Gum recession is an incredibly common occurrence, with about 88 percent of people over 65 years old experiencing it on one or more teeth. In fact, you might have receding gums without even realizing it. 

While receding gums are a cosmetic concern for many people, gum recession is actually a form of gum disease, which means that it’s indicative of underlying oral health issues that need to be addressed in order to prevent further damage, tooth loss, and costly interventions.

Keep reading to learn more about receding gums, why they occur, and what treatment options are available. 

What Are Receding Gums?

Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue around the teeth pulls back, exposing more of the tooth or its root. In addition to teeth appearing longer, symptoms include increased sensitivity, noticeable gaps between the teeth and gums, bleeding, and discomfort. Receding gums also make the teeth more susceptible to cavities. 

Left untreated, receding gums can lead to significant oral health issues, including bone loss, tooth mobility (a feeling of the tooth being loose), and even tooth loss. 

Causes of Gum Recession

Gum recession can happen for many reasons, including:

• Poor oral hygiene practices leading to a buildup of plaque and tartar
• Gingivitis and periodontitis
• Aggressive brushing or flossing, including using a hard-bristled toothbrush
• A family history of gum disease
• Natural thinning of gum tissue with age
• Smoking and tobacco use
• Diabetes
• Hormonal changes, including pregnancy or menopause
• Tooth misalignment causing uneven pressure on the gums when chewing
• Lip and tongue piercings
• Teeth grinding or clenching

How to Recognize Gum Recession Early

No matter the underlying cause of receding gums, recognizing the signs early on is key to minimizing the risk of long-term problems, including advanced periodontal disease and tooth loss. Watch for increased tooth sensitivity, changes in the appearance of teeth and gums, and gumline shrinking. 

Furthermore, routine cleanings and exams give the dentist the chance to identify any gum issues early and recommend timely interventions, therefore preventing gum recession from worsening and protecting overall oral health. Treating receding gums is often less invasive and more affordable when it’s caught in the early stages.

Treatment Options for Receding Gums

Gums may not be able to grow back, but professional treatment can stop their recession and alleviate symptoms such as sensitivity and irritation. 

Non-Surgical Treatment

Depending on the cause of receding gums, non-surgical treatment options can be effective. Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that removes stubborn plaque and tartar build-up from above and below the gum line and smooths the tooth roots. This process can help the gums reattach to the teeth. 

Other non-surgical treatments include specially formulated anti-sensitivity toothpastes, topical antibiotics, and orthodontics to correct bite issues. Dental bonding can camouflage the affected area by covering it with tooth-colored composite resin. In addition to improving aesthetics, dental bonding can also reduce discomfort related to receding gums.

Surgical Treatment

In more severe cases, gum graft surgery may be necessary. During this procedure, a periodontist — a dental professional specializing in gum health — takes some tissue from the roof of the mouth and grafts it to the area of gum recession, stitching it in place to rebuild the lost tissue. This procedure is relatively minimally invasive, and typically, patients feel back to normal within about two weeks.

An alternative, minimally invasive surgical treatment is the Pinhole Surgical Technique. In this procedure, a needle is used to make a small hole in the tissue near the receding gums. Using special instruments, the periodontist loosens the gum tissue, moving it into place to cover the exposed tooth structure. No stitches are required, and the recovery time is usually shorter than that of gum graft surgery.

How to Prevent Gum Recession

The best way to prevent gum recession is practicing good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily to remove food particles and plaque trapped between teeth. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking or reducing tobacco use can help, as well as wearing a nightguard to prevent nocturnal teeth grinding. 

Take Charge of Your Gum Health Today with VIP Smiles

At VIP Smiles, we understand that receding gums are more than just a cosmetic issue. They can have lasting effects on oral health, even leading to tooth loss. That’s why we’re committed to catching gum recession early and preventing further damage, ensuring our patients maintain their happy, healthy smiles for a lifetime.

