleaning, or fillings). See our pricing page for more information.

 
 

 

Got questions

  • Yes. If you are concerned about the appearance of receding gums or a tooth root has been exposed, your dentist may recommend a gum graft to replace the missing gum

    That said, receding gums will not grow back naturally, as gum tissue does not regenerate like skin tissue.

  • No. There are some natural remedies that are commonly purported to help receding gums, such as oil pulling and drinking green tea. However, while there is some evidence these activities may benefit oral health generally, none have been proven to help gums grow back.

  • The cost of treatment for your receding gums will depend on the cause of the recession. In most cases, receding gums are related to gum disease and treatment will involve a scale and polish.

    At Kowhai Dental, a routine scale and polish starts at $94. Deeper cleaning with anaesthesia starts from $110 per quadrant, with fees based on the severity of gum disease.

    We can also perform a gum health evaluation for just $48.

  • If your main concern is the health of your gums, yes. Gum disease can be treated in-clinic, with a scale and root planing. However, severe recession may require surgery to remove the deepest pockets.

    If your main concern is the restoration of missing or receding gums, grafting (a type of surgery) is required.