Receding gums treatments

Receding gums have several possible causes and many symptoms. The clearest symptom is often the appearance of the teeth and gums; if the gums appear to be pulling back from the teeth, you may have receding gums. The most serious cause of receding gums is periodontal disease, which is also called gum disease. There is no cure for periodontal disease, but there are many treatments. Treating periodontal disease can improve the health of your mouth and preserve the health and life of your teeth, and it’s important to diagnose and assess periodontal disease as early as possible. Thankfully, diagnosis is relatively simple, and dentists can assess and diagnose at your regular dental visit, so be sure to schedule an attend a dental visit every six months. If you notice any indication of gum recession, schedule an appointment immediately.

If your mouth is healthy, your gums are pink and healthy-looking, and your gumline is even and consistent. If you have receding gums, your gums may appear inflamed, and the gumline is erratic. You may see the roots of the affected teeth, and these areas may feel particularly sensitive. You may also notice other symptoms, like swollen gums, bleeding after brushing and flossing, or chronic bad breath. In advanced stages, periodontal disease may even lead to loose teeth. Receding gums are far more susceptible to bacterial growth, which can lead to further recession and greater oral health problems, and this is part of the reason that regular dental checkups and consistent oral hygiene practices are essential. Gum recession may be caused by aging, certain medical conditions, genetics, aggressive brushing, or poor oral hygiene. Regardless of the cause, your dentist can work with you to devise a treatment plan. Perhaps your receding gums are caused by aggressive brushing. If so, your dentist can work with you to teach you how to brush properly, using a soft-bristled brush and gripping and brushing gently for at least two minutes at a time. Professional dental cleaning is the first step toward preventing further bacterial growth, which often leads to greater recession. Dental hygienists use special tools to mechanically remove tartar that has built up on the teeth; removing this tartar allows the gums to heal around the teeth, which prevents future tartar buildup. In some cases, your dentist may give you a prescription antibiotic, either in mouthwash or pill form, to help prevent further bacteria and allow the gums to heal.

There are many other possible contributing causes of periodontal disease and gum recession. Sports injury or mouth trauma may affect the health of the gums; for example, if you have a pierced tongue or lip, the piercing stud may abrade the gums and can cause recession. Smoking leads to increased risk of gum recession, as does using chewing tobacco. Misalignment of the teeth may cause gum tissue to shift, leading to recession. Partial, temporary dentures that don’t fit properly may rub against the gums and lead to receding gum tissues, as can habitual grinding and clenching of the teeth. Each of these causes has a separate solution, but each can be treated, allowing receding gums to heal and stop receding, so be sure to visit your dentist to learn what treatment approach will be most effective for you. Your dentist will be able to assess the severity of your receding gums and also determine the cause and possible treatments. While gum recession can’t be reversed, it can be slowed and even prevented.

Treatment will depend on the cause of the problem. Your dentist may recommend a daily mouth rinse to complement your at-home hygiene routine, or you may be told to use a dental pick or other interdental cleaner. Because mild cases of gum recession can lead to a greater buildup of bacteria, which can, in turn, worsen gum recession, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is of the utmost importance. Your dentist may choose to perform periodic deep cleaning treatments, including the processes of scaling and root planing, which will allow the dentist to remove tartar and plaque from the surfaces of the teeth and from the roots of the teeth. In more serious cases, your dentist may refer you to a gum specialist, or periodontist, who may recommend a surgical solution. The two most common surgical solutions are gum grafting and flap surgery. Gum grafting involves moving healthy gum tissue from another area of the mouth and grafting it where recession has occurred. Flap surgery involves lifting the gums to clean underneath. Both surgical solutions help protect the teeth and gums from further recession. While receding gums are a common issue for many people, it’s possible to fend off receding gums and further periodontal disease with regular dental visits and proper, careful oral hygiene. The earlier you see your dentist, the easier it will be to stop future problems from developing.

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