Many people forget that their gums deserve just as much attention as their teeth. It’s easy for them to get damaged because they’re so sensitive, and when unhealthy habits aren’t kicked, it can lead to tooth recession. The staff at Four Corners Dental Group in Anchorage, AK, warn that this serious condition puts all of your teeth at risk. It’s important to understand the causes, consequences, and the solutions a dentist can provide, so read on to learn more about tooth recession.

What Is Tooth Recession?

Tooth recession occurs when the gums are drawn so low that the sensitive tooth roots are exposed. This can cause considerable pain from sensitivity when eating and can eventually lead to infection and rot that may result in the tooth falling out. There are a number of causes, with the main ones being gum disease, bruxism, and unresolved alignment issues.

Aggressive brushing can also result in recession, so don’t forgo the possibility of this condition because you feel you’re taking proper care of your teeth. Early symptoms include sensitivity, red or swollen gums, visible root exposure, or your teeth looking longer than usual. You should alert your dentist if you experience any of these, so it can be treated before irreparable damage occurs.

How Is It Treated?

There are several ways your dentist can treat tooth recession. Flap scaling and root planting are common. A dentist or surgeon will pull back the gums on the affected teeth, thoroughly clean the root, and then secure the gums back into place, so there’s no looseness between them and the tooth. Your dentist may also suggest regeneration if the bone that holds your teeth has been damaged, which usually occurs in the most serious cases of tooth recession. Success depends on how soon you seek treatment, so don’t put off a visit to the dentist if you’re experiencing tooth recession symptoms.

Whether you’re dealing with a tooth recession or simply need a checkup, turn to a dentist at Four Corners Dental Group. They offer comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry services and are committed to providing quality, affordable dental care. Call (907) 258-3384 to reach their Anchorage office, or (907) 376-2790 to schedule an appointment at their Wasilla location. You can also visit the website and Facebook page to learn more about the practice.