Stop Receding Gums from Getting Worse

If you have gum recession, you share a common problem with most adults, especially as you age. Fortunately, gum recession can be effectively treated if you discover the condition when it is in the early stages. See your dentist regularly—preferably every six months—for professional cleaning and diagnosis of other oral health issues, including gum recession. Your dentist will examine your condition and recommend the best prevention methods for stopping gum recession before it gets worse.

What are Indications of Gum Recession?

Gum recession occurs when your gums are pulling away from the surface of your teeth, exposing the root surfaces and creating an environment where bacteria and plaque proliferate in your mouth. Because gum recession happens slowly over time, most people do not become aware of it until they have significant damage. It is a serious problem because your gums will not grow back.

Gum recession is indicated by the following common symptoms:

  1. Bleeding gums after brushing or flossing
  2. Red, swollen gums
  3. Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
  4. Pain while chewing or pain at the gumline
  5. Sensitivity caused by exposed tooth roots

The most advanced stage of receding gums is loose teeth. Without adequate tissue, your gums cannot hold your teeth properly in place in your mouth. If your condition is advanced, you will need to see a periodontist (gum specialist) for more aggressive treatment.

What Causes Gum Recession?

You may be experiencing gum recession for any of the following reasons:

  1. Gum disease (known as gingivitis) caused by poor dental hygiene
  2. Hardened plaque build-up (known as tartar)
  3. Brushing too aggressively over a long period of time
  4. Clenching or teeth grinding, especially while you sleep
  5. Family history of periodontal weaknesses and disease
  6. Misaligned teeth
  7. Smoking or other tobacco use
  8. Normal aging

Additionally, certain medications can cause dry mouth. Without adequate saliva in your mouth, your teeth and gums are vulnerable to bacterial infection.

What Are Gum Recession Treatments?

Treatment for gum recession depends on the primary cause of your issue:

  1. Better Dental Habits. If you have poor oral hygiene or brush too hard, your dentist can show you proper brushing and flossing techniques. Also, use a mouth rinse daily and dental picks or another type of interdental cleaner to keep hard-to-reach areas clean.
  2. Scaling and Root Planing. A deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing helps treat gum recession. Your dentist uses special instruments to remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth and the roots of your teeth.
  3. Gum Grafting. If your gum recession is serious, a procedure called gum grafting can restore gum tissue. A periodontist will use tissue from another part of your mouth, typically the roof of your mouth, and graft—or attach it—around an area of significant gum recession or exposed tooth roots. Once the area heals, it protects the exposed tooth root.

Ask Your Dentist About Preventing Gum Recession

Gum recession can worsen if you delay or skip treatment, requiring more drastic measures for successfully dealing with the condition. That is yet another reason why it is so important that you visit your dentist twice a year. He or she can recognize gum recession and recommend appropriate treatment, whether your condition is mild, moderate, or advanced.

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