How to Repair Receding Gums At Home
Whether you're suffering from mild receding gums or severe gum recession, there are several treatment options available to help you restore the health and appearance of your teeth.
Receding gums can be caused by poor dental hygiene, other periodontal diseases, hormonal changes (especially in women), and bruxism, also known as teeth grinding. Gum disease can be prevented and healed by following a regular oral care routine and visiting your dentist for checkups and cleanings.
Understanding Receding Gums
Receding gums is a problem that affects millions of Americans. It can be a difficult problem to diagnose and treat, but with professional treatment and prevention steps, you can prevent your gums from receding.
A dental professional can evaluate your teeth and gums to determine if you have receding gums and recommend the right treatment. For more severe cases, a dentist can perform a procedure called tissue grafting. This procedure aims to stimulate the regeneration of either the gum tissues or the bones that support them.
Gum recession is one of the most common conditions caused by periodontal disease (gum disease). Periodontitis causes bacterial infections and can destroy the bone and tissue that holds your teeth in place, leading to gum loss.
Some other causes include genetics, poor oral hygiene and aging. The tough outer layer of your teeth, known as enamel, thins out over time and allows the dentin to show through.
Tooth grinding and clenching are also very common and can lead to receding gums. This is because clenching and grinding place a lot of force on your teeth, especially at night when you’re asleep.
While some people can regrow their gums on their own, it’s important to seek out a dentist when you have receding gums. The earlier the diagnosis, the more likely you’ll be able to prevent gum recession and keep your teeth healthy.
Causes of Receding Gums
Receding gums can be a serious oral health issue, and you don’t want to wait until they become a symptom of an underlying problem before taking action. Gum recession can expose the roots of teeth to bacteria, plaque, and decay.
If your gums are receding, it is likely the result of periodontal disease (gum disease). The gum tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place can become infected. If left untreated, this can lead to the loss of teeth and other serious problems.
A good oral hygiene routine, as well as keeping your teeth aligned properly and avoiding certain types of foods can help prevent gum recession. However, some people are more prone to developing receding gums than others.
Physical wear on the gums, like using a hard-bristled toothbrush, can also cause this type of recession. Over time, the gums can erode away completely.
The other common cause of gum recession is periodontal disease. This can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, exposing the root of the tooth and increasing tooth sensitivity.
There are many different treatments available for gum recession, depending on the cause and severity of the situation. Some of these include deep cleaning, treating infections, and tissue grafts. You should talk with your dentist to find out what treatment will work best for you.
Signs and Symptoms of Receding Gums
A number of oral health issues can lead to gum recession, including periodontal disease and poor brushing and flossing habits. A person can reduce their risk of developing gum disease by regularly brushing their teeth, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash.
In addition, avoiding tobacco products can help to reduce your risk of developing gum disease and other oral health issues. These habits will also help to keep plaque at bay and prevent receding gums from developing.
Other causes of gum recession include crooked teeth, grinding or clenching your teeth while sleeping, and hereditary factors. These causes are often hard to treat, but they can be prevented with routine dental checkups and regular cleanings.
If you notice any of these signs and symptoms, it is important to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. This is so that you can have a professional diagnosis and treatment before the problem worsens or becomes more severe.
One of the most common symptoms of receding gums is increased tooth sensitivity. This is usually a sign of periodontal disease, which can develop into more severe gum infections.
Another common symptom of gum recession is a change in the color of the gums. Healthy gums should be pink, but if the tissue is damaged by disease and recession, they may appear darker red.
Fortunately, mild receding gums can be treated with non-surgical solutions, such as orthodontics, desensitizing toothpaste, topical antibiotics, deep cleaning, scaling and root planing, and dental bonding. In more severe cases, gum tissue grafts are used to rebuild damaged areas of the gum line. These grafts are made of either a synthetic material or a piece of bone or tissue taken from an adjacent healthy area of the mouth.
Treatment Options for Receding Gums
In a healthy mouth, the gums surround each tooth tightly and protect it from bacteria and decay. Receding gums expose the roots of a tooth to bacteria, which can lead to periodontal disease.
Generally, receding gums can't be reversed but can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. However, if your gums have receded to the point where deep cleaning (also known as scaling and root planing) can't stop them from progressing, there are some options available to you.
One is a non-surgical treatment called Emdogain(tm). This treatment actually regenerates gum tissue without having to harvest it from another part of the mouth.
Other methods of preventing gum recession include using soft toothbrushes, avoiding over-brushing, and reducing sensitivity with desensitizing toothpaste. You can also choose to see a dentist or hygienist for regular check-ups and professional cleanings.
Some people are more prone to receding gums due to genetics. They may have thinner gum tissue or have misaligned teeth that exacerbate the condition.
Physical wear from brushing, chewing, and grinding can also cause receding gums. If you have crooked or uneven teeth, orthodontics can help straighten out the tooth's position and put your gum line back in place.
Gum graft surgery is another option that's often recommended to prevent receding gums and cover exposed roots. Tissue from the roof of the mouth or the palate is grafted over the area that's receding to cover the roots.
Prevention Tips for Avoiding Gum Recession
Gum recession can be prevented by following a proper oral hygiene routine. This means brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing daily to remove plaque buildup and keep the gums healthy.
In addition, it is important to schedule regular dental appointments (every six months at a minimum). These visits will allow your dentist and hygienist to monitor the health of your gums and teeth.
If you notice any signs or symptoms of gum disease, such as sensitivity, pain, and bone loss, it is important to make an appointment right away. These symptoms can be signs of periodontal disease, a chronic infection that can lead to gum recession and tooth loss if left untreated.
A common cause of gum recession is the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth and in between the teeth. These toxins can damage the tissues and bone that support your teeth.
Brushing your teeth too hard or scrubbing your gums too aggressively can also cause receding gums. To avoid this, use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric brush that provides gentle vibrations and encourages the ideal amount of pressure when you brush your teeth.
In addition to good oral hygiene practices, you can avoid gum recession by quitting smoking and avoiding sugary foods that promote the growth of bacteria in your mouth. A balanced diet with plenty of vegetables and fruit is a great way to maintain excellent dental health.
When to See a Doctor For Your Receding Gums
Gum recession is a common dental concern that can have significant effects on the health of your smile and the overall appearance of your teeth. It can expose more of your tooth and cause gum disease and bone loss. To know more click here
If left untreated, receding gums can lead to the formation of pockets that allow bacteria to collect and increase sensitivity. Bacteria can also cause more serious oral health issues such as tooth decay, periodontal disease, and even gum disease-related bone loss.
Fortunately, there are many ways to address gum recession and help restore your healthy smile. Some treatments may require an office visit, while others are a part of your everyday dental care routine.
The best way to prevent gum recession is to maintain good oral hygiene habits and go to your dentist twice a year for cleanings and exams. Regular visits can also help to remove plaque and get rid of cavities before they start.
Another effective prevention strategy is using toothpastes that contain stannous fluoride (SNF2) that binds to the toxic bacteria in plaque to eliminate it and keep your gums healthy. This helps to stop gingivitis and protect against future problems with your teeth, including receding gums.
Receding gums are a warning sign that something is wrong with your mouth and should be treated immediately. There are several different treatment options for receding gums, and the best one for you depends on the severity of the condition and the type of tooth affected.