How Do I Stop My Gums From Receding?

Have you noticed your gums pulling back from your teeth? As a result, your teeth may look bigger, and you may experience tooth sensitivity. Moreover, it can leave you feeling self-conscious about your smile. 

This condition, referred to as gum recession, is a common oral health problem many Australians face. Left untreated, gum recession can cause serious oral and overall health complications. This is why seeking immediate dental care is important if you notice receding gums. 

What Are the Causes of Gum Recession?

Your gums can recede for various reasons, including: 

• Brushing and flossing your teeth too hard can damage your gums.
• Clenching and grinding of your teeth can cause your gums to recede due to the excessive pressure on your teeth. 
• You may have thin or weak gums as a result of genetic predispositions.
• Underlying gum disease from poor oral hygiene can make your gums pull away from the root. 
• Trauma to the gum tissue
• Oral piercings on your tongue or lips can irritate and wear away your gums 

Signs of Gum Recession 

While exposed tooth roots are the most common indicator of gum recession, there are other symptoms to look out for: 

• Tooth sensitivity
• Bleeding gums after brushing and flossing 
• Red and swollen gums 
• Teeth that appear bigger or longer 
• Bad breath 
• Tooth loss 
• Pain and discomfort 
• Gum sensitivity

How Can Receding Gums Be Treated? 

Let’s face it – having exposed tooth roots can affect your smile and confidence. Not to forget, receding gums can also cause pain and bring about various oral health implications. For those reasons, you may be concerned about the treatment options for receding gums. 

While there’s not much to do in terms of making receding gums grow back, there are some things you can do to prevent further gum recession and improve your smile. These include: 

Gum Grafting 

A gum graft surgery involves transplanting healthy gum tissue from another part of your mouth to the affected areas. This healthy gum tissue will be used to replace missing gum tissue and cover exposed tooth roots. 

During surgery, local anaesthesia will be administered to numb the area and ensure your comfort. Healthy gum tissue from the roof of your mouth or the palate will be transplanted to the affected area. Our dentist will then secure the graft with stitches, and after that, we will provide detailed instructions on how to care for your gums. 

Gum graft surgery offers a wide range of benefits, such as: 

• Improves gum health 
• Reduces tooth sensitivity that can cause pain and discomfort
• Restores the aesthetics of your smile
• Boosts your confidence, making you smile without hesitation
• Preserves your natural tooth structure 
• Prevents further damage and recession of gums

Dental Bonding 

For mild cases of gum recession, dental bonding is another treatment option we offer. It involves the application of a tooth-coloured resin material to cover and restore exposed tooth roots. This resin material is then shaped and moulded to match the natural contours of your teeth. 

Dental bonding is a quick solution that can typically be completed in just a single visit, making it an excellent option for those with busy schedules. While it can reduce tooth sensitivity and protect your teeth and gums from further damage, dental bonding may not be suitable for severe cases of gum recession. 

How Can I Stop My Gums From Receding?

While gum recession is not always preventable, especially if caused by genetic predispositions, you can take care of your teeth and gums to reduce the chances of developing this condition. Here are some steps you can take: 

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Floss your teeth daily 
• Rinse your mouth with an antimicrobial mouthwash 
• Visit your dentist for regular dental check-ups every 6 months 
• Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco

Gum recession is a dental condition that requires urgent dental care and attention. So, if your tooth roots are more noticeable than they once were, schedule an appointment with our friendly team at PMD Dental.