How to Help Receding Gums

Receding Gums Causes

What causes receding gums? Receding gums is when the gums have dropped down and the tissue has pulled away exposing more of the tooth and sometimes exposing the root of the tooth. This gap between the gum and tooth allows bacteria to build up and can cause plaque and gum disease. Patient symptoms of receding gums are usually having a sensitivity to cold and possibly a sensitivity to sweets. See your dentist and practice good oral health habits to relieve sensitive teeth.

Generally, here are the reasons that cause gums to recede:

  • genetics/age – some people are predisposed and have thin gum tissue
  • poor oral hygiene – not cleaning teeth regularly
  • tooth movement – long periods of time of orthodontic treatment and/or not wearing retainers
  • tooth positioning – teeth may be fighting to fit in the same row
  • trauma/heavy bite – patient with a traumatic bite or clench and grind can cause gum recession

While brushing teeth, don’t scrub your gums or use hard bristles. This can start or worsen the recession of gums.

receding gums

Receding Gums Treatment

Are receding gums treatable? Yes. Get your teeth cleaned more regularly. Patients with receding gums are prone to get more cavities. You may want to see the dentist every 3-4 months, instead of every six months. If gum recession is caused by a heavy bite or grinding, then patient may need a filling to cover the area of the tooth loss structure.

You may be wondering how to treat receding gums at home. Here are a few tips to help treat receding gums:

  • Practice good oral hygiene
    • Brush teeth twice per day
    • Floss teeth at least once a day
  • Use oral hygiene products that fight gingivitis and plaque
    • Consider using receding gums mouthwash, like a fluoride varnish or fluoride ACT rinse
    • Consider using receding gums toothpaste, and possibly a sensitivity paste, like Sensodyne.

A patient that has gum recession should use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Hard bristles can start and worsen the problem of receding gums. Also, with electric toothbrushes just move to different areas of the mouth and let the electric toothbrush do its job to not make gums worse. Remember, don’t scrub your gums away. Clean your teeth with care AND with frequency.

Be sure to brush and floss teeth twice a day. 60% of people only brush their teeth once a day and it’s usually in the morning. The timing is what’s important! If you’re only going to brush your teeth once a day, make sure to brush at night before you go to sleep. And, only ingest water after brushing before bed. You can brush again in the morning, but you must brush teeth every night.

Be sure to always take care of your oral hygiene and report anything unusual that you may notice to your local dentist so they can better assist you and help you have a longer, lasting pearly white smile.

Promenade Dental Care is a dental office based in the heart of Midtown Atlanta, GA. We practice comfortable, health-centered dentistry with a strong emphasis on getting to know each of our patients. We are careful listeners and will explain beforehand what treatment is best for your individual needs. Dr. Harris and his team look forward to your visit and to show you how exceptional dentistry can improve your life.

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