• (727) 586-2681
  • 1472 Jordan Hills Court, Clearwater, FL 33756

gum recession

Illustration showing proper brushing technique with a Sonicare electric toothbrush for receding gums and sensitive teeth, highlighting gentle cleaning along the gumline, featuring the Britten Periodontics and Implant Dentistry logo.

Brushing With Gum Recession: Do This, Not That

If your gums have pulled back, your brushing technique matters more than ever. Brushing with gum recession requires a gentle approach that cleans thoroughly without grinding the gumline like it owes you money. The goal is to remove plaque while protecting fragile tissue and exposed roots.

Choose the Right Tools

Start with a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric brush with a pressure sensor. We love the Sonicare by Philips. However, even a soft brush can cause damage if you scrub aggressively. In addition, use a fluoride toothpaste, and consider a sensitivity formula such as Sensodyne or a prescription toothpaste from your dentist such as Clinpro 5000 if cold drinks bother you.

Use a Gentle Technique

Angle the bristles toward the gumline and use small, controlled motions. Therefore, you clean where plaque collects without sawing away at the tissue. Meanwhile, avoid horizontal “back-and-forth” scrubbing, because it can worsen recession and wear notches into the teeth.

Don’t Forget Between the Teeth

Recession often increases spaces where food and plaque can trap. So floss daily or use interdental brushes and Soft-Picks if they fit comfortably. Also, a water flosser can help, especially around tight spots or dental work.

When Home Care Isn’t Enough

If recession progresses or sensitivity increases, you may need professional treatment. For example, a periodontist can evaluate bite forces, gum thickness, and inflammation and recommend targeted therapy or grafting if needed.

Small changes add up fast. As a result, improving technique can reduce irritation and protect your teeth long-term. At Britten Perio, we help patients tailor routines that actually work in real life. If you’re unsure whether you’re doing it right, ask for guidance on brushing with gum recession at your next visit.

Gum Grafting Procedure: What It Fixes and What to Expect

If cold drinks make you wince and your teeth look longer, you may need a gum grafting procedure. Gum recession exposes tooth roots, which can increase sensitivity and raise the risk of decay near the gumline. The good news is that grafting can protect the area and improve comfort.

Why Gums Recede

Recession can come from aggressive brushing, thin gum tissue, orthodontic movement, or gum disease. However, it often develops slowly, so many people miss it at first. Therefore, regular exams matter, especially if you notice new sensitivity or notches near the gumline.

How the Treatment Works

Your periodontist adds tissue where the gums have pulled back. This tissue may come from your palate or from a donor source, depending on your needs. Then the graft is secured so it can integrate and strengthen the gumline. Meanwhile, the goal isn’t just cosmetics. It’s protection, stability, and easier cleaning.

Recovery Tips That Actually Help

Expect mild soreness and swelling for a few days. So choose soft foods, avoid pulling on the lip to “check it,” and follow your cleaning instructions closely. In addition, keep your follow-up appointments, because small adjustments can make healing smoother. Also, switch to a soft-bristled brush and gentle technique to protect the result long-term.

When gums cover roots better, sensitivity often drops and brushing becomes more comfortable. As a result, patients frequently say they wish they’d done it sooner. If you want to stop recession from getting worse, ask Britten Perio if a gum grafting procedure is right for you.

Gingival grafting procedure by Clearwater, FL periodontist Dr. Todd Britten

Clearwater Periodontist Expands Services with Advanced Tissue Grafting Techniques

Clearwater Periodontist Expands Services with Advanced Tissue Grafting Techniques

Dr. Todd Britten provides advanced tissue grafting techniques in his Clearwater, Florida practice. Patients will benefit from these innovative procedures designed to restore gum health, enhance oral function, and improve esthetic concerns.

Tissue grafting is a critical procedure for addressing gum recession, restoring lost tissue, and improving the stability of teeth. These highly specialized techniques include connective tissue grafts, free gingival grafting and even grafting around dental implants. He uses the latest advancements in periodontal science to offer superior results with minimal discomfort.

“Our goal is to provide our patients with the most effective and comfortable treatments available,” said Dr. Todd Britten, owner at Britten Periodontics and Implant Dentistry. “By incorporating these advanced tissue grafting techniques, we can better address complex cases of gum recession and ensure a high standard of care.”

Key Benefits of Advanced Tissue Grafting Techniques Include:

– Enhanced Precision
– Improved Aesthetic Results
– Faster Recovery
– Increased Success Rates

Dr. Britten encourages patients experiencing gum recession or other periodontal issues to schedule a consultation to learn more about how our new tissue grafting techniques can help. For more information or to book an appointment, please contact us at 727-586-2681.

Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is a leading periodontal practice in Clearwater, Florida, committed to providing exceptional dental care through innovative treatments and personalized attention. Our expert team is dedicated to improving oral health and enhancing the quality of life for their patients.

Toothbrush abrasion treatment by Clearwater, FL periodontist at Britten Periodontics

Understanding Toothbrush Abrasion

Understanding Toothbrush Abrasion

Toothbrush abrasion refers to the wear and damage to the teeth and gums caused by improper or overly aggressive tooth brushing. This condition can lead to a variety of dental problems, including:
 
– Enamel Erosion: Over time, excessive brushing can erode the enamel, the hard outer layer of the teeth, making them more susceptible to decay and sensitivity.
– Gum Recession: Vigorous brushing can cause the gums to recede, exposing the roots of the teeth, which are more sensitive and prone to decay.
– Dentin Exposure: With enamel erosion and gum recession, the underlying dentin layer becomes exposed, leading to increased tooth sensitivity and risk of cavities.
– Tooth Wear: Abrasive brushing can cause visible wear on the surfaces of the teeth, affecting their appearance and function.
 
Preventing Toothbrush Abrasion
 
– Use a Soft-bristled Toothbrush: Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles to minimize abrasion on teeth and gums.
– Adopt Proper Brushing Technique: Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and use gentle, circular motions rather than harsh back-and-forth scrubbing.
– Limit Brushing Time and Frequency: Brush for two minutes, twice a day. Avoid brushing more than three times a day as it can cause more harm than good.
– Choose a Non-abrasive Toothpaste: Some toothpaste contains abrasive particles. Opt for those labeled as gentle or for sensitive teeth.
– Use Light Pressure: Apply only gentle pressure when brushing. If the bristles of your toothbrush splay out over time, you might be brushing too hard,
– Consider Electric Toothbrushes: Electric toothbrushes often come with pressure sensors and timers to help ensure you brush gently and for the correct amount of time. We love the Philips Sonicare!
If you suspect you have toothbrush abrasion, it’s important to consult your dentist. They can assess the extent of the damage and recommend appropriate treatments, such as desensitizing toothpaste, fluoride treatments, or in severe cases, gum grafting or dental restorations to repair loss of gum tissue and/or worn teeth.
Gum recession and root defect treatment by Clearwater, FL periodontist at Britten Periodontics
Smiling woman visiting Britten Periodontics in Clearwater, Florida

Why Should Gum Recession be Taken Seriously

Gum recession refers to the loss of gum tissue along the gumline. This can occur as a result of periodontal disease (gingivitis, periodontitis, advanced periodontitis), the natural aging process, or abrasive habits when it comes to brushing the teeth.

Why should gum recession be taken seriously?

When gum recession occurs, the root structure of the tooth becomes exposed. This means that tooth decay and other problems can affect the teeth along the gumline and beneath it. Since healthy gums are essential for a healthy mouth, getting gum recession treated is important for lasting dental wellness. When recession occurs to the point that no firm gum tissue remains, this leaves the roots of the teeth and the underlying bone relatively unprotected, which could result in root sensitivity, bacterial penetration, decay and even loss of teeth.

A gingival graft is designed to address these problems. A thin piece of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth or gently moved over from adjacent areas to provide a stable band of attached gum tissue around the tooth. The gingival graft may be placed in such a way as to cover the exposed portion of the root, however, the main objective is to re­establish the protective barrier or layer of the gum around the tooth. Occasionally, the patient may need multiple procedures to achieve the ideal amount of root coverage.

Dr. Britten has trained in the latest minimally invasive techniques of gum grafting and can often perform the entire procedure through a pinhole incision.

Tissue grafting and gum recession treatment at Britten Periodontics in Clearwater, Florida

Soft Tissue Grafting: What to know

Soft Tissue Grafting

A gum graft (also known as a gingival graft or periodontal plastic surgery), is a collective name for surgical periodontal procedures that aim to cover an exposed tooth root surface with grafted oral tissue.

Exposed tooth roots are usually the result of gingival recession due to periodontal disease.  There are other common causes, including overly aggressive brushing and trauma.

Here are some of the most common types of gum grafting:

  • Free gingival graft – This procedure is often used to thicken gum tissue.  A layer of tissue is removed from the palate and relocated to the area affected by gum recession.  Both sites will quickly heal without permanent damage.
  • Subepithelial connective tissue graft – This procedure is commonly used to cover exposed roots.  Tissue is removed fairly painlessly from the outer layer of the palate and relocated to the site of gum recession.
  • Acellular dermal matrix allograft – This procedure uses medically processed, donated human tissue as a tissue source for the graft.  The advantage of this is procedure is that there is no need for a donor site from the patient’s palate (and thus, less pain).

