how to stop gum recession and treatment of receding gums

Gum recession

Receding gum is when the gum tissue’s margins surrounding the teeth pull back, exposing more of the tooth. When gum recession often occurs, “pockets,” or gaps, form between the teeth and gum line, making it easy for disease-causing bacteria to build up. If left untreated, the teeth’ supporting tissue and bone structures can be damaged severely and may ultimately cause tooth loss.

The receding gums problem is very common, especially (although not necessarily) for those over 40. Receding gums is an extremely common dental ailment that virtually everyone will encounter. Receding gum lines result from gum disease, aging and gum recession-yes, it’s that serious. Recession can be brought on by many different factors, such as genetics, harsh brushing, and even bruxism (gum grinding.)

Gum recession is the most common dental problem. Most people don’t know the symptoms of gum recession because it occurs gradually. The first symptom of gum recession is common tooth sensitivity, or you may experience a tooth that looks longer than normal. Typically, a notch may feel near the gum line.

Receding gums are not something you want to ignore. If you think your gums are receding, visit your dentist. Some treatments can repair the gum and prevent further damage.

symptoms of receding gum

Symptoms of receding gums include:

Many people don’t notice their gums are starting to recede, at least not until they become sensitive to cold food, especially drinks. As the gums shrink and recede, your teeth look longer, and you begin to see the root.

Other telltale signs of gum recession include the following:

• Bleeding or pain when brushing your teeth, flossing, or eating hard foods
• Swollen, red-colored gums
• Mouth sores
• Bad breath
• Separation between teeth
• Pus between teeth and gums

Why Do Gums Recede?

Some factors can cause your gums to recede, like;

Periodontal disease

Some bacterial gum infections damage the gum tissue and the supporting bone that holds your teeth in place. Gum disease is the primary cause of gum recession.

Your genes

 Some people may be more sensitive to gum disease. Studies show that 30% of the human population can be predisposed to gum disease, regardless of how well they take care of their teeth.

Aggressive tooth brushing

 If you are brushing your teeth too hard or you brush your teeth in the wrong way, it can cause the veneer on your teeth to pull away and your gums to recede.

Insufficient dental care

Improper brushing, flossing, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash make it easier for the plaque to change into calculus (tartar). Tartar is a hard substance that builds on your teeth and between your teeth, and it can only be removed by professional dental care. It can cause a gum recession.

Hormonal changes

Changes in female hormone levels during a woman’s lifetime, such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can make gums more susceptible to gum recession.

Tobacco products

Tobacco users are more commonly to have sticky plaque on their teeth that is difficult to remove and lead to gum recession.

Grinding and clenching your teeth 

Clenching or grinding your teeth may put too much force on the teeth, causing gum recession.

Crooked teeth or a misaligned bite

 When your teeth do not come together evenly, too much force may be placed on the gums and bone, allowing the gums to recede.

Body piercing of the lip or tongue

Jewelry can rub the gums and can irritate to the point that gum tissue is worn away.

How to Treat Gum Recession?

Your dentist can treat mild receding gums by a deep cleansing of the affected area. During the deep cleaning (also called tooth scaling and root planing), plaque and tartar build-up on the teeth and root surfaces below the gum line is carefully removed. The exposed root area is smoothed, making it more difficult for bacteria to attach themselves. Antibiotics also may be given to the patient to get rid of any harmful bacteria.

If your gum disease cannot be treated with tooth scaling and root planning because of too much loss of bone and pockets that are too deep, gum surgery is the option to repair the damage to gums caused by gum recession.

A periodontist can determine the best course of treatment to save gum tissues and your teeth. First, if an infection is found in the gums, antibiotics may be prescribed.

How Your Dentist Can Treat Gum Disease

Dentists are experts in keeping teeth healthy. During a check-up, they examine your mouth, teeth and gums to spot any problems, and they can often be the first defense against gum disease.

Unlike toothache or sensitivity, gum disease often doesn’t cause pain or discomfort, so even if you do spot some of the signs, such as red, swollen, bleeding or receding gums, you might not seek help as fast as you should. But if gum disease is left untreated at the first stage of gingivitis, it can develop into periodontitis, which is much more serious and can lead to tooth loss.

Medications

Other medications may also be used to treat the underlying problem that is causing gum recession. Options include:

• topical antibiotic gel
• antiseptic chips
• antimicrobial mouthwash
• enzyme suppressants

What Type of Surgery Is Used to Treat the receding gums?

some surgical procedures which are given are used to treat gums:

Open flap scaling and root planing 

During this method, the periodontist (gum doctor) retracts the affected gum tissues, removes some harmful bacteria from the pockets, and conveniently stores the gum tissue in place over the tooth root, thus removing the pockets or reducing their size.

