If you notice that your gums seemed to have moved back, you most certainly need gum recession treatment. In California, including Los Angeles, the condition is common in adults who are over the age of 40. It is viewed as a sign of aging for most people but there are different causes.
Do You Have Receding Gums?
The most obvious sign that you require gum recession treatment in Los Angeles is your teeth look longer than before. Other symptoms include the following:
- Having bad breath
- Gums that look swollen and red
- Having loose teeth
Many patients in Los Angeles often complain about having a bad taste that lingers in their mouths. They may have also noticed that their bite (occlusion) looks different. If you have recently started suffering from tender gums or pain when you eat, it may be time to seek gum recession treatment.
The problem with some Los Angeles patients is that they typically ignore the problem until it gets worse. It is important to get the gum problem checked to receive the right gum recession treatment. A major concern here is the growth of bacteria. You become more susceptible to it, which can be detrimental to your oral health.
What Causes Gum Recession for the People in Los Angeles?
Just like anywhere else in the US and the whole world, receding gums have a ton of causes for Los Angeles patients. The most serious reason though is periodontal or gum disease. Unfortunately, this condition has no cure but you can manage it with proper care.
Other causes include aging since it affects older people. Poor oral hygiene is a common issue for people in Los Angeles as well. It is one of the biggest reasons why they get gum recession treatment. Another cause is a health problem, such as diabetes.
In Los Angeles County, there are about 10% of adults with diabetes. A UCLA study confirms that this percentage is slightly higher than the state average, which is approximately nine percent.
Many Los Angeles patients think that brushing can help them avoid the condition. It is why they end up brushing harder than normal. Before any gum recession treatment, it helps that you know the cause of the problem. Often, you may have accelerated the recession by brushing too hard and too fast. It may also be due to the following:
- Sports injury that hit the mouth hard
- Smoking cigarettes
- Chewing tobacco
- Wearing poorly fitted dentures
If you grind your teeth while you sleep or you have misaligned teeth, you are at risk of gum recession as well.
The Diagnosis
To spot whether or not you need gum recession treatment in Los Angeles, you need to visit your dentist first. You can also go to a dental hygienist or a periodontist at Southland Dental Care. These experts can easily determine the problem right away.
It can be tricky to find out if you suffer from receding gums on your own. It tends to happen slowly, which is why Los Angeles patients do not notice any difference. To make sure that you get the necessary gum recession treatment, you should visit your dentist twice yearly. This way, you will receive the advice and attention you require.
The Top Gum Recession Treatment Options for Los Angeles Patients
One thing that residents of Los Angeles have to know is that receding gums cannot be reversed. There is no gum recession treatment that will give you back your healthy gums. However, it can certainly keep the condition from worsening.
The gum recession treatment will typically depend on your situation. The dental professional will take a look at your mouth, including your teeth and gums. More often than not, the gum recession treatment is based on the cause of the problem.
For instance, it is determined that your receding gums are due to hard brushing (or perhaps not enough brushing). You will need to talk to the dental professional to find out how to slow down the effects of your habit. Usually, you will receive recommendations on how you can change your behavior toward brushing and flossing.
The dentist may tell you to use a mouth rinse daily to help prevent plaque that can get between your teeth. You may also have to use an interdental cleaner or even a dental pick. This way, you can reach the areas that your toothbrush normally cannot go to.
If you only have a mild problem, the advice above may be useful for you. However, many Los Angeles patients require a thorough gum recession treatment to help them with their situation. If your receding gums have progressed to gum disease, you should seek the right gum recession treatment immediately.
Southland Dental Care is here to help you. There are different gum recession treatment options for the patients located in Los Angeles. Here are the top recommendations:
Scaling and Root Planing
This gum recession treatment is an option for Los Angeles patients who have periodontal disease. As the first step to treat the problem, this method involves removing plaque and tartar. They are found on the surfaces of the teeth and roots. Note that this gum recession treatment will not repair your receding gums. However, it will help prevent new damage from occurring.
Laser Gum Surgery
Lasers have changed the way multiple industries operate and oral health is among them. Currently, laser therapies are still in their infancy. However, they can help Los Angeles patients with periodontal disease.
The process is minimally-invasive despite the name “surgery.” This option removes bacteria, along with the inflamed gum tissues. With this treatment, it helps preserve healthy tissues to prevent further damage.
Osseous Surgery
This gum recession treatment is a proven method of removing the damaged bone around the tooth. Sometimes, it involves recontouring the area. The goal is to get rid of the bacteria and decrease as many pockets as possible. Pockets are formed due to tartar buildup.
If you go through this procedure in Los Angeles, you may also benefit damaged bone repair. It may not completely heal the problem site but it will help smooth it out. This way, the gum tissue will reattach itself to a better, stronger bone. This gum recession treatment requires the patient to be under local anesthesia.
Periodontal Maintenance
Anyone who is diagnosed with periodontal disease will need some form of maintenance. It is necessary as part of the entire gum recession treatment process. Gum disease should be kept under control, which is possible through maintenance.
Gums and teeth should be regularly cleaned. As much as possible, a deep clean should be scheduled recurrently to preserve oral health. Depending on your requirements, you may need to go through regular examinations, including diagnostic X-rays and tooth decay.
Many Los Angeles residents do not know that it only takes 24 hours for plaque to become problematic. If it remains on the teeth, it quickly turns into tartar. While daily cleaning routines can help control the formation of tartar and plaque, some things are unpreventable.
If you live in Los Angeles and you are at risk of gum recession, you need to have a dental professional check on you. Periodontal cleanings, surgery, and other methods should be performed right away to stop the problem from getting worse.