How to stop receding gums
Although gum inflammation in the early stages is not a cause for concern, if left untreated, this condition can lead to receding gums and then periodontopathy. As a result of gum decay and root exposure, the teeth will appear elongated. In later stages of the disease, periodontopathy can cause tooth loss.
Therefore, it is important to know what causes receding gums and what the stages of receding gums are. The most common question that most people with this problem ask is how to stop receding gums from getting worse.
What causes receding gums
Healthy teeth are surrounded by bone tissue and soft tissue – called gums. The soft tissue is pink and covers the tooth up to the neck of the tooth, where the root of the tooth meets the crown. Receding gums occur when the gums recede so much that the root of the tooth becomes visible. The most common cause of this is bacteria, but the cause can also be mechanical in nature, without the active involvement of bacteria.
Among the most common causes of receding gums, dentists mention:
- Improper brushing
- Presence of plaque and tartar on teeth, which leads to gum inflammation (gingivitis)
- Some teeth come into contact before others when closing the jaw
- Inadequate fillings or dentures
- Lack of adjacent teeth
- Smoking because it dries out the mouth, so bacteria multiply more easily
- Bruxism
- Hormonal changes, poor diet, age
- Generalized periodontopathy
What are the stages of receding gums
The first stage of the disease or gingivitis is most often caused by accumulated dental plaque, a colorless sticky mass on the teeth. Dental plaque is caused by bacteria from leftover food debris. In this case, gum inflammation and receding are the result of poor oral hygiene. It should be noted that in addition to the soft tissue (gums), the bone also recedes and its structure is degraded. Gum recession of adjacent teeth can also occur after extraction of one or more teeth because the body stops nourishing that part of the jawbone, which then recedes.
In the first phase of the disease symptoms usually do not appear. When you notice changes in one or more teeth, it means that receding gums have already advanced. You will feel that teeth have become sensitive to cold and sweet, that there is erosion of the teeth, that there is an uneven level of gums, and that they bleed during brushing.
During a visit to the dentist the dental plaque and dental calculus are removed. If the dentist notices tooth mobility or the existence of periodontal pockets, further therapy involves treating the periodontal pockets. Shallower periodontal pockets can be easily treated, but surgical intervention is necessary for deeper periodontal pockets.
In generalized periodontopathy, tissue changes are accompanied by a high presence of bacteria, followed by the withdrawal of bone and soft tissue. As a result of these processes, tooth mobility occurs, and ultimately, their loss.
How daily routine can lead to gum recession
Improper toothbrushing technique and aggressive rubbing with hard brushes exert pressure on the gums, leading to gum recession. Inadequate oral hygiene leads to the accumulation of deposits and tartar on the teeth, causing inflammation. Therefore, it is extremely important to remove plaque and dental calculus on the teeth every six months.
Can dentures be fitted to receding gums
Dentures can be fitted to receding gums. However, their pressure can lead to further gum recession on adjacent teeth. For example, plate partial dentures with hooks can cause receding gums and loss of bone where teeth are missing. Regular check-ups and adjustment of the prosthesis according to all tooth changes are therefore essential. Also, before placing crowns, bridges, or partial dentures, it is necessary to treat gum inflammation or the existence of periodontal pockets.
If the crowns do not completely cover the ground tooth, it leads to the exposure of the tooth neck and exposure to all external stimuli. Also, if the crowns are oversized, they press on the gums and cause mechanical irritation. The same happens when fillings on teeth are not done according to basic professional rules, exerting pressure on the gums. All of this leads us to the conclusion that the key thing in tooth treatment is choosing a professional dentist who will best guide through the whole procedure.
Can receding gums grow back
After the withdrawal of bone tissue and gum receding, complete rehabilitation is not possible. The only possibility is to stop or slow down further gum receding.
As a natural remedy to prevent further receding gums, green tea can be used, which is rich in antioxidants and has a positive effect on inflammatory processes. Rinsing the mouth with sage or chamomile tea can also be helpful in relieving gum inflammation symptoms. Gingival gel can also be helpful, but none of these remedies can remove the underlying cause of gum recession, so it is important to see a dentist for a detailed examination.
How to stop receding gums from getting worse
Regular check-ups and proper dental hygiene maintenance, as well as precise surgical procedures, can significantly improve the condition of the gums. In the early stages of the disease, sometimes just changing the tooth brushing technique is enough. Dentists advise brushing teeth in an up-and-down motion, rather than side-to-side. After brushing teeth, it is necessary to massage the gums with a finger.
It is also recommended to change the hardness of the toothbrush and replace a hard brush with a soft one. Most people will initially feel that a soft brush cannot clean teeth as well as a hard one and that their teeth are not clean enough. However, the fact is that a soft brush can clean the spaces between teeth, which a hard brush cannot. Experts also recommend an electric sonic toothbrush, as it effectively removes plaque from teeth in a gentle manner.
Receding gums treatment
The treatment used for treating receding gums depends on the extent of their recession. If there are deposits of tartar or if tartar is below the gum line, it is necessary to first clean the tartar and polish the teeth.
All inadequate crowns, dentures, and fillings must be replaced with new, appropriate ones. In cases where gum receding is a result of tooth extraction, the missing tooth needs to be replaced with a dental implant, which will prevent bone loss in that area.
When teeth are naturally positioned in a traumatic position from the beginning, it is necessary to correct the unfavorable position of teeth by grinding or wearing a brace for correcting teeth.
When gum receding occurs only on one side of the tooth surface, surgery is recommended. The procedure is performed by taking tissue from the hard palate and covering the surface where the tissue has receded. Laser treatment is the latest method used to precisely remove only the diseased, altered tissue up to the healthy tissue around the tooth. In cases of generalized periodontitis, an intervention is carried out by placing artificial bone and a membrane that replaces missing tissue.
If you have noticed any of these changes on your teeth, it is important to see a dentist so the problem can be put under control as painlessly and as soon as possible.