Conditions
Gum Recession in Jenkintown, PA
It can happen to people who look after their teeth well.
Gum recession is common, and it is not always a hygiene problem — brushing too hard, grinding, bite issues and genetics all contribute. It develops slowly, so it often goes unnoticed until roots are already exposed.
Exceptional care for a lifetime of healthy smiles
The short answer
Gum recession at MVP Family Dental
Diagnosis and treatment of gum recession, where the gum line pulls back to expose tooth roots, causing sensitivity and changes in the appearance of the smile.
Patients usually come in for one of two reasons: the teeth are starting to look longer, or hot and cold have become uncomfortable. Both are worth having assessed, because the cause determines the treatment.
Some patients notice recession more on one side than the other, often where plaque has been building in a particular area. Proper diagnosis is the first step.
Symptoms
What patients notice first
The visible change is the usual prompt, but it is rarely the only symptom.
- Shrinking gums, exposed rootsTeeth appear longer and the root surface becomes visible.
- Sensitivity to hot and coldExposed root surfaces are not protected by enamel.
- Bleeding after brushing or flossingOften alongside red or swollen gum tissue.
- Discomfort at the gum lineTenderness or pain where the gum meets the tooth.
- Loose or shifting teethA sign that support has been lost, and a reason to be seen.
- Persistent bad breathWhich can accompany gum problems generally.
Causes
Why gums pull back
Several factors contribute, and more than one is often in play. This is why we assess rather than assume.
- Brushing too hardAggressive technique damages gum tissue over time.
- Grinding or clenchingOften stress-related, and hard on the gum and bone.
- Misalignment or bite problemsTeeth out of position can load the gum unevenly.
- Periodontal diseaseWhich needs treating in its own right.
- Tobacco useKnown to compromise gum health.
- Hormonal changes and geneticsSome patients simply have thinner gum tissue.
- Oral piercingsWhich can irritate the gum they sit against.
Treatment
Matched to how far it has gone
Mild recession may not need immediate action, though we would rather treat early than watch it worsen. The options we offer range from straightforward to surgical.
- Desensitizing agentsVarnishes and dentin bonding agents to reduce sensitivity to hot and cold.
- Composite restorationTooth-colored composite to cover and protect exposed root surfaces.
- Orthodontic treatmentWhere misalignment is a contributing factor, repositioning the teeth.
- Cosmetic optionsPink porcelain or composite to blend with the natural gum line.
- Removable gum veneersA temporary way to cover exposed roots while longer-term options are considered.
- Surgical treatmentFor advanced recession, procedures to rebuild and restore gum tissue.
Worth mentioning at your appointment
- How firmly you brush, and what kind of brush you use.
- Whether you grind or clench your teeth, especially at night.
- Any tobacco use.
- Whether one side has receded more than the other.
Two generations of dentists, one shared commitment to helping Jenkintown families eat, speak and smile with confidence.
MVP Family Dental · Jenkintown, PA
Gum Recession Questions
- What is gum recession?
- The gum line pulling back so that tooth roots become exposed. It develops slowly and can go unnoticed for a long time.
- Can it happen even if I look after my teeth?
- Yes. It is a common issue that can affect anyone, including patients who maintain excellent oral hygiene, because brushing technique, grinding, bite problems and genetics all contribute.
- Why are my teeth suddenly sensitive?
- Exposed root surfaces are not protected by enamel, so hot and cold reach the tooth more directly. Increased sensitivity is one of the common symptoms.
- Why has one side receded more than the other?
- Often because plaque has been accumulating in that particular area. It is one of the things the examination looks at.
- Does mild recession need treating?
- Mild cases may not need immediate action, but we encourage treating early rather than waiting, to prevent further damage.
- What are the treatment options?
- Depending on severity: desensitizing agents, composite restoration of exposed roots, orthodontic treatment where misalignment is a factor, cosmetic options such as pink porcelain or composite, removable gum veneers, and surgery for advanced cases.
- Will the gum grow back on its own?
- Receded gum tissue does not return by itself, which is why the treatment options above exist. What we can do is stop it progressing and address the exposed root.
- How do I get it assessed?
- Contact our Jenkintown office for an evaluation. Identifying the cause is what determines which treatment is right for you.
Dr. Vineetha Thomas, D.M.D.
LEARN MORE
Dr. Priya Mathew, D.M.D.
LEARN MORE
