Gum deterioration begins due to improper oral hygiene. This may lead to infections of the gums or bones around the teeth. Receding gums are an apparent sign of lack of proper care. Some people find them to be unattractive. What follows is a host of information to help you prevent, treat and potentially halt the process of receding gums.
1. Proper Brushing
Proper brushing is the moth important way to care for your teeth. Many people improperly brush their teeth. Firstly, using a firm bristled brush causes damage to both your teeth and gums, so use a soft bristled brush. Secondly, many people are aggressive with their brushing and cause their bristles to fray and slide between the gums and teeth. This causes damage to the gums and is a major cause for receding gums. On the other hand, many people do not brush thoroughly and completely miss the gum line. Using a soft bristled brush with light, circular motions on every part of the teeth, including the back of the tooth near the gum line, will help protect your teeth and gums.
2. Proper Flossing
Flossing is something that many people do not even attempt to do. In fact, many people do not even own floss. Flossing should be done once a day and every time that you have food stuck between your teeth. Correct flossing involves scraping each and every edge of the teeth. Additionally, your floss should be going into the gums at the top and bottom of each tooth. This will help remove the bacteria, sugar and old food that is stuck in that area. Improper flossing will allow bacteria to grow and damage your teeth.
3. Mouthwash
Mouthwash is also an important factor in proper dental care. Using mouthwash is often a substitute for many people who choose not to use floss. Both floss and mouthwash should be used. By swishing mouthwash between your teeth, you can remove the particles that are too small or too well hidden for your floss to reach. This will also act as a protector against bacteria and sugar.
4. Regular Dentist Appointments
Regular appointments are essential. It also gives you the chance to question your dentist with the question, “Can receding gums grow back?” They will be able to give your teeth a deeper clean with their abrasive toothpaste. They will also do the most important work of all, picking. Picking helps remove calcium build up that raises your gums from your teeth. This gives bacteria and sugar a place to remain and to damage your teeth. Picking can be done at home, but very few people practice picking.
Treatment for Receding Gums
1. Make an Appointment
Many people will choose to not visit a dentist until there is a major dental problem. However, it is important that you take proper care of your teeth. Your doctor may recommend you to an orthodontist for additional information. Here you can determine if you need to regenerate bone, fill pickets or graft skin around the root of your tooth. These are all procedures that may expensive and can be easily avoided. It is important to realize that a dentist or orthodontist will be able to help you better than any home remedy or treatment.
In serious cases, surgical procedures may be requires. Skin grafts use the skin from the roof of your mouth. This skin is then implanted around your gums. This is only used in extreme situations, but it is important to understand how serious receding gums can be. It is of the utmost importance for you to protect your teeth in every way possible. If you notice that you are having gum problems at this time, then take action immediately.
2. Proper Hygiene (Again)
If your gums are receding, then you weren’t properly taking care of your teeth before. Practice proper hygiene at this time. This also involves no longer drinking or eating excessive sugars, so cut soda and candy entirely our of your diet. Acidic drinks, like coffee, should probably leave as well. Water and tea will help keep your mouth clean and will support your body’s natural healing.
3. Quit Smoking, Chewing And Drinking
Smoking causes gums to be unhealthy. This will make it more difficult for them to heal themselves, and it may in fact even be a cause for receding gums. Chewing will cause major damage to your mouth, and it is a leading cause for mouth cancer. Drinking alcohol will also make it more difficult for your body to function properly. If you need to reduce stress in your life, then relax and stay away from stressful situations. This will make your body a healthier environment and make it easier for your body to heal itself.
4. Share Your Experiences
Share your experiences with other members of our community. If you have insights or advice that you want to share, then please do so. This will benefit the community as a whole and make it easier for people to care for themselves. Additionally, you may want to share the experiences that you have had with your dentists or orthodontists, as some medical professionals are more helpful than others.