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Receding Gums: What Is It and How to Stop It?

Nov 10, 2022

Receding Gums: What Is It and How to Stop It?

In today's modern lifestyle, it is of utmost importance to take extra measures for one's oral health. Poor dental hygiene can lead to various diseases such as tooth decay, bad breath, gum recession, and much more.

What is Gum Recession?

Receding gums is a condition where the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth wears or pulls back. This leads to more tooth exposure as well as exposure of the roots underneath the teeth. Gum recession is a form of gum disease where one can witness the occurrence of pockets or gaps between the teeth & gums. This pocket or gap can become the home to bacteria and germs over time, leading to serious oral health concerns. 

It is extremely important to treat the dental problem of gum recession at an early stage. If left untreated, this condition can eventually lead to dental cavities, sensitivity, and even tooth decay.

Causes of Gum Recession:

There are several reasons why an individual may suffer from receding gums. Poor dental hygiene is the leading factor of the gum recession. Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to plaque and tartar build-up which can irritate the gums, and eventually lead to gum recession. It is extremely important to clean the mouth thoroughly with a smart brush and dental flosser twice a day.

Brushing too hard may also lead to gum recession. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush and brushing aggressively may wear off the enamel of the teeth which can cause the gums to recede. Thus, it is always advisable to use an electric toothbrush with soft DuPont bristles that are gentle on the gums and teeth.

Apart from this, there are several other factors contributing to gum recession which include periodontal diseases, injury caused to the gum tissue, smoking, genetics, and more.

How To Treat Gum Recession?

Treatment for gum recession will vary depending on the severity of the condition. Consult your dental professional who will examine your teeth & gums, and suggest a preferable treatment for the same. 

In mild cases, the condition can be treated by your dentist by prescribing antibiotics. This will further help with the infection caused to the gums. 

Deep cleansing of the teeth is yet another treatment for gum recession. This is also known as scaling or root planning. It is a procedure where the dental professional removes the plaque and tartar build-up from the roots of the teeth and deeply cleanses the same. The dentist may also smoothen the roots, to further assist in reattaching the gums to the tooth.

In severe cases, the dentist may also recommend surgical procedures for the treatment of gum recession. 

It is ideal to prevent the condition of gum recession with the practice of good oral hygiene. Always ensure to use a smart brush and dental flosser to cleanse the teeth in a correct, non-abrasive way to ensure the utmost protection of your gums. Along with this, it is essential to maintain a healthy nutritional diet as well as regular dental checkups to help you detect & treat any oral health concern at an early stage.