As one of the more trademark signs of gum disease, gum recession is not only unsightly, it can make your tooth more vulnerable to decay and loss. Once your gums do start to draw back, they’ll require surgical intervention to restore them; receding gums simply do not grow back on their own. While preventing gum recession from occurring in the first place is ideal, stopping it from progressing any further is also beneficial.
Stopping Gum Recession in Its Tracks
If your gums have already started to recede, then the damage has been done. However, there’s no need to panic; while you can’t grow the tissue back, you can take measures to stop the recession from getting worse.
Gum recession can be caused by a variety of causes, including gum disease, bruxism (grinding your teeth), and overbrushing your teeth with a hard-bristled tooth brush. Halting any behaviors that lead to receding gums is key in saving your remaining gingival tissue.
- Gum Disease: If you have early stage gum disease, known as gingivitis, then you can easily reverse it by improving your brushing and flossing regimen. Spend two minutes, twice per day, brushing your teeth and follow up with dental floss and antibacterial mouthwash to cure your early stage gum disease.
- Bruxism: Grinding your teeth can cause your gums to start to recede, as well. Using a mouth guard when you sleep can help protect your teeth.
- Over-brushing: Some people erroneously believe that the harder the toothbrush, the more effective it is at cleaning your teeth. Instead, use a soft tooth brush instead to prevent erosion of your gums.
If your gum recession has gotten severe enough that your gum roots are exposed, and your teeth are in danger of becoming dislodged, then it’s absolutely vital to schedule an appointment at our office. We can diagnose the underlying cause of your gum recession and implement a plan to not only help prevent it from getting worse, but we can also help restore your gums for you. Please give us a call today to schedule your exam and keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong!”
