Receding Gums Treatment: What You Need to Know

Receding gums or gingival recession is the gradual loss of gum tissue, exposing the root of your teeth. While this condition is common, many of us know little about it. This guide will give you all the information you need to know.

Are Receding Gums Bad?

Receding gums leave your teeth and their roots exposed to bacteria, which can lead to tooth decay, infection, loss and other oral problems.

Moreover, pockets or gaps can appear between your teeth and gums as part of the gum recession. These pockets can become excellent hiding spots for bacteria, and bacterial overgrowth, which causes various oral issues. Left untreated, the infection can also affect the bone underneath, resulting in tooth loss or worse.

Are Receding Gums Common?

Receding gums can become more prevalent as you age. It’s typically not something that occurs immediately and is most common in patients over age 40 in Australia. Still, gum recession can start as early as your teens. Only early prevention can help reverse the adverse effects of receding gums naturally.

What Are the Causes of Receding Gums?

Receding gums can be caused by several factors, including:

• Periodontal diseases (bacterial gum infections)
• Aggressive tooth brushing
• Insufficient dental care
• Genetics
• Hormonal changes
• Tobacco products
• Grinding and clenching your teeth
• Crooked teeth or a misaligned bite
• Body piercing of the lip or tongue

How to Fix Receding Gums?

You’ll be needing help from dental professionals to reverse gum recession. Here are the receding gum treatments modern dentistry offers:

Deep Cleaning

If you have only mild gum recession, a deep-cleaning procedure may be enough to solve your problem. This procedure is also called root planing or tooth scaling, which typically involves removing hardened plaque and tartar underneath your teeth and gums. The exposed root area of the teeth are also smoothed down to protect your gums from bacteria and infection.

Antibiotics are sometimes given in case any harmful bacteria remains after the deep cleaning.

Is There Receding Gums Surgery?

If your condition has progressed, a deep clean may not be enough to address gum recession. Once your receding gums pass certain stages, surgery may be necessary to reverse any damage or change to your mouth.

Flap Surgery

To prevent tooth loss, incisions are made in your gums to pull back the gum tissue. The surgeon can then perform scaling and root planing procedures.

Bone Regeneration

Regenerative surgery is vital when bone and gum tissue is lost. Specialist material is used to promote tissue and bone regeneration, so that the gums can be secured over the roots again. Deep cleaning and root planing can then occur.

Tissue Graft

In case too much gum material is lost, a gum tissue graft is performed to restore the gums. If enough material is available, the tissue used for the graft can come from elsewhere in your gums. Otherwise, the tissue can also be taken from the roof of your mouth.

How to Stop Receding Gums From Getting Worse?

Just like any periodontal issue, the best way to prevent receding gums occuring or from getting worse is to take good care of your oral health. This means maintaining good oral hygiene, such as brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing every day and a dental check-up at least twice a year, or as often as recommended. Also, opt for soft-bristled toothbrushes for gentle yet effective teeth and gum cleaning.

If you’re already suffering from gum recession, then your dentist will probably want to see you more often than twice a year. Additionally, if the condition is caused by a misaligned bite or teeth grinding, it is best to consult with your dentist to correct the problem.

There are also other ways to prevent your gums from receding:

• Avoid tobacco products
• Have a healthy and well-balanced diet.
• Drink a sufficient amount of water.
• Treat existing oral conditions.
• Observe any changes in your mouth.

Book an Appointment Today!

Are you suffering from receding gums? We recommend treating this issue as early as possible so it doesn’t develop and become worse. Don’t worry, though, our dentists at Langmore Dental can help you prevent or fix receding gums, so you can have a cleaner, brighter and healthier smile.