Stop receding gums from getting worse

Receding gums are a very common issue. If your gums are pulling back from the surface of your tooth, possibly exposing the roots of the teeth, you have receding gums. It’s important to address receding gums early on, to prevent the condition from worsening. Gums recede slowly, over time, so you may not know your gums are receding until there has been considerable damage to your oral health. Be sure to visit your dentist for regular checkups, where they can assess the health of your gums and determine if, and how much, they may be receding. This is the first step toward treatment. You may notice that your teeth appear longer than they once did; this may be a sign of receding gums. Other symptoms include bleeding after flossing or brushing; redness or swelling of the gums; pain where the gums meet the teeth; persistent bad breath; and sensitivity of exposed roots. Gums that have receded severely may also lead to loose teeth. There are many possible causes of receding gums, including poor oral hygiene, excessive tartar buildup, genetics, aggressive brushing, habitual clenching or grinding of the teeth, misalignment of the teeth, smoking, and diabetes. If you suspect your gums are receding, be sure to book an appointment with your dentist as soon as you can; the longer you wait, the more your gums may recede and the harder they will be to treat. Dentists can recognize periodontal diseases, such as receding gums, and can measure the progress of the gum recession. They are also able to treat periodontal diseases in the earlier stages, by deep cleaning the teeth, gums, and roots to remove tartar buildup and allow your gums to heal. In more serious cases, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist, or gum specialist, who may recommend a more drastic course of treatment, including surgery. Periodontists use a variety of surgical techniques to repair and restore gums that have severely receded.

When receding gums are assessed and diagnosed early, the condition can respond well to treatment. Regular checkups and professional cleanings, in addition to a solid daily brushing and flossing routine, may be the best prevention for receding gums. When gums recede, this creates pockets between the gums and teeth where bacteria can build up, leading to an overgrowth of plaque and tartar. During a professional cleaning, your dental hygienist can remove the tartar that is found on the teeth, reducing inflammation in the gums and allowing irritated and swollen gum tissue to heal. Your dentist may also apply an antibacterial gel, or prescribe an antibiotic mouthwash, to discourage further bacterial growth, which gives the gum tissue more time to heal. Additionally, if your gums are receding because of aggressive brushing, your dentist will work with you so you can learn how to brush properly, which should cause no injury to the gum tissue and prevent further recession. Your dentist can also use a special instrument to measure how significantly the gums have receded, allowing a more accurate diagnosis and customized treatment plan. Be sure to schedule and attend regular checkups with your dentist every six months, which is the best way to catch receding gums early, when they’re easiest to treat. This is the best plan to help stop receding gums from getting worse.

More on Gum Recession : Gum Recession Treatments