Gum Recession: How to avoid and treat if necessary
Posted on 8/28/2024 by Greg Kammeyer
Gum recession is a common result of gum disease, a condition that affects millions of Americans.
When gums recede, they pull away from the teeth, exposing the root of the tooth which is less resistant to further irritation. This part of the tooth can be sensitive, as can the gums be sensitive, the root is more prone to decay and according to one author, 76% of recession is progressive.
If there is a small amount of recession, adjusting tooth brushing habits may help, particularly using a soft bristle brush. The newest electric brushes, by Oral B, have indicator lights to tell you when you are putting too much pressure on the gum tissue.
When the recession progresses, regeneration of the gum tissue may be needed. Steps that can help you to prevent further gum recession are:
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Limit the pressure when brushing your gums. Brush the bottoms of the teeth lightly while minimizing the amount of pressure placed on the gums.
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Floss gently. Even if you have sensitive gums, you need to continue flossing your teeth. This will help to remove bacteria from hard-to-reach places in your mouth.
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Choose your mouthwash carefully. Gum recession will make your mouth feel sensitive to a variety of things, including the harsh ingredients that are found in many mouthwashes. Avoid rinses with alcohol, and instead, choose options that are formulated especially for sensitive gums and teeth.
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Use a toothbrush with softer bristles. A toothbrush with soft bristles is the best option for sensitive teeth, so they can also be useful for gum recession. They are designed to fight plaque deposits without being too abrasive on the teeth.
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See your hygienist regularly: measurements help him/her to determine if the recession is progressive. Much like car maintenance, dental problems caught early can be dealt with prevention and interception.
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The concern about gum recession applies to teeth and even more so to dental implants.
Yours for better health, Greg Kammeyer, DDS, MS, DABOI
Dental Blog | Sun City West, AZ | Solutions Dental Implants Check out our dental blog for the latest in dental technology, research and treatments. Visit Solutions Dental Implants in Sun City West, AZ! Solutions Dental Implants, 13920 West Camino Del Sol, Suite 11, Sun City West, AZ 85375-4438 | (480) 956-6113 | solutionsdentalimplants.com | 12/12/2024 | Page Terms:dental implants, all on 4 dental implants, teeth in a day, dental crowns, bone grafting, implant supported dentures, implant dentistry, pain free dental implants, tooth replacement, extraction, gum surgery, sedation dentistry