Reasons for gum grafting

Gum grafting is a common periodontal procedure.  Though the name might sound frightening, the procedure is commonly performed with excellent results.

Here are some of the major benefits associated with gum grafting:

  • Reduced sensitivity – When the tooth root becomes exposed, eating or drinking hot or cold foods can cause extreme sensitivity to the teeth.  Gum grafting surgery permanently covers the exposed root, helps reduce discomfort, and restores the good health of the gums.
  • Improved appearance – Periodontal disease is characterized by gum recession and inflammation.  Gum recession and root exposure can make the teeth look longer than normal and the smile to appear “toothy.”  Gum grafting can make the teeth look shorter, more symmetrical and generally more pleasing to look at.  In addition, adjacent tissue can be enhanced and augmented during the procedure for aesthetic purposes.
  • Improved gum health – Periodontal disease can progress and destroy gum tissue very rapidly.  If left untreated, a large amount of gum tissue can be lost in a short period of time.  Gum grafting can help halt tissue and bone loss; preventing further problems and protecting exposed roots from further decay.
Before and After – Free Gingival Graft by Dr. Todd Britten
Before and After – Connective Tissue Grafting by Dr. Todd Britten
Smiling woman visiting Britten Periodontics in Clearwater, Florida

Treating Gum Recession With Connective Tissue Grafting

Treating Gum Recession With Connective Tissue Grafting

When recession of the gum tissue occurs, the body loses a natural defense against both bacterial penetration and trauma. When gum recession is a problem, gum reconstruction using grafting techniques is an excellent option.

“Tissue grafting is recommended when you have gum recession that has left the root of a tooth exposed, or you are at risk of root exposure due to recession. It is a common procedure that is intended to recreate your gum line and prevent further deterioration of the gums, enhancing the appearance of your smile.

Gum recession can be caused by:

  • Aggressive toothbrushing
  • Gum disease
  • Gum tissue that is naturally thin
  • Previous orthodontic treatment
  • Previous tooth loss

What are benefits of soft tissue grafting?

  • Prevention or reduction of sensitivity by covering exposed root
  • Protection from future cavities
  • Symmetry in your gum line, creating an improved smile
  • Creation of a suitable environment for implant placement

Why is thicker tissue better than thin?

Thick gum tissue is critical to maintaining a healthy gum line and mouth. It makes your gums more resistant to recession over time and is more comfortable to brush. Additionally, thick gum tissue is important for achieving aesthetic results.” -Zimmer Dental

Before (left) and after (right) following Connective Tissue Grafting by Dr. Todd Britten of a Patient’s Lower Left Molars
Educational graphic on periodontal disease treatment by Britten Periodontics in Clearwater, Florida

Periodontal Disease May Be More Serious Than You Realize

A silent disease.

With periodontal disease, you may not feel any discomfort. You may not notice any symptoms. But treating periodontal disease quickly is of the utmost importance.
 
With proper diagnosis and professional instruction from a dentist, you can protect your pearly whites for years to come.
 
Do you think you’re suffering from periodontal disease? Or has it been years since your last checkup?
Then please schedule an appointment with your dentist or periodontist ASAP! #brittenperio #clearwaterperiodontist
Gum grafting procedures in Clearwater, Florida at Britten Periodontics.

How tissue grating can protect and save your teeth

When recession of the gum tissue occurs, the body loses a natural defense against both bacterial penetration and trauma. When gum recession is a problem, gum reconstruction using grafting techniques is an excellent option.
When there is only minor recession, some healthy gum tissue often remains and protects the tooth, so that no treatment other than modifying home care practices is necessary. However, when no firm gum tissue remains, this leaves the roots of the teeth and the underlying bone relatively unprotected, which could result in root sensitivity, bacterial penetration, decay and even loss of teeth.

A gingival graft is designed to address these problems. A thin piece of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth or gently moved over from adjacent areas to provide a stable band of attached gum tissue around the tooth. The gingival graft may be placed in such a way as to cover the exposed portion of the root, however, the main objective is to re­establish the protective barrier or layer of the gum around the tooth. Occasionally, the patient may need multiple procedures to achieve the ideal amount of root coverage.
Dr. Britten has trained in the latest minimally invasive techniques of gum grafting and can often perform the entire procedure through a pinhole incision.

Questions? Contact us

[iphorm id=”3″ name=”Contact form”]

Book Now

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Contact Us

Back to Blog

appointment

Categories