Receding gums are a common dental problem that many people experience. However, few people tend to notice that their gums are receding because the gums recede slowly over a long period of time.
If you have just noticed that you have receding gums and want to correct the issue, there are many ways to do so. This blog explains how you can treat gum recession to help you have a beautiful and healthy smile. But, first, we touch on why gum recession occurs and why it is bad.
It is hard to say why gum tissue recedes. Receding gums can be caused by a number of things, including hard brushing, poor dental hygiene, genetics, gum disease, and teeth grinding. It is hard to narrow it down to exactly one thing, as it could be caused by several.
Why Is Gum Line Recession Bad?
While gum recession may not seem like a bad thing, it can have severe effects on your oral health. When gum tissue recedes, more of your tooth is left open and vulnerable to harmful bacteria. As a result, you have an increased risk of developing periodontal disease (commonly known as gum disease) and other diseases that harm your teeth, gums, and mouth.
To help you get a better idea of why gum recession is bad, we list some of the common symptoms of gum recession below. As you can see, some of these symptoms can impact your comfort and well-being and the quality of your smile.
- Loose teeth
- Exposed roots of teeth
- Bad breath
- Pain around the gum line
- Tooth loss
- Tooth sensitivity
- Swollen or red gums
- Infection or pus around the gums
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing teeth
- Visibly receding gums
Can I Reverse Receding Gums Naturally?
Sadly, there are no natural remedies for receding gums. Gums are not a naturally regenerative material, meaning that it is impossible to reverse or stop gum recession without professional interference. However, you can help prevent receding gums by having a balanced diet, reducing your intake of sugary foods, and more.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day will prevent gum recession from getting worse. Make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush, though. Hard bristles can harm affected gum tissue, furthering recession.
We also suggest that you use an antimicrobial mouthwash to help remove bacteria from your teeth and gums every day. The mouthwash will eliminate bacteria that regular brushing cannot, thus keeping your teeth clean and protected.
Visit The Dentist Regularly
Regular dental care is a great way to treat mild gum recession. A dentist will perform a deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, which cause gums to recede, from the teeth and mouth. A dentist will also be able to identify any early warning signs of gum problems, allowing you to discuss treatment options early. Book an appointment at your local dental clinic today!
How To Treat Gum Recession
Your dentist may recommend a number of treatments if your gums are receding and you have gum disease. We explain these treatments below to help you have a better idea of what options are available to you.
Scaling and Root Planing
Tooth scaling is a procedure that involves removing bacteria above and below the gum line. As gums pull away from the teeth, pockets form. Bacteria can then become stuck below the gum line, where you cannot reach with your toothbrush. Open flap scaling involves removing plaque and tartar.
Root planing goes hand in hand with scaling. After scaling is complete, the dentist will then smooth out the root surfaces of the affected teeth. Planing helps encourage gums to reattach to your teeth.
A gum graft will be needed for severe cases where receding gum lines were left untreated and gums are too small to cover tooth roots.
Gum Grafting
Gum grafting, also known as gum surgery, is a surgical treatment that helps receding gums grow back. The dentist will remove a portion of skin from your mouth, typically the top. They then graft the skin to the areas where the gum tissue has receded, and there is an exposed root. The graft tissue, stimulating protein, helps encourage growth.
