A receding gum line does not have to be part of old age. You can do something about it since healthy gums and oral tissues do not naturally recede. Investing some time in taking good care of your teeth and gums is time well spent. Establishing a relationship with a knowledgeable and interested dentist is also smart since professional dental care is almost always necessary in preventing receding gums.

          The most common cause of a receding gum line is from gum disease. Periodontal disease destroys the jaw bone underlying the gums so there's no support to hold the gums in place. However, gum disease takes years and years to destroy the bone and it's very preventable with good dental care. It's a dental infection so it should be treated aggressively just like all other infections.

          There is no doubt that regular dental professional care combined with excellent oral home care helps slow down or even prevent a receding gum line. Even with brushing and flossing, most patients can not get all of the plaque and calculus off of their teeth. Plaque and calculus irritate the gums so that they can't stay in place as well as if they were healthy. Aggressive periodontal care often involves returning every three to four months for a periodontal cleaning or scaling and root planing. The additional time invested is well worth it.

          In some cases, tooth grinding can contribute to a receding gum line and, even though it was common in the past, aggressive tooth brushing is rarely the cause. It is important for a dentist to evaluate your condition to insure that all of the contributing factors are treated and removed. The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join our family of patients. If you are have a dental problem and would like to consult with Dr. Padolsky, make an appointment at 404-874-7428.