Have you ever suffered from gum disease? If yes, you are well aware of how painful and annoying periodontal disease can be.

One of the first few signs of growing gum infection is gum recession. It occurs when the gum tissue surrounding the teeth wears away. It exposes the tooth’s root and can lead to sensitive teeth, and discomfort. You might also struggle with tooth loss if you don’t receive treatment for the loss of gum tissue. 

Sounds terrifying? Worry not! Stick to this blog to know what causes gum recession, treatments for it, and ways to prevent it. The right dental care can help you avoid long-term oral health complications. Let’s dive in: 

What Causes Gum Recession?

• If you brush too hard or use a hard-bristled toothbrush, you might cause damage to your gum tissue.
• If you skip flossing or brushing, plaque buildup can cause severe gum disease.
• If you have bruxism, you might put unnecessary pressure on your gums. It might lead to a receding gumline.
• Genetics can also play a role in gum recession.
• Tobacco users often struggle with weakened gum health compared to others.

How Does Gum Recession Impact Oral Health?

A healthy gum supports your teeth and jaw structure. A gingival recession might expose your teeth roots and cause:

• Increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods
• Higher risk of cavities 
• Loose teeth and possible tooth loss
  If you suffer from any of the early signs of a receding gumline, and ignore them, your gum bleeding or swelling might worsen over time.

The Best Gum Disease Treatments

Gum tissue recession can birth a range of gum issues that require various gum disease treatments based on their severity. They are:

• Scaling and Root Planing: If your gum disease is at its primary stage or you need preventative gum care, deep cleaning of plaque and tartar might do the job.
• Gum Grafting Surgery: When gum recession takes a severe turn, covering the exposed teeth roots with healthy gum tissue is the only solution.
• Laser Treatments: If your dentist notices a great amount of infected gum tissue, they might recommend a laser treatment. It removes the infected gum tissue to help you grow new tissues. 
• Pocket Depth Treatment: Severe gum disease might lead to deep pockets in gums. Bacteria accumulation in these pockets worsens gum diseases. Cleaning these pockets reduces their size and improves your gum health.

How to Prevent Receding Gums?

The basis of a healthy gumline is consistent and effective oral care. The best tips to prevent gum recession are:

• Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush  
• Always use a fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily for routine plaque removal 
• Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce oral bacteria growth
• Wear a nightguard during sleep if you struggle with teeth clenching
• Avoid smoking or the use of tobacco products.

Your gum health is directly linked to your overall health. So if you notice a receding gumline, waste no time and contact our dental office today. Our dental team is here to help you get the best oral care.