Gum Rejuvenation for Receding Gums

Healthy gums (usually pink and firm) form a protective barrier that helps keep infection out and your teeth in. When your gums recede, your teeth become more vulnerable to decay. If your teeth look like they’re pulling away from your gums, or you see dark or yellowish exposed areas at your tooth roots, you could be experiencing gum (gingival) recession.

What Causes Gum Recession?

Poor oral hygiene, a main cause of receding gums, means bacteria is not correctly removed. That’s why individuals with gum (periodontal) disease are also more likely to develop gum recession, as are those who use tobacco, have misaligned teeth or lip or tongue piercings. Teeth grinding or clenching from stress or sleep apnea can wear teeth tooth roots down. Even genetics can cause recession. A family history of receding gums can make you predisposed to the issue.

Brushing twice daily (two minutes each session) goes a long way to helping avoid recession. However, brushing your teeth too aggressively with stiff bristles can, over time, expose the root surfaces. Note: Be sure to only use toothbrushes with soft bristles or electric toothbrushes.

Treating Gum Recession

The Cleveland Clinic estimates that nearly 90% of individuals over age 65 exhibit gum recession around one or more teeth. For mild recession, we offer deep cleanings called scaling and root planing which help gum tissue reattach to your teeth and prevent “pockets” from forming. When this deep cleaning is not deemed sufficient to correct your recession, we can obtain healthy gum tissue elsewhere and cover exposed tooth roots with procedures called grafting or gum recontouring.

Pinhole® Surgical Technique

With the Pinhole® gum recession treatment, a less invasive alternative to traditional grafting and gum surgery, your South Florida Center for Periodontics & Implant Dentistry specialist will make pinpoint holes that allow us to reposition gum tissue to cover tooth roots. Patients recover more quickly with this incision-free, suture-free procedure. They experience minimal post-operative discomfort and can instantly see results.

Improve Your Gum Health Today

Without treatment, gum recession usually continues and can worsen. You can help minimize the development of gum recession in the first place by:

• quitting smoking
• getting regular dental checkups and professional cleanings
• maintaining a healthy diet
• brushing carefully twice daily, and flossing

If you have been told you are losing gum tissue around one or more teeth, contact our office at 561-912-9993 today to discover the many ways we can successfully treat gingival recession. Our doctors are experts in tackling gum disease and helping you save your natural teeth. They’ve participated in clinical research and publications on root coverage and will work with you and or you and your orthodontist or dentist to see which of our advanced treatments is best for you. You do not need a referral.