Do you know how much the health of your gums will impact the overall quality of your smile? Many people know that regular brushing is important to avoid cavities. But, they aren’t consistent with the prevention of gum disease. If you want to have healthy teeth, then you need to make sure that you are following the daily habits that are needed to avoid gum disease.
In addition to brushing and flossing regularly, it’s important to keep up with your dental checkups and cleanings. At your dental exam, we will check for signs of gum disease (gingivitis) and gum recession. If gum disease treatment is needed, we will work with you to create a personalized plan to get your oral health back on track.
Why is a gum disease treatment needed? If gum disease is left untreated, then it could eventually break down the structure of the tissue and lead to gum recession. Here at Northwest Dental Group, we offer a variety of treatments that can be used for every stage of gum disease.
When the gums pull back and reveal a larger area of the tooth, it means that the root of that tooth doesn’t have the support structure that is needed. An over-exposed tooth could eventually lead to the loss of that tooth. There are several ways that you can prevent gum recession. Here are a few risk factors that might cause your gums to recede:
Gum disease is at the top of the list because it is one of the most common reasons why people experience receding gums. When bacteria builds up in the gums, permanent damage can occur. Your teeth might be more sensitive when the root is exposed. Or, your teeth might start moving because they don’t have the stability that is typically provided by healthy gums.
It is extremely important to treat receding gums before these issues occur. Depending on the severity level, we may recommend scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), or a gum graft surgery to repair the damage. Prevention is key when it comes to gum disease, and so the earlier we can catch these problems the better. If you are experience receding gums or sensitivity at the root of your tooth, we recommend scheduling a consultation with our team as soon as possible.
Prevention is the best solution to avoid gum recession, so make sure that you brush and floss every day to prevent gum disease. Also be sure to keep up with your regular dental exams and cleanings ever six months. But, if you are already suffering from recession, then it might be necessary to complete a gum recession treatment to protect the quality of your teeth.
There are a variety of treatments that might be needed, depending on the severity of the recession. If the disease has progressed, then your dentist might suggest a gum graft to cover your tooth. The tissue is removed from another portion of your mouth, such as the roof of the mouth, then it is attached to the place where the gums are receding.
Gum graft surgery can also be performed for aesthetic reasons, to change the appearance of your smile. If you are considering a cosmetic gum treatment, we can discuss all of the options and create a treatment plan that is right for you.
If you are suffering from gum disease, then it is essential that you talk to our team as soon as possible Call us at Northwest Dental Group to schedule an appointment in Arlington Heights, IL.