Panicking about receding gums? Not sure what’s causing it?
Don’t worry. Caught early, receding gums can often be stopped with some simple steps.
Receding gums (or Gingival Recession) is a common condition where the gums pull back over time, exposing more of the tooth and even the root of the tooth. While this does occur naturally as we age, plenty can be done to slow down this process and prevent it from happening early.
Are receding gums a problem?
It’s critical to your overall oral health that your gums remain as healthy as they can be and receding gums should be dealt with as soon as possible. As the gums recede, they eventually expose the root of the tooth causing not only pain, but also infection and disease.
How do I know if my gums are receding?
Regular visits to the dentist will catch this condition before it worsens and the dentist will also measure the gums in order to follow their health. If your gums are receding then a dentist will be able to tell you and offer you advice.
You may notice that your gums are receding, perhaps by noticing that a specific tooth looks longer than before or perhaps because you’re feeling sensitivity or pain along the gumline. If you think this is the case, see your dentist as soon as possible.
What causes gum recession?
Gum recession is often caused by gum disease, which frequently goes unnoticed by the patient. Gum disease can be caused by poor dental hygiene, which allows for bacteria to gain hold and inflame the gums. Did you know you can get gum protecting mouthwash to help catch the bacteria you’ve missed?
Another common cause of gum recession is aggressive brushing and flossing. Many people have never been taught how to brush their teeth properly and your dentist or dental hygienist can show you and give you excellent advice.
Tooth crowding can also cause gum recession, as can hereditary factors. Gum recession can often be halted if caught early and regular check-ups help prevent further damage.
How can I stop my gums receding?
Brush Correctly
The first thing to do is ensure that you are brushing correctly and often enough. You should brush your teeth twice a day and floss every day as well. Mouthwashes are usually aimed at promoting excellent gum health as the liquid can get to hard to reach places and remove any remaining bacteria. Colgate Total Pro Gum Health Mouthwash is a good example of a dedicated gum health mouthwash.
Soft Bristles
Using a soft bristled toothbrush is also important as harsh brushing can wear away the gums over time. Toothbrushes also come in different head sizes and you should always use the smallest one for your mouth.
Quit Smoking
Smoking can increase your chances of gum recession as smoking can increase the amount of plaque build up on your teeth. Plaque build up irritates the gumline and gives bacteria an easy foothold, which allows gum disease to begin and gum recession to follow. Quitting smoking is an important part of oral health and, of course, general overall health.
Diet
Eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water ensures that harmful bacteria and sugars don’t stay in your mouth for long. Drinking water regularly throughout the day helps flush the mouth and improves general wellbeing.