If you’re concerned about receding gums, then you should contact your dentist and see what type of treatment they can recommend for you. If you have severe gum problems or think they may get worse, you may want to look into periodontal surgery. This can repair damaged gum tissue and also correct gum recession.

Surgery may involve scaling or removing the dead and diseased tissue on the root portion of your tooth. This can be done through the traditional scaling techniques, which involve drilling into the jaw bone to remove diseased tissue and clean out the pockets. Hygienist techniques include using dental scaling or taking x-rays of the teeth. Root planing is another procedure that hygienists can perform. This procedure involves deep cleaning your mouth to allow your gums to heal and increase blood flow to the area. By using the professional method, we can treat gum.

Regeneration method for the treatment of gum recession

 If the bone supporting your teeth has been destroyed due to gum recession, a process to regenerate lost bones and tissue may be prescribed. As with a reduction in pocket depth, your dentist will fold back the tissues of your gums and remove the harmful bacteria. Some regenerative material, such as a membrane, graft tissue, or tissue-stimulating protein, will then be applied to encourage your body to regenerate bone and tissue in that area naturally. After the regenerative material is put into place, the gum tissue is secured over the tooth’s root.

Soft tissue graft procedure to treat gum recession

 There are different gum tissue graft procedures, but the most commonly used is a connective tissue graft. In this method, a skin flap is cut on the roof of your mouth (palate), and tissue from the bottom of the flap, called subepithelial connective tissue, is removed and then stitched to the gum tissue around the exposed root. After the connective tissue, the graft has been removed from under the flap; the flap is stitched back down.

 During another type of graft, called a free gingival graft, tissue is taken directly from the roof of the mouth. Sometimes, if you have enough gum tissue around the affected teeth, the dentist can graft gum near the tooth, not remove tissue from the palate. It is called a pedicle graft. Your dentist determined the best procedures to use on you based on your individual needs.

Other treatment options

For people who do need treatment, several options are available:

Desensitizing agents, varnishes, and dentin bonding agents

These products aim to reduce the sensitivity of the exposed tooth root. Desensitizing agents treat the nerve symptoms and help preserve oral hygiene by easing the brushing of sensitive teeth.

Composite restoration

A dentist uses tooth-colored composite resins to cover the surface of the root. They can also close the black gaps between teeth.

Pink porcelain or composite

This material is the same pink color as the gums and can be applied to fill the gaps where the gums have receded.

Orthodontics

These include treatments that slowly move the position of the teeth over a long period. This repositioning can correct the gum margin and make it easier to keep the teeth clean.

If you want to avoid the possibility of experiencing receding gums, it is important to pay attention to the symptoms that they may present. However, when you do observe them, there are a few things you can do about them to help you curb their advance.

Home treatments to prevent gum recession

To stop from receding the gum, it is vital to keep them from getting worse. A few straightforward methods include:

• Brushing your teeth twice a day.
• Flossing.
• The recession of gums with a mouthwash that contains fluoride and a good oral hygiene product.

However, it isn’t just the “bad breath” that is the cause of gum disease; poor oral hygiene contributes to this condition as well. There is nothing more harmful to your health than bacteria living in plaque. Plaque, or tartar, if left untreated, can lead to cavities and ultimately to full-blown decay.

Good Oral Cleaning Routine

The next step you demand to take is to brush or clean your teeth daily to prevent tooth loss and the development of receding gums. If you have had recent dental work such as crowns or dental implants, it is especially important to ensure you thoroughly clean your teeth before bedtime. Brushing twice daily is sufficient, but you may also want to use floss just in case food gets stuck between your teeth during the night. This strategy aims to make sure that plaque does not accumulate on the inner layer of your teeth, which is called the root.

The best technique to stop gum recession is to take good care of your mouth. Brushing and flossing your teeth every day and visiting your dentist or periodontist at least two times a year. If your gums are receding, your dentist wants to see you more often. Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush and ask your dentist to tell you the proper way for brushing your teeth. If your gums are receding due to a misaligned bite or teeth grinding, talk to your dentist about correcting the problem. Other ways to prevent gum recession include:

• Quit smoking if you smoke.
• Eat a well-balanced and healthy diet.
• Monitor changes that may occur in your mouth.

Conclusion

The outlook for the early stages of gum disease can be good, but only if the problem is treated early. You also don’t have to wait for a dentist to detect signs of receding gums. If something in your mouth doesn’t look or feel right, give your dentist a call right away. You may be able to treat gingivitis before it progresses into receding gums.

Keeping your gums and teeth healthy at home is the best way to help prevent and treat gum disease, but it should never be seen as an alternative to regular visits to see your dentist and hygienist. Only a professional can diagnose gingivitis or spot it if it has progressed into periodontitis, which must be treated by an expert to help minimize the damage to gums and teeth.