Receding gum is a common oral health issue that can affect everyone. It disrupts the gum line, exposes the root of your teeth and can cause your smile to look uneven.
However, there are treatment options available that can help to cover the exposed root and restore the gum line. This can improve your overall oral health and boost your confidence!
What is Receding Gums
Receding gums are a common problem that can affect people of all ages. They can cause pain and sensitivity, and you may even need to see your dentist.
This condition is commonly caused by periodontal disease, a serious oral health issue that affects nearly half of US adults over age 30. Over time, the bacteria and plaque in this disease irritate and inflame your gums and teeth.
The resulting inflammation can destroy the bone structure beneath your gums and teeth. This causes your gums to pull back from your teeth and create pockets between them.
These pockets trap bacteria and diseases that can cause further damage to your teeth and gums if left untreated. In severe cases, your dentist might recommend surgery to remove bacteria that’s deep under your gums and replace missing gum tissue.
Other natural remedies include injecting aloe vera gel into your gums and using turmeric to help relieve inflammation in the affected areas. These treatments can reduce inflammation and help you grow your gums naturally.
Causes of Receding Gums
Receding gums are common and can be caused by a number of things. One of the main causes is periodontal disease, also known as gum disease.
This is a progressive disease that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth. As the bacteria and plaque build up under your gums, they destroy the attachment that holds them in place.
It can also lead to pockets or gaps forming between the tooth and gum line. Bacteria and infections can then grow in the gaps, causing more damage to your teeth and bone structures.
Other risk factors include poor dental hygiene and use of certain medications, such as dry mouth products. Aside from these, physical factors may push the gums back, such as lip or tongue piercings or misalignment of the teeth.
Fortunately, there are many ways you can prevent gum recession and keep your smile healthy. The best way to do this is by practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly. Practicing these habits will help you avoid getting gum disease, which is the leading cause of receding gums and tooth loss in adults.
Why Am I Getting Receding Gums
Your gums fit tightly around each of your teeth to anchor them into place and protect them from damage. However, if your gums become infected, the soft tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place may begin to pull away from your tooth roots, exposing more of your teeth than usual.
Eventually, this exposure causes your teeth to become more sensitive and prone to further decay. It can also lead to tooth loss, if left untreated.
In many cases, receding gums can be reversible by taking good care of your teeth and avoiding smoking. Smoking is linked with a number of health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease, but it can also lead to plaque buildup on your teeth which can cause gum recession.
In most cases, the best way to treat receding gums is to visit a dentist and get a deep cleaning called root scaling and planing (SRP). For advanced gum recession, your Periodontist might recommend a surgical procedure known as gum grafting. This surgical technique aims to replace any missing gum tissue and cover more of the tooth.
Natural Ways To Help Receding Gums
There are a number of natural ways to help receding gums. These include oil pulling, aloe vera and drinking green tea.
Oil pulling is a simple remedy that involves swishing a natural oil like sesame or coconut oil in your mouth for 10 minutes. It has been proven to reduce plaque and help with gum inflammation.
Topical aloe vera gel, which you can apply directly to your gums, has been found to help with periodontal conditions. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe gums and prevent bleeding.
Another way to use aloe vera is to swish it in your mouth twice a day. It’s especially helpful if you have gingivitis or other gum diseases.
Aside from brushing and flossing, you can also eat healthy foods that are high in vitamin C. The nutrient can help fight inflammation and can be found in many fruits and vegetables.
Regrow Gums Naturally
Despite all of the popular remedies and fads on the market, there is currently no way to regrow gum tissue naturally. The fact of the matter is that your teeth were not meant to be able to grow back, and your gum tissue is no exception.
However, you do have options when it comes to reducing inflammation and improving your oral health overall. This can be done by avoiding smoking and getting enough Vitamin B12 and other nutrients your body needs.
In addition to these things, you can also implement some simple habits that will help your gums heal faster and stronger. These include oil pulling, brushing your teeth more often and eating a healthy diet.
If these methods fail, we can also help you with gum regeneration using a natural solution known as Emdogain(tm). This is an effective regenerative treatment that is less invasive than a traditional gum graft.
When to see a dentist
Ideally, everyone should go to the dentist regularly for cleanings. These appointments can help your dentist detect dental issues and give you specific instructions on improving your oral health care habits.
Regular cleanings also remove stains, plaque and tartar that you cannot brush away. This helps prevent gum disease, tooth decay and other common dental problems that can lead to receding gums.
However, if you notice a lot of pain in your mouth, it’s best to get an evaluation from a dentist immediately. Pain may be caused by a number of issues, including gingivitis or gum disease, tooth decay and other oral conditions that require urgent treatment.
Other signs that you should see a dentist include hot and cold sensitivity, throbbing or stabbing pain and if your teeth or jaw aren’t fitting as well as they used to. These changes can cause discomfort that interferes with eating, sleeping and talking.
Depending on the severity of your receding gums, your dentist can use several different treatments to regrow your gums. The goal of these treatments is the same: to eliminate bacteria, reduce inflammation and protect your teeth from further damage.
Can receding gums grow back?
When your gums pull back and expose more of the root of a tooth than they should, it’s called “gum recession.” People with receding gums may think they have bad breath. This is because bacteria and plaque are often left behind in the spaces created by the gum recession.
Receding gums can cause serious dental problems if left untreated. They can lead to gum disease and bone loss.
Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent gum recession and restore healthy gums and teeth. Proper oral hygiene, regular dental exams and cleanings, and healthy diet are all good options for preventing and treating receding gums.
A dentist can recommend treatments for receding gums that will restore healthy gum tissue and protect teeth from damage. Treatments include scaling and root planing, which is a nonsurgical deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from the roots of teeth where brushing can’t reach.
Surgical gum grafting is another option for severe cases of receding gums. In this surgery, a periodontist takes tissue from another part of your mouth (usually the palate) and applies it to your tooth and exposed root.
Conclusion
A slew of gums in the mouth is not only a shame but it can lead to gum disease if left unchecked. The good news is that the right tools and ingredients can help prevent this common oral malady from turning into a big problem down the road. Using the right sized brush and floss can make all the difference. Be sure to brush and floss at least twice a day to keep your teeth and gums happy and healthy. The secret to success is a bit of self-education. The more you know about your oral health, the better off you’ll be.