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Gum Recession: What Every Smile Should Know

April 30, 2024

Do you know what gum recession is? It's when the gums that surround and protect the base of your teeth start to pull back, revealing more of the tooth than usual. This can make your teeth look longer, and even expose the yellowish upper portion of the root. Gum recession isn't always painful or noticeable right away, but it can lead to serious oral health problems if left untreated. At Terry R. Soule, DDS, we offer comprehensive care to help prevent gum recession and treat existing cases.

What Causes Gums to Recede?

Several factors can contribute to gum recession, including:

  • Poor oral hygiene habits and infrequent dental care: This can lead to a buildup of plaque and tartar that can cause periodontal disease.
  • Aggressive tooth-brushing techniques
  • Genetics
  • Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause
  • Smoking and tobacco use
  • Tooth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
  • Crowding or a misaligned bite

Why Professional Care Matters for Gum Health

Gum recession can expose more vulnerable parts of the tooth, causing sensitivity to hot and cold. It can also progress without any symptoms at all, making it hard to detect on your own. In these cases, the only sign that a problem is present might be that your teeth start to look unusually long. No matter how gum recession affects you, it's important to contact our office for professional care. If left untreated, gum recession can damage the hard and soft tissue support of your teeth, lead to decay on the roots of your teeth, and compromise the overall health and appearance of your smile.

Protecting Your Smile's Health: Our Approach

As experienced dental professionals, you can trust that your smile is in good hands at our office. We'll work with you to determine the best treatment options to reduce and eliminate the factors causing your gum recession. Our services are designed to support optimal oral health, halt the progression of gum disease, and, when possible, regenerate lost tissue around the teeth.

At Terry R. Soule, DDS, we're committed to providing high-quality dental care in a friendly and welcoming environment. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, give us a call today.