The Crocodile Cage

• Austin Texas
  
• Austin Dentistry
  
• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry
  
• Invisalign Braces
  
• Teeth Whitening
  
• Laser Gum Surgery
  
• Ceramic Teeth Veneers
  
• Dental Bonding
  
• Chipped Tooth
  

A common setback associated with the process of aging is the receding hairline, but a much less talked about –though quite common– problem that impacts both aging adults and younger people is a receding gum line. If you’ve never experienced or noticed this particular dental issue, the concept might sound strange. But it’s quite straightforward; due to a number of possible causes, the gum line can creep away from the points of teeth, ultimately exposing the roots. A principle concern of a receding gum line is cosmetic in nature. After all, a set of beautifully white and polished teeth in the setting of a crooked or problematic gum line can seem a bit anti-climatic. This widespread gum problem can also cause issues for the teeth themselves, as well as complications involving any prior reconstructive work performed on the teeth. A receding gum line can be the result of various dental issues, can be prevented through several techniques, and can also be addressed with oral surgery in cases where the problem has advanced.

Receding gums are sometimes caused by a simple matter of poor dental hygiene; a refusal to floss or brush regularly, creating a buildup of plaque and bacteria, can have an adverse effect on the gums. It should also be noted that overaggressive brushing, either in application or frequency, can lead to receding gums. The process of getting a toothbrush and paste are but ingredients in an overarching recipe for dental hygiene success; it’s important to consult with your dentist to receive information and demonstration of proper brushing and flossing. There are also more obvious causes of gum degeneration and receding: the use of chewing tobacco and some other toxic substances can rather quickly take their toll on the gum line. In some cases, esoteric periodontal disease is to blame for the condition, despite the best efforts of dental patients to keep a healthy mouth and gums.

Though a receding gum line isn’t a pleasant oral issue, it can, fortunately, be addressed with surgery. Many dentists and periodontal specialists have trained in a complex procedure known as grafting, which, with the aid of anesthesia, grafts gum tissue onto the exposed areas, and promotes rapid healing in order to attain a natural look. More recently, laser gingival sculpting, another form of cosmetic gum surgery, has been developed and is practiced by leading dentists, including Austin Tx’s Jollyville Dental. At this center in Texas and other qualified facilities across the country and around the world, a soft tissue laser is used to shape the gums and restore a pleasant aesthetic aspect to the mouth. This procedure can be completed in a matter of hours, and involves little to no pain, making it ideal for those with busy lives or an aversion to traditional dental techniques.

Your gums are an important component of your oral health, and while a receding gum line is an unfortunate fact of life for many people, developments in treatment are able to help patients achieve beautiful smiles and gums that are healthy again, with promising potential for the future of dental technology.

For Austin Dental Services:
Jollyville Dental Professionals
11672 Jollyville Rd
Austin, TX 78759-3935
(512) 918-0005