If you’re concerned about receding gums, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our expert dental professionals. 

A dazzling smile isn’t just an indicator of good health; it can also boost your confidence and make you feel good. In your quest to achieve a gorgeous smile, you may have considered cosmetic dentistry solutions such as veneers. However, not all veneers are created equal. While good veneers can provide life-changing benefits, bad veneers can cause all sorts of issues, from aesthetic concerns to oral health issues.

At VIP Smiles, we believe in empowering our patients to make informed decisions about their smile’s aesthetics and their overall oral health. In this blog post, we’ll help you understand the key differences between good and bad veneers by comparing their materials, craftsmanship, aesthetics, and longevity to ensure you know what to look for when selecting cosmetic dentistry solutions.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Before we get into the details of good vs. bad veneers, let’s take a closer look at what exactly dental veneers are. Dental veneers are thin shells of material — usually porcelain or composite resin — that are bonded to the front surface of the teeth to improve their appearance. Done correctly, veneers should brighten the smile, hide discoloration, cover minor imperfections, and make the teeth appear straighter and more uniform.

Characteristics of Good vs. Bad Veneers

Materials

Good veneers are made from premium porcelain or high-grade composite resin materials. This gives them strength, stain resistance, and a completely natural appearance. Bad veneers, on the other hand, often use cheap composites and substandard resin that chip, break, or stain easily. 

Fit

When it comes to fit, quality veneers are unmatched. Veneers should be tailored to perfectly fit your unique teeth, creating a natural appearance. Skilled dental professionals use advanced imaging technology to ensure a precise fit. 

A sign of bad veneers is when they’re either too bulky or too thin, resulting in an unnatural look. Aesthetics aren’t the only problem with ill-fitting veneers — gaps between the veneers and the gum line can trap food, leading to decay. 

Aesthetic Appeal

In your quest to achieve the optimal smile, it’s important to remember that truly “perfect” teeth with no variation in shape and an unnaturally white color don’t look natural. Rather than a cookie-cutter smile that looks artificial, you still want to look like yourself, just enhanced. 

With that in mind, quality veneers have a smooth, lifelike texture that mimics real teeth. They are carefully matched to the color of the surrounding teeth, creating a seamless blend and making the veneers virtually undetectable. Bad veneers have an uneven color or texture or may appear to opaque, shiny, or fake. 

Longevity and Durability

With proper care, well-made veneers can last 10–15 years or more. They can withstand biting and chewing forces, allowing you to eat your favorite foods without worrying about damage. Conversely, bad veneers may last only five years or less, requiring frequent replacements. They come with an increased risk of cracking, chipping, or detaching from the surface of the tooth. 

Comfort and Health

Good veneers should feel natural in your mouth, like nothing’s there. Gum irritation, tooth sensitivity, and decay around the gumline are signs of bad veneers that do not fit properly or are not securely bonded.

How to Ensure You Get Good Veneers

As you consider your options, look for a dentist with specialized training and extensive experience in cosmetic dentistry. They should work with a reputable dental lab that uses high-quality materials, along with skilled technicians, to craft natural-looking veneers.

A good dentist will provide a thorough consultation in which they assess your oral health and whether you’re a good candidate for veneers. During this consultation, closely examine before-and-after photos of previous patients to ensure their veneers look natural and discuss your aesthetic goals to ensure the dentist can meet your expectations. 

Quality veneers typically come with a higher price tag, but it’s essential to understand that cutting corners can lead to higher long-term expenses and put your oral health at risk. Bad veneers can lead to frequent repairs and replacements, along with tooth decay and irritation. By investing in premium materials and expert craftsmanship, you can save yourself a lot of money — and pain — in the long run.

Avoid Bad Veneers at VIP Smiles

VIP Smiles is your trusted cosmetic dentist. Our highly trained team of dental professionals has helped countless patients discover more confident, beautiful smiles with quality veneers. Take a look at our smile gallery — the results speak for themselves! 

