How to Fix Receding Gums
Receding gums are a common problem, yet few people understand what to do about receding gums treatment. First, it’s important to understand what causes receding gums so that you can learn how to stop receding gums from getting worse. Here’s what you should know.
What Causes Receding Gums?
Receding gums are gums that have pulled away from a tooth and are typically considered a form of gum disease. The problem with receding gums is that they can expose the tooth’s root and create a pocket where bacteria and plaque can build up. This can exacerbate gum disease and tooth decay, but it also contributes to additional gum recession. As such, it’s vital to understand the causes of receding gums to help stop the progression of the problem.
Receding gums are caused by several different factors, including:
- Age
- Brushing your teeth too hard
- Brushing with a toothbrush that’s too stiff or has worn-out bristles
- Clenching or grinding your teeth
- Genetic predisposition to thin gum tissue
- Insufficient oral hygiene
You may have an increased risk of developing receding gums if you:
- Already have periodontal disease
- Brush your teeth incorrectly
- Have braces or other orthodontic treatments
- Have a lip piercing or tongue piercing
- Smoke or use chewing tobacco
Can Receding Gums Grow Back?
For many patients, a diagnosis of receding gums comes with the question, “Can receding gums grow back?” Unfortunately, gum tissue does not regenerate like other tissue in your body, so receding gums won’t grow back. However, improving your oral hygiene will keep gums as healthy as possible. Read on to learn how to stop receding gums from getting worse and how to fix receding gums by pursuing receding gums treatment.
Receding Gums Treatment
If you’re genetically predisposed to gum recession, it may not be fully preventable for you. However, you can lower your risk of developing problems associated with gum recession. Learning how to fix receding gums is all about improving your overall oral health. Keep your gums healthy and prevent recession as much as possible with the following:
- Brush your teeth correctly twice per day for two minutes each time
- Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and replace it at least every three months
- Floss daily using the correct technique
- See your dentist every six months, or as often as needed
- Don’t smoke or use chewing tobacco
If it’s been a while since you’ve seen your dentist or bacteria has built up in the pockets of your receding gums, you may need to get a deep cleaning procedure. This deep cleaning, called scaling and root planing, scrapes away tartar that’s hardened along and under the gum line and smooths the roots to help gums reattach to your teeth. Your dentist may also suggest an antimicrobial mouthwash or topical antibiotics for a short period of time to help. It can also be helpful to ask your dentist to recommend a toothpaste for receding gums and sensitivity.
Dental bonding can sometimes cover the exposed root of your tooth and help improve pain and sensitivity. However, if you have lost too much gum tissue, you may need gum graft surgery. Gum graft surgery is the most reliable receding gums treatment. During this procedure, a periodontist or oral surgeon will use gum grafts (taken from the roof of your mouth or from donor tissue) to replace and repair missing gum tissue.
See Your Dentist for Receding Gums
If you notice increased sensitivity or pain along your gum line, make an appointment with your dentist for a checkup. They can assess the severity of your gum recession and begin treating receding gums right away. With prompt treatment and excellent ongoing oral hygiene and dental care, you can keep your gums as healthy as possible.
Learn more about keeping your mouth healthy by ordering your copy of If Your Mouth Could Talk.
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22753-gum-recession
https://www.healthline.com/health/receding-gums-grow-back#what-you-can-do
https://www.corsodyl.co.uk/advice/can-receding-gums-grow-back/#:~:text=The%20simple%20answer%20is%2C%20no,the%20problem%20from%20getting%20worse
