Are your teeth looking a little longer than they used to?
Maybe you’ve noticed that your teeth look a little different in photos or you’ve had more sensitivity along the gumline. Gum lines aren’t perfect, and they aren’t permanent. They often change with age, so seeing a little more of your tooth than normal doesn’t necessarily mean there is a serious issue.
But it could also be a sign of gum disease.
So how do you know when it’s just a cosmetic change and when to be concerned? Here’s what to watch for, when to call the dentist, and what treatment options you might have for receding gums.
Worried about changes in your gumline? Contact Full Heart Dentistry to make an appointment with our Rochester dental team today.
What Do Receding Gums Look Like in the Early Stages?
Healthy gums are pink and fit snugly around your teeth. Some gum lines naturally show more of the tooth than others, and that’s okay. Gumlines are rarely symmetrical and still vary from person to person.
But there are some early signs of receding gums you’ll want to watch for, including:
- One tooth looking longer than the teeth beside it.
- One or more teeth looking longer than they used to.
- You can see or feel a small notch near the gumline.
- Your tooth is becoming more sensitive to cold food or drinks.
- Part of the root of your tooth is showing.
Not sure if what you are seeing is what receding gums look like? Dig out some older photos of your smile. Compare them to your smile today and see if there is a noticeable difference in your gumline, such as teeth loonger longer.
But if you have any concerns about your gums, it’s best to make an appointment for a quick checkup with your dentist.
What Causes Gums to Recede Besides Age?
Age is a common cause of receding gums, but there are plenty of other possible causes, including:
- Brushing too hard. Scrubbing harder doesn’t make your teeth cleaner. All that pressure along the gumline can contribute to recession over time.
- Clenching or grinding your teeth. Extra force on the teeth can also place stress on the surrounding tissue.
- Genetics. Some people just have thinner gum tissue or teeth that are positioned in a way that makes them more vulnerable to receding gums.
- Orthodontics. Sometimes moving a tooth can affect the gum tissue around it, especially if the tissue there was already thin.
- Gum disease. Periodontal disease can damage the tissues and bone supporting the teeth, causing the gumline to recede as support deteriorates.
Can Receding Gums Grow Back on Their Own?
Receding gum tissue doesn’t grow back on its own, but it is possible to stop the recession from getting worse.
The first step is determining what’s causing your gums to recede. Once you and your dentist identify the cause, they can help you create a treatment plan. That might include something simple like switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush and changing your brushing habits, or exploring non-surgical treatment options for gum disease.
When Is Gum Recession Cosmetic, and When Does It Need Treatment?
A little movement along the gumline might just be a cosmetic concern, especially if the teeth are stable and the gums are otherwise healthy.
We become more concerned when the gumline:
- Continues to change
- Exposes the root of the tooth.
- Causes sensitivity when eating or drinking.
- Has bleeding, swelling, or tenderness.
- Makes your teeth feel loose.
Not every millimeter of gum recession requires treatment. A mild case of gum recession may just need a change in at-home habits and regular monitoring. What matters most is if the gum tissue is health and how quickly the recession is progressing.
When Should You See a Dentist About Receding Gums?
If you’ve noticed a change in your gumline, mention it at your next dental visit. If you are noticing bleeding, swelling, sensitivity, or tenderness in the gums, make an appointment sooner.
You don’t need to know what’s causing your gum issues before you make an appointment. We will look at the tissue, take measurements, and check for inflammation. From there, we can make recommendations on a treatment plan. Sometimes that treatment plan is just to monitor the gumline, but in any case, it’s best to catch these issues early so we can address the cause before it progresses too much.
Coming in to get your gums checked is always better than worrying about your teeth at home!
What Treatments Are Available for Gum Recession That Aren’t Surgery?
Not every case of receding gums requires surgery. In fact, there are many treatment options available that don’t require gum surgery, especially if the problem is caught early enough.
Non-surgical gum recession treatment options could include:
- Changing how you brush your teeth
- Improving plaque control
- Managing sensitivity
- Addressing clenching or grinding
If gum disease is causing the recession, the first priority is treating infection and inflammation. Full Heart Dentistry offers LANAP, a non-surgical periodontal treatment option. It uses laser technology to treat diseased tissue around the teeth, providing a less invasive treatment option for patients experiencing gum disease.
LANAP can’t replace tissue that’s already been lost, but it can prevent the problem from getting worse. If the goal is to cover an exposed root or rebuild lost tissue, then gum grafting may still be the best option.
Changing Gumline? Let Us Take a Look
If your gumline looks different than it used to, it’s time to make an appointment with our team.
A changing gumline doesn’t automatically mean you have serious gum disease or need surgery. But it does mean it’s worth having a dentist take a look. Show us what’s going on, and we’ll help you come up with a treatment plan.
No lecture, no judgment. Just answers about your gums. Contact our office today to make an appointment.