Know How to Prevent and Treat Receding Gums
Don’t Ignore Your Sensitive Teeth
Do you have receding gums? Knowing how to prevent and treat receding gums is one of the best ways to maintain oral health throughout your lifetime.
You may have receding gums and not realize it. The truth is that gum recession happens so gradually that most people don’t realize they have an issue until they begin to experience side effects, such as bleeding after brushing or flossing; red, swollen gums; tooth sensitivity; bad breath; pain at the gum line; visibly shrinking gums; and exposed tooth roots.
What Causes Receding Gums?
The first step in preventing receding gums is knowing what causes them in the first place. Dentists have identified several risk factors and/or frequent habits that can contribute toward gum recession at any age.
- Smoking and use of other tobacco products
- Eating an unhealthy diet
- Not paying attention to changes in your mouth
- Genetic factors
- Periodontal disease
- Aggressive tooth brushing
- Insufficient dental care
- Hormonal changes
- Grinding / clenching teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Misaligned bite
- Lip or tongue piercings
Here’s What Happens When Your Gums Recede
Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue that surrounds your tooth and tooth root pulls back and exposes more tooth surface or exposes the root. Receding gums can create gaps or “pockets” between your teeth and the gum line.
When this happens, it’s easier for tiny food particles to become lodged under the gum line. Then bacteria will start to build up in your mouth, which can cause a host of oral diseases. This cycle of bacteria and decay can result in tooth damage or a total loss of your tooth (or teeth).
Don’t Ignore Your Sensitive Teeth
Most often, the first sign of gum recession is the occurrence of sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity can be quite uncomfortable and even painful, but it’s important not to ignore this symptom. If you are experiencing a new tooth sensitivity or ongoing sensitivity, it’s important to make an appointment with your dentist right away.
At Peace Haven Family Dentistry, your dentist can perform a simple examination of your gum tissue to determine if there is any gum recession and what action can be taken to prevent further damage.
How We Treat Receding Gums
Depending on the advancement of your receding gums, we may choose from several different options for your dental care. If your gum recession is mild and in its early stages—which is when we want to catch it—a deep cleaning, also called tooth scaling, of the affected areas can help prevent any further progression. During this procedure, we can remove any buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth and below the gum line.
For more advanced cases, we may perform the same procedure and prescribe an antibiotic to get any existing infection under control and eliminate any remaining harmful bacteria. If you have too much bone loss or your gaps are too deep, you may need gum surgery to repair the damage from gum recession.
Know How to Prevent and Treat Receding Gums
As with any dental issue or disease, we always maintain that the best form of prevention is to take good care of your teeth and mouth.
- Brush your teeth at least twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush using gentle strokes.
- Floss your teeth daily to prevent the buildup of tiny food particles, which can also cause bad breath.
- Visit your dentist or periodontist at least every six months for your regular checkup and X-rays as needed.
- Consult your dentist about correcting a misaligned bite or teeth grinding / clenching.
- Ask your dentist for a brushing and flossing demonstration to ensure that you are doing it properly.
- If you notice any changes in your teeth or mouth, contact your dental provider right away.
Do you need help to prevent or treat receding gums?
Call or contact Peace Haven Family Dentistry today for an appointment.
All Aspects of General Dentistry Including: Root Canal Therapy, Dental Extractions, Invisalign, Dental Implants, Tooth Colored Fillings, Same Day CEREC Crowns, Full and Partial Dentures, 3-D CBCT X-rays
My office is located at:
1086 Whitaker Rd.
Winston Salem, NC 27106
336-765-9247
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