At Endeavor Dental Group, we are always encouraging our patients to keep up on their preventative care by seeing us often in our Pocatello, ID, office. Why? Sometimes the simplest dental issue, if left unchecked, can have major, negative impacts on your overall health. Case in point: receding gums. If the dentist catches this condition early enough—typically seen in routine cleanings and exams—it can be treated relatively easily with medication, a deep cleaning, or the recommendation of better hygiene habits.
Unfortunately for many people, once they realize they have a problem and make the appointment to come and see us, it’s too late for those simpler remedies, and more in-depth treatment is required. But that is what we are here for—to help our neighbors in Pocatello, ID, preserve and protect their smiles. And it all starts with education.
What Can Cause Your Gums to Recede?
- Poor oral hygiene habits
- Smoking
- Certain health conditions, such as diabetes
- Brushing your teeth too hard
- Using a hard bristle toothbrush
- Genetics
- Age
What Happens if the Gum Recession Goes Untreated?
As the gums wear away, the pink tissue that covers the roots of your teeth becomes more and more exposed. This greatly increases your chances of infection and tooth loss. It also ruins the appearance of your smile.
What Are the Symptoms?
- You may notice your teeth appear longer.
- The spaces between your teeth might appear bigger.
- You could begin experiencing sensitivity to hot or cold food or drinks.
- Your teeth might seem loose.
How Can Gum Recession be Treated Once it’s Reached a Critical Stage?
While many people pursue traditional gum grafting through surgery, at Endeavor Dental Group, we are proud to offer the Pinhole Surgical Technique. This procedure is completely scalpel and suture free. With zero cutting and stitching, that means you get to bypass the traditional after-effects of gum grafting surgery, including swelling, bleeding, and pain. Best of all, an improved appearance is instant for most of our patients. The procedure itself is very simple—we will make a pin-sized hole in your gum with a very small needle, gently loosen the gum tissue, and then glide it over the receded part of your tooth.
If you suspect you might be experiencing any level of gum recession, or you want to schedule your next check-up to avoid the problem altogether, reach out today to our staff right here in Pocatello, ID, and we would be glad to get your next appointment on the books.
