What Causes Receding Gums?
Receding gums can be unsightly. They may make your teeth look longer or uneven, and your gums appear unhealthy. More importantly, receding gums can put your teeth at risk by reducing the support that keeps them in place and exposing the roots, where decay and sensitivity are more likely to occur. At our Columbus, Ohio dental office, we help patients understand the underlying causes of gum recession and offer treatments to restore both health and appearance.
Before we can attempt gum rejuvenation, we need to determine what has caused your gum recession and take steps to address it. Receding gums are typically the result of multiple factors working together, and identifying these is essential to prevent further damage and ensure long-term results.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Gum disease (periodontal disease) – a bacterial infection that damages gum tissue and bone.
- Aggressive brushing – using too much pressure or a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear away gum tissue.
- Crooked teeth or a misaligned bite – can place excess pressure on specific areas of the gums.
- Teeth grinding or clenching – can stress the supporting structures of the teeth.
- Genetic and hormonal factors – including life stages like puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.
- Health conditions and medications – some conditions and drugs can increase gum sensitivity or dry out the mouth.
- Poor oral hygiene – allows plaque and tartar to accumulate, leading to inflammation.
- Poorly fitting dental appliances – can irritate and damage gum tissue over time.
We’ll identify which of these causes can be corrected—such as brushing technique—and which will need ongoing management, like a genetic tendency toward gum disease. By addressing the root causes, we can give your gums the best chance of healing and help you maintain a healthier smile after rejuvenation. Regular check-ups and cleanings at our Columbus, Ohio dental office play a vital role in this ongoing care. These visits allow us to monitor your gum health, remove harmful plaque and tartar buildup, and catch any early signs of gum disease or other oral health concerns. For patients prone to sensitivity or decay around exposed roots, we may also recommend additional preventive solutions like fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel and reduce discomfort. Keeping up with preventive care ensures that your gums stay healthy—and that the results of your gum rejuvenation last.
How We Treat Gum Disease
Our Columbus cosmetic dental practice takes a proactive and personalized approach to treating gum disease. Our goal is not only to stop the progression of gum disease but to restore your oral health and prevent future issues. Depending on the severity of your condition, we may recommend one or more of the following treatments:
For early stages, we begin with deep cleaning procedures, such as scaling and root planing, to remove plaque and bacteria below the gum line. This helps eliminate infection and promotes healthy gum reattachment.
For moderate to advanced cases, we offer Perio Protect®, a non-invasive treatment that targets bacteria deep beneath the gums. This system uses custom-fitted trays that deliver a prescribed antimicrobial solution directly to infected areas, reaching bacteria that brushing, flossing, and even scaling can’t always eliminate.
Our approach emphasizes ongoing care and maintenance, including regular dental checkups and personalized at-home recommendations, to keep your gums healthy long-term. If you’re experiencing symptoms like bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum recession, don’t wait—early treatment is key to protecting your smile.
How We Treat Receding Gums
Receding gums can be treated in several ways, depending on the severity and cause of the condition. For mild cases, improving oral hygiene, using a softer toothbrush, and adjusting brushing techniques may be enough. More advanced cases may require deep cleaning procedures like scaling and root planing to remove plaque below the gumline. In cases of significant gum loss, surgical treatments such as gum grafting or the minimally invasive Pinhole Surgical Technique® may be recommended to restore the gumline. Desensitizing agents or bonding materials can help protect exposed roots and reduce sensitivity. In some instances, orthodontic treatment may also help by correcting misaligned teeth that contribute to gum recession. Ongoing dental checkups and preventive care are essential to maintain gum health and prevent further recession.
Receding Gums & Dental Implants
While dental implants don’t treat receding gums directly, they can still be beneficial in certain cases where gum recession has led to tooth loss. Implants can restore function and appearance while also supporting long-term oral health. For patients with receding gums, implants may help in the following ways:
- Replacing lost teeth caused by gum recession.
- Preserving jawbone by stimulating bone where natural teeth are missing.
- Supporting soft tissue grafts to rebuild the gumline during implant placement.
- Improving aesthetics when combined with gum grafting or contouring.
It’s important to treat any active gum disease or severe recession before placing implants to ensure long-term success.
Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique
If you’ve considered gum rejuvenation in the past but were hesitant due to the discomfort and long recovery times associated with traditional gum grafting, the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique offers a compelling alternative. This minimally invasive procedure treats gum recession without scalpels, stitches, or the need for donor tissue. Instead of cutting tissue from the roof of your mouth and suturing it over receded areas, this technique uses a tiny pinhole to gently loosen and reposition your existing gum tissue over exposed roots. Collagen is used to stabilize the tissue, eliminating the need for stitches and promoting natural healing. Patients typically experience less discomfort, faster recovery, and more aesthetically pleasing results compared to traditional grafting. The procedure is ideal for treating multiple areas in a single visit, and because it doesn’t involve large incisions or sutures, downtime is minimal. Healing is quicker, the results are often more predictable, and the appearance is more natural—making it one of the most advanced and patient-friendly options for gum rejuvenation available today.
Take the First Step Toward a Healthier Smile
Don’t let receding gums keep affecting your comfort, confidence, or oral health. The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique at Firouzian Dentistry offers a gentle, effective way to restore your gumline—without scalpels or stitches. If you’re ready to find out whether you’re a candidate for this advanced treatment, call us today at (614) 848-5001 for a healthier, more attractive smile.
