I Think My Gums Are Receding Los Angeles, CA
While receding gums are often a sign of poor oral health, early treatment can enhance the appearance and promote oral functioning. Without proper treatment, gum recession can cause a variety of complications, oral and systemic. It is important to understand the signs that indicate the gums are receding, preventative measures to take, and possible treatments that may become necessary.
Treatment for receding gums is available at Westchester Dental Arts in Los Angeles and the surrounding area. We can help diagnose and treat receding gums, whether minor or severe, through various treatment methods. Call us today at (310) 450-0300 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Signs of Gum Recession
For some patients, gum recession may set in subtly and go unnoticed for some time. The aesthetic changes following gum recession are the most apparent. These include visibly shrinking gums and exposed tooth roots. However, other common symptoms include:
- Bad breath
- Bleeding after brushing or flossing
- Loose teeth
- Pain at the gum line
- Red, swollen gums
Patients may experience concerns about their appearance during this time, as well as a fear of losing teeth. Additionally, teeth may be particularly sensitive to cold and heat (due to the exposed tooth roots).
“The aesthetic changes that follow gum recession are the most apparent.”
Causes of Gum Recession
Although gum recession is often a sign of poor oral hygiene, it can occur in people with good oral hygiene as well. Hereditary traits in a person's oral health can affect the way the teeth position themselves and the thickness of the gums. These traits cause an individual to be more prone to recession. Gum recession in healthy individuals can also be caused by excessive or over-brushing, piercings, and damage from previous dental treatments.
Poor oral health is more often the cause of receding gums. Individuals with thin gum tissue may be prone to inflammation and infection due to increased plaque buildup. Oral health conditions, such as gingivitis and periodontal disease, are also common causes of gum disease. Receding gums are an apparent physical symptom in many oral conditions.
“Poor oral health is more often the cause of receding gums.”
Treatments for Gum Recession
Mild gum recession is often treatable through a scale and planing procedure, also known as a deep cleaning. This treatment involves professional cleaning and removing plaque from the surfaces of teeth and beneath the gum pockets. This also removes or prevents infection that may arise from plaque buildup.
More severe gum recession will require a surgical procedure to treat effectively. Common surgeries for the treatment of gum recession include:
- Open flap scaling and root planing: The medical professional folds back the affected gum tissue, removes the harmful bacteria from the pockets, and then secures the gum tissue in place over the tooth root, thus eliminating the pockets or reducing their size.
- Regeneration: If the bone supporting the teeth has been destroyed as a result of gum recession, a procedure to regenerate lost bone and tissue may be recommended. The professional will fold back the gum tissue and remove the bacteria. A regenerative material, such as a membrane, graft tissue, or tissue-stimulating protein, will then be applied to encourage the body to regenerate bone and tissue in that area naturally. After the regenerative material is put in place, the gum tissue is secured over the root of the tooth or teeth.
- Connective tissue graft: In this soft tissue graft procedure, a flap of skin is cut at the roof of the mouth (palate) and tissue from under the flap, called subepithelial connective tissue, is removed and then stitched to the gum tissue surrounding the exposed root. After the connective tissue — the graft — has been removed from under the flap, the flap is stitched back down.
- Free gingival graft: Tissue is taken directly from the roof of the mouth instead of under the skin.
- Pedicle graft: If there is enough gum tissue surrounding the affected teeth, then it is possible to graft gum from near the tooth instead of removing tissue from the palate.
The type of surgery will depend on the patient's case, age, risk factors, medical or oral health conditions, and the severity of evident gum recession.
“More severe gum recession will require a surgical procedure to effectively treat.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: I Think My Gums Are Receding in Los Angeles, CA
Prevention
Following basic oral hygiene practices is usually enough to prevent gum recession. This includes brushing at least twice daily, flossing daily, rinsing after each meal, and visiting the dentist for routine dental checkups and cleanings twice yearly. However, individuals who are at higher risk for gum issues or notice early signs should exercise more precautions. We recommend avoiding plaque-building agents, such as acids and sugars, and visiting the dentist more frequently for deep cleanings to keep the gums clean and healthy.
Going Without Treatment
Receding gums cause thinning of gum tissue, a leading pathway for plaque buildup. Plaque is the single most common cause of infection or gum disease and, in advanced cases, periodontal disease. These diseases of the gums are responsible for edentulous, also known as tooth loss. Weakened gums also loosen the secure hold that gums have on the teeth, which can lead to jaw damage over time. It is crucial that patients seek treatment for gum recession immediately.
“Receding gums cause thinning of gum tissue, a leading pathway for plaque buildup.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What are the symptoms of gum recession?
Q. What are the causes of gum recession?
Q. How is gum recession treated?
Q. How can I prevent gum recession?
Q. Who is at risk of gum recession?
People Also Ask
Q. Why would someone get gum reshaping?
Q. How do lifestyle choices affect dental health?
Risk Factors
Individuals with healthy pink firm gums should not worry about gum recession. However, if symptoms and signs appear, a thorough oral evaluation is recommended. It is also advisable to know the risk factors to better evaluate one's likelihood of acquiring gum recession.
