One of the most common issues in our Mississauga patients is gum recession, or gingival recession. This is when the gums themselves wear away from the tooth, often exposing the tooth’s roots. What also happens is that pockets appear in our Mississauga patients’ gums and this becomes the perfect breeding ground for bacteria to hide and cause advanced gum disease (periodontal disease). Fun, right?
If you are now wondering if you should be concerned about gum recession, here are some common signs that our team of periodontal experts say you should look for. Remember, if you are visiting your Mississauga-area dentist regularly, they should alert you to any concerns, so be honest and share if you notice any of the following:
- Tooth movement – teeth that feel “wiggly” and not secure
- Visible roots at the gum line
- Red gums around your teeth
- A tooth that feels notched around the gum line
- Bleeding gums when you brush or floss
- A change in the colour of your gums
- Overly-sensitive teeth for no apparent reason
- Halitosis (bad breath)
Addressing Gum Recession with our Team of Periodontal Experts in Mississauga
Our advice to our Mississauga patients is that the worst thing you can do is leave gingival recession untreated. There are some simple options that your team of periodontal experts should share with you, like mine did with me.
First, I talked with the expert team at Periodontal Associates about Gum Grafting. This is where your Mississauga periodontist will take extra gum tissue from a neighbouring area within your mouth or from the roof of your mouth to build the receding gums back to a healthy level. This is the one that worried me the most, but my periodontal team assured me that it could be done while I sleep. Of course, there will be some pain and down time to allow my mouth to heal, usually a week or two depending on the type of graft needed. Your expert periodontal team will talk specifics with you before the surgery so that you can be prepared for your recovery. Get your family involved so that they can help you heal.
Next I talked with the team at Periodontal Associates about Tooth Scaling and Root Planing (these were new to me). This is where my periodontist will remove plaque and tartar that has built up on the tooth and root surfaces below the gum line and then smooth the exposed root area to make it more difficult for bacteria to attach itself. This is generally used when gum disease is in its early stages and has not yet affected the bone. Sadly, this was not a “root” I could take.
The most important fact that I learned is that while gum recession is not always avoidable, it can be delayed by adhering to proper oral hygiene, including avoiding over-aggressive brushing habits, making sure you visit your Mississauga-based periodontal expert or dentist regularly and STOP SMOKING (if you do).
If you suspect you might have gingival recession or gum recession don’t delay… talk to the experts at Periodontal Associates in Mississauga today about what you can do to care for your gums. They are the only ones that you’ll have.
Call us now at 647-360-8294 or fill our the form below to email us.
