When your gums recede, your teeth look longer. The sensitive tooth roots underneath get exposed, too. Gum recession can happen slowly, but once you’re diagnosed, can cosmetic dentistry fix receding gums?
What Causes Gum Recession?
Before considering a cosmetic treatment, we first need to know what is causing your gums to recede. Gum disease is a common reason. When plaque and tartar collect on your teeth, your gums become inflamed and infected. The soft tissue pulls back from your teeth, forming pockets that fill with more bacteria. If untreated, gum disease leads to tender, bleeding gums, bad breath, and eventually tooth loss.
Brushing your teeth too hard, tooth misalignment, smoking, or even genetics can also make your gums recede. While gum recession is irreversible, modern dentistry offers treatments that can replace lost tissue.
Can Cosmetic Dentistry Fix Your Gums?
If gum disease is causing your gum recession, restorative dentistry is typically the go-to. We offer periodontal therapy that can reverse early gum disease or stop gum disease from worsening. There are also cosmetic treatments that address gum recession, like gum contouring and gum grafts. Gum contouring and gum grafts are surgical procedures that smooth the gum line and restore gum tissue. They can have medical benefits, but they’re often purely cosmetic.
How Do You Avoid Gum Recession?
Most people can avoid gum recession by taking excellent care of their smiles and visiting the dentist every six months. Brush at least twice a day at a 45-degree angle using small circular strokes. When you floss, don’t snap or saw the floss aggressively against your gums. Being gentle protects your sensitive soft tissues.
Treating Gum Recession at Reen Chung, DDS in Seattle, WA
Gum recession changes your smile’s appearance but can also make you more vulnerable to tooth sensitivity, decay, and even tooth loss. Thankfully, restorative and cosmetic treatments can help. If you have questions or want to book a consultation with Dr. Chung, please contact us today!
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