Receding Gum On One Tooth

Receding gum on one tooth

Millions of Americans suffer from a receding gumline. Patients are often confused about why their gums are receding, especially when the gumline is receding on just one tooth.

This article will discuss why you have receding gums on one tooth and what you can do to treat the problem.

Receding gum on one tooth

There are several reasons why you may be experiencing gum recession on one tooth. The most common causes include:

• Gum disease: Gum recession is a common symptom of gum disease. However, periodontal disease-related gum loss is typically widespread and not often isolated to a single tooth. Sometimes, the patient has not noticed problems elsewhere and requires a professional opinion to determine the extent of the problem.

• Trauma or injury: Tooth and gum trauma can lead to single-tooth gum recession. Some injuries are obvious, such as sports injuries, while others are less apparent and take place over time.

• Aggressive tooth brushing: Brushing your teeth 2-3 times daily can create a clean and healthy mouth. However, brushing too hard or using the wrong toothbrush can create problems such as gum loss in a single tooth. Be sure to apply delicate pressure and use a soft-bristled brush.

• Misaligned teeth (occlusion): Teeth that are not aligned correctly can result in excess pressure when biting or chewing. Over time, this pressure can result in gum recession on the affected tooth.

• Teeth grinding: Nightly teeth grinding can put pressure on the teeth and cause soft tissue damage over time. Gum recession can occur on several teeth or just one tooth, depending on the type of pressure applied.

• Tobacco: Tobacco use, especially chewing tobacco, can result in gum recession. If the tobacco is placed in the same area of the mouth each time it is used, it can cause gum recession on a single tooth.

Treatment for gum recession on one tooth

Depending on the cause, treatments for gum recession on one tooth can be relatively straightforward. The most common treatments are listed below.

• Soft-bristled toothbrush: For people who have gum recession due to aggressive brushing, we advise that they switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and apply very light pressure. With improved technique, the gum recession should stop.

• Quit tobacco: If you have gum recession and currently use tobacco, quitting could significantly improve your oral health. We understand, however, that quitting tobacco is very difficult. If you cannot quit entirely, consider switching to a healthier alternative.

• Gum graft: A gum graft uses tissue from your own mouth or from a donor to cover gum recession. This can be a very effective cosmetic and protective treatment, especially when the gum recession is contained to a single tooth.

• Root planing or LANAP: If you are suffering from gum disease, root planing or laser treatment can control your symptoms. Both root planing and LANAP laser treatment are designed to treat the infection of the gum tissue. Once the infection is gone, your gum tissue will stop receding.

• Orthopedic treatment: If your gum recession is due to misaligned teeth, we will work with your orthodontist to align your teeth correctly. Once the teeth are aligned, the gum tissue will stop receding.

Sacramento Periodontics can solve your gum recession problem

Our team of periodontal experts has successfully treated gum recession for over 30 years. We will take the time to understand your needs and ensure you feel comfortable with your treatment options. Call us old-fashioned, but we want to get to know you and ensure we provide exceptional care. Contact us today to get started.