Why do I have Gum Recession?

You may experience gum recession at some point in your life, even with great home care and regular dental visits. To some degree, it actually affects the majority of our population.

“Gum recession is when the margin of the gum tissue surrounding the teeth wears away, or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth, or the tooth’s root” (Oral B). Gum recession can often be a slow process, and one day you may look at your teeth and realize they look “longer.”

Gum Recession

Causes of Recession

• Anatomy/type of tissue
• Irregular tooth position
• Periodontal disease and plaque along the gumline
• Aggressive brushing
• Occlusal trauma (clenching and grinding)
• Chewing tobacco

Treatment for Recession

Recession will continue to increase, if left untreated. Now, while that may be a slow progression the resulting bone loss is irreversible.

To prevent furthering recession the cause will need to be determined. In some cases it may be advised that the cause be treated (quitting tobacco, brushing less aggressively, treating periodontal disease etc) and the recession be monitored for any further progression.

In other cases a more indepth procedure may be recommended.

Dentists at Eleven Eleven Dental, Port Angeles, WA

How you maintain your oral health is one of the biggest contributing factors for preventing recession.

To greatly decrease the start and progression of recession you should maintain regular hygiene visits with your hygienist and implement a consistent home care routine of brushing 2x/a day and flossing daily.

As always, if you have questions or areas of concern, please let us know at your next visit! 

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At Eleven Eleven Dental, we believe your comfort should always come first. You will feel our warmth and compassion as soon as you walk through our doors.

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