Investing in high-quality veneers is worth the time and money to get it right. Contact us today to learn more about how we can enhance your smile.

Achieving and maintaining a healthy smile requires consistent care and close attention. While regular dental hygiene practices like brushing and flossing are essential, they may not be enough to prevent cavities, especially in hard-to-reach areas. 

Fortunately, dental sealants offer an additional layer of protection, making them an incredibly valuable part of preventative dental care. Keep reading to explore what dental sealants are, how they work, and why they’re a great option for anyone looking to maintain optimal oral health. 

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars. These surfaces have grooves and pits that can easily trap bacteria and food particles, making them especially prone to cavities. Sealants create a smooth, protective barrier, preventing these particles from getting trapped and causing decay.

How Do Sealants Work?

Applying dental sealants is quick and painless. First, the dentist or hygienist thoroughly cleans the teeth to remove any food particles or plaque. Next, they dry the teeth and place an absorbent material around them to keep the area dry during the procedure.

After that, they’ll apply an acidic solution to the chewing surfaces. The solution roughens the surface of the teeth, helping create a strong bond with the sealant. Then the teeth are rinsed and dried once more. Finally, it’s time to paint the sealant material onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly to the tooth. Sometimes, the dentist uses a special curing light to speed up the hardening process.

Who Can Benefit from Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are an excellent choice for almost anyone, from children to adults.

Children and Teenagers

The risk of developing cavities is higher once the permanent molars come in, which usually occurs around the age of six. Because of this, dental sealants are most commonly associated with children and teens. Applying sealants as soon as the permanent molars erupt can protect them during their most cavity-prone years.

Adults

While kids and teens are the most likely candidates for dental sealants, adults can also benefit from them. Adults without fillings or decay in their molars can have sealants applied to these teeth to protect them from future cavities.

Those with Deep Grooves and Pits

Individuals who naturally have deep grooves and pits in their molars are more susceptible to cavities. Sealants provide a protective barrier against decay, making them especially beneficial for these individuals.

The Benefits of Dental Sealants

Dental sealants come with an array of advantages, including:

Preventing Cavities

The primary benefit of dental sealants is cavity prevention. By sealing the grooves and pits in the molars, they block food particles and bacteria from getting trapped, significantly reducing the risk of tooth decay.

Cost-Effective

When it comes to preventative measures, sealants are a cost-effective option compared to the expense of treating cavities and other issues related to decay. Investing in sealants can save money, time, and pain in the long run.

Painless and Non-Invasive

Applying dental sealants is painless and non-invasive. Since there’s no drilling or removal of tooth structure, it’s a simple, stress-free experience for patients of all ages.

Long-Lasting Protection

With proper care, dental sealants can last for many years. Regular dental check-ups allow the dentist to monitor the sealants’ condition and reapply them if necessary, ensuring continued cavity protection.

Caring for Your Sealants

Even after dental sealants are applied, it’s still important to maintain good oral hygiene. To ensure your sealants to last as long as possible, follow these simple tips:

• Brush twice a day: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean all surfaces of your teeth —including the sealed molars — at least twice a day.
• Floss daily: Floss between each of your teeth each day to remove stubborn plaque and food particles your toothbrush can’t reach.
• Regular dental visits: Seek regular check-ups and cleanings with your dentist. 
• Avoid chewing hard foods: Chewing on especially hard foods or objects like ice or pen caps can damage dental sealants. Be mindful of what you chew to preserve their longevity.

Protect Your Smile

At VIP Smiles, we believe in the power of dental sealants to protect your teeth from cavities and decay. Whether you’re a parent who wants to safeguard your child’s dental health or an adult looking to prevent cavities, sealants are a simple and cost-effective solution.

If you’re ready to take proactive steps toward ensuring a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles, schedule an appointment with us today to learn more about how sealants can benefit you and your family.