Dental Greystanes – Receding Gums
As we age, especially if we neglect to clean our teeth properly, we might find that our gums recede. Often this is gradual, and like all gradual processes it tends to go unnoticed until it is well advanced, and by that stage the damage is already quite extensive.
There are some early signs of receding gums. We might notice that the teeth become sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. This is because the root of the tooth is no longer completely covered by the gums. Else, we might simply notice that our teeth look longer. Again, this is because the gums are covering less of the teeth.
Treating Receded Gums – Dental Greystanes
If we brush our gums too harshly, or use a toothbrush with stiff bristles, it will lead to receding gums. If we notice this at an early stage we might be able to fix the problem without formal treatment at the dentist. Use a soft toothbrush (electric brushes are fine) and use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. Don’t rinse after brushing, let the toothpaste remain on the teeth. Over the course of a few weeks the exposure to this sensitive toothpaste can reduce and eventually remove the sensitivity of the teeth.
If the gums have receded too far we will need treatment by the dentist. A dentist can use gum drafting to restore the gumline. This technique transfers gum from a doner site in the mouth and grafts it to the areas where the gum has receded. This is a long term solution with consistently good results. Recovery time is minimal.
Benefits of Gum Drafting – Dental Greystanes
A gum draft will:
- Probably improve your smile, as the long teeth from receded gums probably look odd.
- Fix root sensitivity. The nerve inside the tooth is usually insulated by the gum. If the roots of the teeth are exposed by missing gum then the nerve will be exposed, and be very sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. If we graft new gum to the teeth the sensitivity quickly disappears.
- Prevent bone loss. Losing gum today can lead to losing bone in the near future. Replace the gum and the risk of bone loss greatly reduces.
- Reduce the risk of tooth decay. Exposed roots are prone to decay, and it is awkward clean under the gum. A gum draft means less exposed tooth surface, and teeth that are easier to clean.
Dental Greystanes
Our dentists can restore gums, replace lost teeth and fix damaged neglected teeth. You deserve healthy, fully functional, attractive teeth.
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