What to Do about Receding Gums

.Receding gums can be a cause for concern. They can affect your smile’s appearance and health. It can begin as a small issue that develops over many years. On the other hand, gum recession can happen much quicker if there is a serious problem. If you’ve noticed your gums pulling away from your teeth, taking action promptly is essential.

Without treatment, receding gums can become more than a cosmetic issue. In fact, receding gums can cause your teeth to shift or even fall out. Therefore, it is vital to talk to your dentist when you notice an issue with your gums. 

 

The Root of the Problem

To comprehend receding gums, it’s important to understand the role of the gum tissue in supporting and protecting our teeth. Gum tissue covers the roots of our teeth and acts as a barrier against bacteria and plaque. However, various factors can cause the gums to recede.

Gum Disease: The most common cause of gum recession is periodontal disease, an infection that damages the gums.

Brushing Too Hard: Also, aggressive brushing or using a toothbrush with hard bristles can cause gum tissue to wear away over time.

Genetics: Some are more prone to gum recession due to genetic factors affecting their gum tissue’s thickness and structure.

Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or puberty can also increase the risk of gum recession.

Tobacco Use: Smoking and tobacco products can cause gum tissue to shrink and recede. Also, these habits can increase your chances of gum disease and oral cancers. 

Taking Action

If you suspect you have receding gums, it is crucial to take the right steps to avoid making the recession worse.

Practice Gentle Oral Hygiene: Opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush your teeth using gentle, circular motions. Avoid aggressive brushing that can further irritate the gums.

Floss Regularly: Clean between your teeth and along the gumline with floss to remove plaque and debris. This will remove plaque and also reduce your risk of developing gum disease.

Quit Smoking: Tobacco use can worsen gum recession. Therefore, quitting smoking and avoiding tobacco products can help prevent further damage to your gum tissue.

Maintain Regular Dental Visits: Schedule regular dental check-ups to check the health of your gums and receive dental cleanings. These also help to remove plaque and tartar buildup.

Treatment Options

While prevention is crucial, several treatment options are available to address receding gums and restore your smile. Your dentist will recommend the most suitable option based on the severity of your condition. Here are common treatment approaches:

Scaling and Root Planing: In cases of early gum disease, your dentist may perform a procedure called scaling and root planing. This may remove plaque and tartar buildup below the gum line and smooth the tooth roots.

Orthodontic Treatment: In some cases, orthodontic treatment like Invisalign may help correct misaligned teeth that cause gum recession.

Dental Restoration: If gum recession causes major tooth damage, your dentist may suggest dental restorations. Also, these may include dental crowns or veneers to protect and strengthen the affected teeth.