Gum recession can cause the teeth to look larger than natural and can increase tooth sensitivity and discomfort. The condition has a variety of potential causes, but the most common is gum disease. Other common causes of receded gum tissue include aggressive tooth-brushing and hereditary predisposition to gingival recession. If you have gum recession that’s due to any of these causes, it’s important to learn how to treat the condition. Here are a few of the top ways to reverse or manage receded gum tissue.
   
1.       Brush Gently  
Vigorous brushing may seem like the best way to get plaque and tartar off your teeth, but it can cause significant damage to your gum tissue. A much better approach is to brush your teeth gently for longer periods of time instead of brushing vigorously for short periods of time. You can encourage softer brushing by holding your toothbrush with just your thumb and ring finger until you get used to how gentle brushing feels.  

 2.       Wear a Mouth Guard  
If you chronically grind your teeth at night (a condition known as bruxism), it’s important to wear a mouthguard. Grinding and clenching your teeth puts excessive pressure on the teeth and gum tissue and can contribute to gum recession. Wearing a mouthguard each night can help prevent or minimize the problem.  

 3.       Receive Minimally Invasive Treatment  
Some periodontists still recommend gum grafting as the preferred treatment option for gum recession. Dr. Brand J. Ahn offers a quicker, less invasive treatment alternative called The Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST™). To perform this technique, the skilled periodontist in Larkspur, CA, makes a small hole in the gums, just above the receded area. He then separates the gum tissue from the teeth very carefully and repositions it down (or up, if dealing with the lower teeth) to cover the receded area. This treatment method delivers immediate, lasting results.  

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 Whether your gum recession is due to vigorous brushing or periodontal disease, Dr. Ahn can help. To schedule your consultation with the respected periodontist in Larkspur, CA, call Marin Periodontics Dental Group today.