Stop Receding Gums from Getting Worse

Symptoms of gum recession and periodontal disease are much the same because they tend to go hand-in-hand. Gum recession is a condition in which the gum tissue becomes inflamed and infected and pulls away from the surface of the tooth roots. Recession is a relatively common issue, but left untreated, it can cause a number of more severe problems, including tooth mobility, bone loss, and even tooth loss.

Signs that you may have gum recession include tender, swollen gum tissue, bleeding when eating or brushing, and tooth sensitivity. The appearance of your teeth can also signify gum recession; if they appear longer than they used to, your gums may be shrinking. Fortunately, there are treatment options available to slow the progression of gum recession and even restore affected areas. The sooner gum recession is identified, the better your chances to successfully treat and restore the area.

Stop Gum Recession

Depending on the cause and severity of your gum recession, there are treatment options available to keep it from getting worse. It is also important to identify the cause so that it can be addressed as well.

With Your Dentist

If you suffer from periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing to remove tartar and bacteria from the gum pockets below the gum line. This is a non-surgical treatment in which a local anesthetic is administered to the area being treated. Because you are numb during the procedure, most offices prefer to spread treatment over two appointments, treating one side of the mouth at a time. Once you are numb, your provider will begin cleaning each gum pocket using manual and ultrasonic tools to make sure everything is clean. Sometimes, an especially deep pocket may require the placement of an antibiotic chip to help the healing process.

More severe cases of gum recession may require the specialized treatment of a periodontist. A periodontist is a dental professional who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease. They have the ability to provide more intensive care than your dentist. A couple of surgical procedures that a periodontist might use include gum grafting and flap surgery.

Gum grafting utilizes a piece of tissue taken from another area of the patient’s mouth, usually the roof, which is then stitched into place over the affected area. Flap surgery allows the doctor to gain access to the underlying infection with a small incision in the tissue that is flapped back so that the area can be cleaned. The flap is then stitched back into place.

At Home

The best thing you can do at home is improve your oral care routine. Gum tissue will not grow back on its own, and removing the tartar from under your gum line is not something you can do at home. Maintain regular visits to your dentist, at least twice a year, but more if you have gum recession or periodontal disease.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of recession, be sure to discuss them with your dentist as soon as possible.

Related Article: Receding Gums Treatments