Today we’re going to pull back the curtain on gum recession. It’s time we shed light on something most people aren’t even aware exists but affects MILLIONS of people.
Take the time to read this post and you’ll learn what gum recession is, how it can be treated, and much more. Let’s dive in.
Take Dr. Blodgett’s gum recession self-exam
Only an experienced dentist can diagnose gum recession and propose a treatment plan to fix it. But you can find out if you’re at risk for gum recession by asking yourself these questions:
- Do you smoke or vape?
- Do you have diabetes?
- Do you suffer from chronic bad breath?
- Do your teeth feel sensitive to hot or cold foods/drinks?
- Do you grind your teeth?
- Do your gums bleed when brushing or flossing?
- Do any teeth feel a little loose?
- Have you ever lost an adult tooth?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, schedule an appointment with an experienced gum disease dentist today. Better safe than sorry!
What is gum recession?
When healthy, your gums act as the foundation that helps your teeth remain firmly in place. They also protect the health of the roots of your teeth. While your teeth are covered by enamel (the hardest substance in the body) your roots are not and are quite sensitive and prone to decay. It’s your gums’ job to protect them.
Unfortunately, due to a variety of causes, your gums can begin to pull back and “shrink”, exposing the roof of your tooth. This is known as gum recession.
Common causes of gum recession
- Brushing or flossing too roughly and aggressively
- Not brushing and flossing regularly
- Excessive buildup of hardened tartar at the gumline
- Overuse of mouthwash and/or other causes of dry mouth
- Infections of gum tissue (periodontal disease)
- Genetic predisposition to gum problems
DID YOU KNOW: Gum Disease is the #1 cause of tooth loss in adults
If gum disease and gum recession are left untreated, the possibility of tooth loss becomes very real. When teeth are lost, it’s like the start of a horrific chain reaction.
You’ll experience difficulty chewing, it’ll be harder to keep your teeth clean, you’ll increase your risk of further gum disease and tooth decay, and on and on. Eventually, with no tooth root in place, the jaw bone itself will begin to dissolve, an irreversible process known as resorption.
Preventing gum disease is the BEST first step towards keeping healthy teeth for a lifetime.
Gum recession is a vicious cycle
When your gums recede, your teeth become more sensitive due to the exposed and unprotected tooth root. You may feel pain even when you brush and floss very gently. That’s where the problem starts.
People with gum recession want to avoid the activities that cause them pain — like brushing and flossing. That just leads to more bacterial growth, more pain, and more advanced gum recession and gum disease.
To restore health to your mouth and your body, you MUST break this vicious cycle.
Your gums and your body
Let’s not forget, many, many diseases and chronic health problems can be traced DIRECTLY to the health of the teeth and gums. Everything from heart attacks to diabetes and stroke has been linked to gum disease and gum recession. Bacteria enter through inflamed gums and cause infections and stress throughout the body. If you’re ignoring the health of your gums, you’re doing yourself a major disservice.
Happy gums lead to a healthy body.
Gum recession treatments
Gum recession surgery
For years, the only gum recession treatments available were painful surgeries requiring long recoveries and multiple treatments. For many people, the treatment was worse than the pain they were feeling in their mouths.
Unfortunately, this just led to the epidemic of gum disease we’re seeing today.
Drawbacks of gum recession surgery:
- Usually requires a tissue graft
- Prone to infection and complications
- Painful and long recovery time
- Often less-than-optimal results, even after multiple surgeries
Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation
Fortunately, there’s a non-surgical gum disease treatment that really works: Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation. Unlike gum recession surgery, the Pinhole gum procedure doesn’t use a scalpel or stitches.
Instead, high-tech, and specialized tools are used to gently reposition your gums into a healthy and natural position. See for yourself:
Advantages of Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation:
- Never a need for a tissue graft
- No scalpel and no stitches
- Minimal complications and fast healing — most patients recover fully in 24 hours
- Immediate and lasting results after just 1 treatment
Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation was developed by Dr. John Chao, one of the most knowledgeable and innovative dentists in the entire world. His creations have been truly paradigm shifting and millions of people around the world have Dr. Chao to thank for their dental health.
Dr. Blodgett — Portland’s gum recession expert
Dr. Kelly J. Blodgett has helped people from Seattle, Tacoma, Eugene, and all throughout the Pacific Northwest fight gum recession without painful surgical procedures. He was among the first dentists in Oregon to take advantage of laser dentistry and other high-tech procedures, including Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation. Dr. Blodgett actually learned the Pinhole technique from the inventor, Dr. Chao himself! Dr. Blodgett is a Portland native who has been featured in dental journals and on television for his truly one-of-a-kind approach to dental wellness and whole body health.
Schedule your appointment today
Do you want to take control of your gum health? Schedule your consultation with Dr. Blodgett today or call (503) 285-3620. While his practice is located in Portland, he often sees patients from throughout Oregon, Washington, and Idaho and can help with travel arrangements to and from the Portland area.