What Can I Do About Gum Recession?

Gum recession is the term for the slow-moving process where the gum line gradually wears away or pulls back. As this happens, more of the tooth root is exposed, and pockets can form between the tooth and the gum. These pockets are breeding grounds for harmful bacteria that can cause irreparable damage to the supporting tissue and bone structures around the teeth. Ultimately, if left untreated, gum recession can cause tooth loss, which may necessitate dental implants. Regular dental care is essential to avoid these outcomes.

What Causes Gum Recession?

Gum recession is a very common problem in the United States and can be caused by a number of different factors. Periodontal disease is the main cause, as bacterial infections in the gums destroy the surrounding tissue, making the gum line more susceptible to further infection. In fact, almost half of adults over 30 have some form of periodontal disease, according to the CDC.
Genetics also play a role, as roughly a third of all Americans may be predisposed to gum disease, no matter what level of dental care they take. In fact, people who are overly aggressive in their dental care may increase the risk of gum recession as hard brushing can wear away the gum line.

What Can Be Done to Treat Gum Recession?

While regular dental care can help avoid gum recession, some people may still find themselves showing symptoms. For mild gum recession, a dentist can deep-clean the affected area, removing plaque and tartar. During the deep cleaning, the dentist may also smooth out any exposed root surface, making it more difficult for bacteria to attach.
A dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to combat any bacteria that remain after the deep cleaning. In cases where these measures prove ineffective, it may be necessary to perform gum surgery. Surgical options include open gum scaling, where excess gum tissue is snugly folded back over the root, eliminating or minimizing the open pockets where bacteria can attach.

Reach out to Storts Family Dentistry to Keep Gums Healthy

If you begin noticing signs of gum recession, then you should seek proper dental care to help avoid the worst effects. The highly experienced dental professionals at Storts Family Dentistry have experience helping people practice good dental hygiene to offset gum recession and can assist you if you're already dealing with the problem. If you live in the Ardmore area, call 580-223-6720 or fill out our contact form to combat gum recession today.

Why Are My Teeth Suddenly More Sensitive?

Tooth sensitivity (also called dentin hypersensitivity) can occur without warning, and it affects a surprising number of Americans. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, tooth sensitivity is the most common complaint that dentists receive. A sudden onset of sensitive teeth can have a number of causes. Some of these causes can be treated at home, while others will require more in-depth dental care.

Why Does Tooth Sensitivity Occur Suddenly? 

Teeth are made of an outer layer of enamel and an inner layer of dentin. The enamel is a coating that protects the inside of the tooth. Dentin is a porous material, and if it is exposed, the hollow tubes can allow hot and cold food and beverages to come into contact with the nerve endings beneath the teeth. In severe cases, even breathing through the mouth will cause pain. Since enamel wears away slowly, it may take years for it to become thin enough to create sensitivity, even if it seems like the problem started overnight.

What Are the Causes of Tooth Sensitivity?

There are a few different reasons why enamel may wear away. Patients who brush their teeth too vigorously can brush away the enamel. Acidic foods and beverages, like coffee and candy, can also erode tooth enamel, especially when a person eats or drinks them excessively. Repeated exposure to stomach acid, such as with chronic acid reflux or in cases of bulimia, is also extremely damaging to enamel.

Other causes of tooth sensitivity include nerve exposure through tooth decay or damage. Gum disease can cause the gums to recede, exposing the nerve endings in the roots of the teeth, as well. The best way to prevent tooth sensitivity is with regular dental care, including brushing and flossing twice per day.

What Are the Treatment Options?

The most common treatment for tooth sensitivity is a desensitizing toothpaste used twice daily at home. A dentist will also usually recommend that the patient cut down on consuming acidic food and drinks—including every Southerner's favorite, sweet tea. Fluoride treatments may also help relieve pain from sensitivity. If the root of the problem is extensive tooth damage, however, patients will usually require in-office dental care. For instance, if the cause of tooth sensitivity is a cavity, a dentist will remove the decayed portion and may repair the tooth with a procedure such as dental bonding. Cracked or abscessed teeth may require a root canal.

For more information about dental care for tooth sensitivity, contact Storts Family Dentistry by calling (580) 223-6720 or filling out their contact form.

Dental Bonding: Questions and Answers

Patients experiencing cosmetic dental issues, such as chipped, cracked, or tooth decay, may pursue bonding to resolve the problems. This procedure may occur in conjunction with orthodontics treatment.

Overview

Applying a white composite resin to the surface of teeth covers damage and discoloration that could occur from some foods and beverages. Bonding is a simple treatment, and dentists usually do not need to administer anesthesia.

Procedure

For this orthodontics procedure, the dentist finds the correct shade to match existing color and then etches the tooth surface to make it slightly rough. After applying a conditioning liquid to the surface, the bonding material is molded and smoothed onto the tooth. A laser or UV light hardens the resin, and then the dentist performs final trimming and shaping, before polishing it to match the surrounding teeth.

The process for one tooth takes about 30 minutes. If a patient wants bonding performed on more than one tooth, multiple appointments may be necessary.

Finding a reliable dentist who performs dentistry services and orthodontics can help patients receive bonding treatments for their dental issue.