Gum Recession Explained- The Truth of it All

Gum recession is a condition in which the gums pull back from the tooth, exposing the root structure. It commonly occurs in people over the age of 40 but with proper oral health care and regular dental appointments, it can be avoided. There are many misconceptions about gum recession which are explained below.

Myth #1- Gum recession is caused solely by genetics.

While genetics are one factor in what causes gum recession, there are other factors as well. Some of these factors include periodontal disease, poor dental hygiene, hormones, oral piercings, brushing technique, etc.

Myth #2- Gum recession only needs to be treated for cosmetic purposes.

It is true that gum recession can compromise the aesthetics of a smile and treating it can improve the appearance of it. Cosmetics are not the only reason or necessarily the most important reason to treat gum recession. Treating gum recession early on can help to reduce the risk of loose teeth. Some other important reasons to treat it may include reduced pain and discomfort associated with inflamed gum tissue. Treatment may also reduce tooth sensitivity and reduce the risk of advanced periodontal disease and other oral health problems.

Myth #3- The harder the teeth are brushed, the less likely it is for gum and dental problems to occur.

Many people believe that the more frequent and vigorous the tooth brushing is, the better it will be for the teeth and gums. In actuality, overly aggressive tooth brushing can contribute to gum recession. Essentially, practicing improper tooth brushing can wear away the gums and expose more of the tooth root.

Myth #4- Gum recession does not need to be treated early on.

Gum recession should be treated early on in order to avoid some of the problems that come along with it. The condition may worsen over time and can contribute to some serious problems and could eventually lead to bone loss and even tooth loss! Seeking treatment early on is the best option for getting your healthy smile back.

Myth #5- Treatment for gum recession is painful and required a lot of downtime.

There are several different treatment options for gum recession. One of the newer techniques Dr. Nemeth has been practicing is the Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation technique that was developed and patented by Dr. John Chao. This is a revolutionary procedure that treats receding gums often without cutting or sutures and with minimal pain and downtime. The goal of this procedure is to correct the negative effects of gum recession without traditional gum surgery.

As you can see, there are many misconceptions about gum recession. While it is something that can be very troublesome on the mouth, there are several options to treat it. Dr. Joseph Nemeth has been treating gum disease and gingival recession for over 25 years and continues to be a leader in the field of periodontics. For more information about gum recession please visit this informative page.