Medical News Today lists the four most common risk factors of receding gums: age, tobacco, diabetes, and genetics. A study found that 88% of individuals 65 years and older have gum recession and 50 percent of people 18 to 64 years of age have one or more sites with recession. People who smoke, struggle with misalignment issues, or have diabetes, have a higher chance of acquiring gum recession.
“People who smoke, struggle with misalignment issues, or have diabetes, have a higher chance of acquiring gum recession.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I improve gum recession at home?
A. Receded gums cannot grow back, so the condition is irreversible. However, practicing exceptional oral hygiene can prevent the progression of recession. Various treatment options are also available to alter the appearance of the gumline.
Q. How long can gum recession go untreated?
A. It is best to treat gum recession as soon as early signs appear or a dentist makes an evaluation. Going without treatment can cause plaque buildup, infection, and gum disease. These conditions, when severe, will likely lead to tooth loss or jaw damage.
Q. Are there natural remedies to keep the gums healthy?
A. All patients should exercise adequate oral hygiene habits, such as brushing, flossing, rinsing, and routinely visiting the dentist. Healthline suggests a variety of home remedies for caring for the gums at home. This should be done alongside the preventative measures listed above.
Q. What kind of toothbrush is recommended to avoid harsh brushing?
A. We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush as medium or hard toothbrushes can wear and tear surface enamel and irritate the gums, causing recession to occur. The ADA recommends soft-bristle toothbrushes with angled or multi-layer bristles and electric toothbrushes.
Q. Is gum recession linked to any other health conditions?
A. Gum recession is linked to oral health conditions such as gingivitis, gum disease, and periodontal disease. It is also linked to general health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. There are certain health conditions that make one more prone to receding gums and vice versa. It is important to mention all health conditions to both your doctor and dentist.
Scan here to view this page, I Think My Gums Are Receding, on mobile
Gum Disease Terminology
Call Us Today
Gum recession can be stressful to experience. We at Westchester Dental Arts may be able to help. Call us today at 310-450-0300 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2026
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistryยฎ (AACD). Home Page. 2026
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2026
About our business, license, and website security
- Westchester Dental Arts was established in 2017.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Los Angeles County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Los Angeles, Westchester, Inglewood, Marina del Rey, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista, Culver City, Fox Hills, Hawthorne, El Segundo and Santa Monica
- CA (License #109578). View License Information and Specifics
- National Provider Identifier Database (1366114761). View NPI Registry Information
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to Westchester Dental Arts on mobile
Back to top of I Think My Gums Are Receding
Related Posts
Aadarsha Kutumbam House No: 47 - AK47 2026 1080p UHD .torrent
๐งพ Hash-sum โ fc11bcabf1539295a05bcc0f7c27b491 โข ๐ Updated on: 2026-10-07VerifyVideo Bitrate: 50+ Mbps average bitrate recommended Audio: required: 2.0 Stereo absolute minimum Storage: extra room for future bonus materials and extras Dynamic Range: stable SDR playback at 1080p on legacy setup Movie synopsis: A seemingly flawless family at House No. 47 unravels after an incident reveals…
Little Things 2026 BDRip XviD Eng Subs ๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐๐จ๐๐ข๐ Torrent
๐งพ Hash-sum โ c64235a92d9c1c2147c36a21957b06e5 โข ๐ Updated on: 2026-10-12VerifyCodec: 10-bit depth required Audio Bitrate: fast 640kbps+ AAC/AC3 required Torrent Size: at least 100 GB for complete season titles HDR: high luminance master for next-gen OLED / MiniLED displays Movie synopsis: Through the changing reflection of her mother, Sara contemplates how reflections reveal our experiences, the…
Green Grass 2026 BDRip 1080p X264 DD5.1 ๐๐จ๐ฐ๐ง๐ฅ๐จ๐๐ M๐gn๐t L๐ขnk
๐ Hash sum: 9ef4a4532195aed95ff13e3f1b01a337 | ๐ Last update: 2026-10-06VerifyCodec: 10-bit depth required Audio: TrueHD track to avoid audio quality loss Storage:100 GB free space Dynamic Range: stable SDR playback at 1080p on legacy setup Movie synopsis: It's no secret that Declan is the university class coaster, which is why his friends refuse to partner with…
AnyMP4 Blu-ray Creator Activated [Full] [x86x64] Final
๐ Hash checksum: 33224601437a8a77a54f1539bece96b6 โข ๐ Last updated: 2026-10-09VerifyProcessor: 1 GHz processor needed RAM: Minimum 4 GB Disk space: Enough for tools This comprehensive software solution empowers users to create and burn high-quality Blu-ray and DVD discs from various video formats, setting a new standard for home entertainment and professional disc production. With its advanced…
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call Westchester Dental Arts on mobile