Gum recession happens when the soft tissues that surround and support your teeth start to pull back, making your teeth appear longer and even exposing their roots. It can be a little concerning when you notice redness, swelling, or that your gums are shrinking. While gums don’t naturally grow back once they’ve receded, there are steps you can take to restore your gum line and protect your oral health moving forward. Let’s explore how you can keep your gums healthy and your smile looking great!
Why Are My Gums Receding?
Many factors can cause gum recession, with the most common being:
- Poor oral health (gum disease)
- Overly aggressive brushing or flossing
- Genetics
- Abnormal tooth positioning
- Grinding and clenching your teeth
- Hormonal changes (particularly for women)
- Trauma to gum tissue
- Using tobacco
What You Can Do About Gum Recession
If you suspect that your gums have receded, the best thing you can do is reach out to your dentist. They’ll be able to examine your mouth and determine what is causing the problem in the first place. This can go a long way in revealing what kind of treatment you might need.
For minor recession, your dentist may perform scaling and root planing. Also called a deep cleaning, it involves removing the accumulated plaque and bacteria from around the gum line and on the roots of the teeth. The roots are then smoothed at the end to reduce the chances of future build-up.
For more advanced recession, you might be recommended to receive a gum graft. A small amount of tissue is taken from another part of your mouth (often the roof) and is placed where the gums have pulled back to restore their natural position. It’s a minor surgical procedure that can be completed in a single appointment.
Quick Guide to Preventing Gum Recession
Of course, you don’t want your gums to keep receding, so make sure you:
- Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each
- Floss once a day
- Only use a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Clean your teeth with a moderate amount of pressure
- Reduce or ideally quit smoking
If your recession stems from crooked or crowded teeth, a treatment like Invisalign can offer a solution.
No matter the cause, gum recession is not a problem you want to ignore. Your gums won’t grow back, plus your chances of tooth loss will drastically increase over time. But, with just one trip to your dentist, you can go a long way in healing your smile now and preserving it for years to come.
About the Practice
Page Family Dental is led by a team of five highly qualified and compassionate dentists, including our in-house gum specialist, Dr. Linda Park. If you’re concerned about your gums, whether due to recession or sensitivity, our team can help you figure out what is going on and provide any treatment all under one roof. To schedule an appointment, contact us online or call (781) 284-5443.