Gum disease is an infection that affects the gums, bones, and ligaments. It can start as gingivitis and develop into periodontitis if left untreated.
Fortunately, there are many home remedies you can use to treat gum disease at home. But you should also visit your dentist for regular dental checkups and cleanings.
What is Receding Gums
You might think receding gums are a simple cosmetic issue, but it can also be an indicator of gum disease. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a condition that causes your gums to pull away from your teeth, creating pockets between your teeth and gums.
Eventually, this can cause your tooth roots to become exposed, which can lead to tooth sensitivity and damage. Additionally, if you have receding gums, it can make it easier for bacteria to get between your teeth and gums.
It can also increase your risk of getting other oral health problems, including tooth decay or gum disease. Receding gums are often the first warning sign of gum disease, so it’s a good idea to have regular dental checkups with your dentist.
Luckily, there are ways to prevent and treat receding gums. These include practicing good oral hygiene habits and regularly visiting your dentist for a cleaning.
Causes of Receding Gums
Receding gums are a common dental problem, and it is usually a symptom of an underlying oral health issue such as gum disease. If left untreated, gum recession can increase a person’s risk of tooth decay and infection.
Periodontal diseases are the most commonly known cause of gum recession, but there are also other causes. Genetics, bad oral hygiene habits, medical conditions such as diabetes, ill-fitting dentures or smoking, and even trauma to the mouth can all lead to receding gums.
Depending on the severity of your gum recession, you may be referred to a specialist called a periodontist for treatment. A periodontist can recommend a variety of options, including deep cleaning, treating infections and tissue grafts to help reattach or restore lost gum tissue.
Gum recession is a serious condition that should not be ignored. It can lead to further oral health problems, such as increased risk of tooth decay, gum disease and bone loss if left untreated. To prevent this, make an appointment with our office as soon as you notice any signs of gum recession.
Why Am I Getting Receding Gums
Receding gums are a common dental problem that can go unnoticed. They cause teeth to look longer and expose the roots of your tooth, which can lead to pain, sensitivity, and even loss of teeth.
Receding gums occur due to periodontal (gum) disease, which is a bacterial infection that destroys both the soft tissue and the bone that supports your teeth. Gum disease can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene, and early intervention helps to minimize the damage that occurs with advanced gum disease.
Other factors that can contribute to gum recession include a bad bite, grinding or clenching your teeth, and wearing jewelry that may rub against your gums. Bruxism is also known to cause gum recession.
The good news is that there are many natural ways to help receding gums heal. Some of these include taking antibacterial supplements, drinking green tea, chewing on aloe vera gel and using oil pulling.
Natural Ways To Help Receding Gums
Receding gums are a very common oral health problem that can lead to gingivitis, tooth decay and periodontal disease. It is caused by a buildup of bacteria-containing plaque and can lead to inflammation of the gum tissue that can destroy it.
It can also lead to a gap between the teeth and gums that allows bacteria to accumulate. This can cause the teeth to become loose, and may eventually lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
One of the best ways to treat receding gums is to practice proper oral hygiene at home. Daily brushing and flossing can help remove plaque, kill bacteria, reduce bad breath and keep your gums and teeth healthy.
Visiting your dentist for regular checkups is another way to prevent gum disease and keep the mouth clean. Dentists can perform a deep clean, which flushes out the built-up plaque and bacteria under the gumline, preventing gum recession and preserving your teeth and bone.
Natural remedies can also be helpful in controlling and reversing gum recession. These include:
Gum Disease Treatment At Home
Gum disease treatment is a multidisciplinary approach that includes routine cleaning, antibiotics, and root planing. These treatments reduce bacterial infection and rebuild tissue damaged by gum disease.
A healthy diet is important to maintaining your oral health and reducing your risk of developing gum disease. It should include foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin C. Avoid refined carbohydrates that can lead to plaque buildup, as well as sugars that irritate the gums and cause tooth decay.
Brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft bristle manual or electric toothbrush and using an antibacterial mouthwash helps control bacteria that may cause gingivitis and gum disease. Replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles become matted and frayed.
Swishing with a saltwater rinse, such as one made from a teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of water, may also help relieve swollen and bleeding gums and fight the bacteria that cause gum disease. Rinse two or three times a day for a few days to see if it improves your symptoms.
When to see a dentist
You should see a dentist as soon as you notice any issues with your gums. This is important to prevent gum disease from progressing and damaging your teeth.
Symptoms include bleeding gums, red or swollen gums and bad breath. Some people may also experience a loose or shifting tooth.
It’s best to visit a dentist as soon as you begin noticing any of these symptoms so they can examine them and prescribe the right treatment for your unique case.
The dentist will also perform a thorough checkup, checking for any abnormalities with your mouth or teeth. They’ll use a dental probe to measure the depth of your tooth pockets and look for bone loss around your teeth.
Depending on the severity of your gum disease, your dentist might recommend scaling and root planing (deep cleaning). They’ll remove harmful bacteria from the surface of the tooth below your gums and smooth out any plaque they can’t reach. In more severe cases, they might suggest surgery to remove the bacteria that’s deep under your gums or to replace gum tissue that’s lost.
Can receding gums grow back?
Your gums are the foundation of your teeth and protect them from damage and decay. When your gums begin to recede, this can cause more serious problems.
Your dentist will diagnose your condition and determine the best treatment for you. They may recommend a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing or surgery to remove bacteria from the pockets that form in your gums caused by receding gums.
Scaling and root planing involves scraping plaque from your teeth and below the gum line with a hand-held or ultrasonic device that loosens it for removal. This gives you a clean slate to take better care of your teeth and gums to prevent future damage.
Another treatment for receded gums is antibiotic mouthwash and flossing daily to remove bacteria. Regular visits to the dentist for cleanings and exams are also helpful to maintain your oral health.
Receding gums can be prevented or reversed in many cases with proper dental hygiene and by quitting smoking. However, in severe cases a dentist will need to perform gum surgery or other treatments to improve your condition.
Conclusion
A visit to the dentist and a regular brushing routine are the best defenses against gum disease. Keeping your gums healthy is a team effort that includes your dental hygienist, who will help you maintain a tidy mouth and a gummy smile. Gum disease is a chronic condition that requires constant attention and care to keep it at bay. If you have a serious case of the gums, there are several gum health treatment options available, including scaling and root planing. To get the best results, be sure to consult with your dental team about the right gum disease treatment for you.