Stop Receding Gums from Getting Worse
Gum recession tends to develop gradually, yet once it starts, it can cause more serious oral health problems if people leave it unaddressed. Unfortunately, gums that are receding cannot grow back on their own. You can take some steps, however, in order to slow or stop the worsening process. If you adjust your daily habits, maintain consistent dental care, and address underlying conditions, you can protect your gums against further damage.
You can be effective in managing gum recession if you make adjustments to your at-home teeth-care routine. Gum tissue loss over time may occur from using stiff bristles or brushing too hard. A soft-bristled brush plus gentle, circular motions can help more than aggressive back-and-forth strokes do. Toothpaste with fluoride can help clean your teeth. Also, you can use toothpaste that is without harsh abrasives to avoid irritating your gums. Flossing daily matters just as much. Plaque and food debris build along the gumline and lead to inflammation and infection, accelerating gum loss. When you floss, focus on moving gently between each tooth, and the floss should curve slightly under the gumline toward it without snapping. Water flossers or interdental brushes are useful alternatives if traditional floss use is difficult.
Dental cleanings by professionals are crucial. They stop gum recession from becoming worse. Tartar forms from hardened plaque in areas that you cannot easily reach. Even with consistent brushing and flossing, you can still get tartar. Dental hygienists have all the tools for the removal of buildup, as they monitor gum health throughout regular checkups. Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings than twice a year if your gum recession or other oral issues are unmanageable with only two.
Untreated gum disease may contribute to gum recession. Early stages of gum disease may cause redness, swelling, or bleeding, also advanced stages can result in bone loss plus deeper gum pockets. More intensive cleaning treatments, like scaling plus root planing are treatments your dentist may suggest. As this procedure removes bacteria and plaque below the gumline, tissue reattachment is easier when the gums are healthy.
Grinding teeth, notably at night, can place excess pressure upon the gums and contribute to recession over time. In such cases, a custom-fitted mouthguard can be an effective preventive measure. Both your teeth and their supporting structures are protected whenever you sleep while wearing it.
It is known that gum problems are worsened through the use of tobacco; it reduces blood flow to the gum tissue. If it is smoked or chewed, it slows healing and increases your chance of infection.
Your genetics or use of certain medications can make it more likely that you will suffer from gum recession. Hormone shifts could contribute. Even though you are not always able to change these factors, having awareness of them allows both you and \your provider to develop a plan for care that is more personalized.
If you have more questions about gum recession or how addressing it could work as a part of your treatment plan to achieve better dental health, make an appointment with the dentist to see if your gums are receding.