Good for you gums fit snugly around the visible part, or the "crown," of the teeth. Gum recession occurs when the gums pull away or recede, exposing the roots below.

Dissimilar the crown of the tooth, the roots do not take a protective enamel coating. This makes the exposed roots sensitive and prone to decay.

One time the mucilage tissue has receded from the teeth, it cannot grow back. However, some treatments can help restore glue tissue around the teeth.

This article outlines the diverse treatments for receding gums. We also provide tips on how to slow and stop its progression.

There are several different factors that can cause the gums to recede, including:

Periodontal disease

Advanced gingival recession showing receding gums that may not grow back. Image credit: BedrockPerson, 2022 Share on Pinterest
Periodontal disease may crusade receding gums.
Image credit: BedrockPerson, 2022

Periodontal disease, or gum affliction, refers to the infection and inflammation of the gums and other structures in the rima oris.

This inflammation occurs due to an accumulation of bacterial deposits chosen plaque.

Factors that may cause or contribute to periodontal disease include:

  • poor oral hygiene
  • crooked teeth
  • damaged or faulty fillings
  • bridges or partial dentures that no longer fit
  • a genetic predisposition
  • hormonal changes due to pregnancy or oral contraceptives
  • medications that cause dry mouth
  • sure immune disorders
  • stress
  • smoking or the employ of any tobacco production

There are two stages of periodontal disease:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis causes gum redness, swelling, and sometimes bleeding. Without treatment, gingivitis may lead to periodontitis.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is the afterwards stage of periodontal disease and can cause the gums to recede.

Equally the mucilage and connective tissues pull away from the tooth, a pocket forms between the molar and gum, which begins to accumulate bacteria. Over time, the bacteria cause further inflammation.

If the gums recede as well much, it may pb to bone loss, which tin cause teeth to loosen or fall out.

Forceful or incorrect brushing

Regular brushing is essential for maintaining proficient oral hygiene. Still, using an incorrect brushing technique could actually contribute to receding gums.

The gingival margin is the part of the gum that comes into contact with the crown of the tooth. Brushing incorrectly or besides hard tin can harm the gingival margin, possibly triggering glue inflammation and recession.

Incorrect brushing factors that can trigger gum recession include:

  • applying also much force per unit area
  • using a difficult or medium bristled toothbrush
  • brushing the teeth in a wide, horizontal motion

Teeth grinding and clenching

Some people grind their top and bottom teeth together while sleeping.

The motion of teeth grinding puts intense pressure on the gums, which can crusade them to recede over fourth dimension.

Teeth grinding tin also cause teeth to get loose in their sockets. Grinding creates deep pockets between the tooth and the gum, where bacteria tin collect. These leaner trigger gum inflammation, which can make gum recession worse.

Injury

Sustaining direct trauma to the gum tissue may cause the gums to recede in that area. Such injuries may occur in the post-obit contexts:

  • during a fall or other accident
  • during dental procedures
  • while wearing ill plumbing equipment fractional dentures
  • while playing contact sports

The treatment for receding gums depends on the underlying cause. The following treatments can help reattach or restore gum tissue effectually the teeth:

Scaling and root planing

Scaling and root planing are some of the kickoff treatments for receding gums that a dentist may recommend.

These procedures remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline, where regular brushing cannot accomplish.

Root planing removes plaque and tartar specifically from the roots of teeth. Afterward, a dentist volition utilise special instruments to smooth the roots, which helps the gums reattach to the tooth.

Gum graft surgery

A dentist may recommend mucilage graft surgery (GGS) if a person'southward gums have severely receded.

During GGS, a surgeon volition take a small piece of mucilage tissue from elsewhere in the oral cavity and use it to cover the exposed tooth roots.

GGS helps preclude bone loss and the gums from receding farther. Information technology tin also protect the previously exposed tooth roots from decay.

Pinhole surgical technique

Pinhole surgical technique (PST) is a relatively new handling for mild to moderate receding gums.

PST is a minimally invasive procedure that involves making a tiny hole in the gum tissue above the exposed molar root.

A dentist will insert a special tool into the hole to separate the gum from the tooth, then they will stretch and reposition the gum back over the exposed tooth root.

The tips below tin assist ho-hum or stop the progression of receding gums:

Exercise good oral hygiene

The following oral hygiene tips can assist:

  • flossing between the teeth at least once per twenty-four hours
  • using a fluoride toothpaste
  • brushing the teeth twice per twenty-four hour period using a soft bristled toothbrush
  • using an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce bacteria and affluent out debris
  • choosing a size and shape of toothbrush that allows access to all parts of the mouth
  • replacing toothbrushes at to the lowest degree every ii–4 months
  • attending regular dental appointments

Utilize the correct brushing technique

Adopting the correct brushing technique can help prevent the gums from receding.

The American Dental Association provide the following guidelines:

  • Place the toothbrush against the gums at a 45 degree angle.
  • Applying gentle pressure, sweep the toothbrush back and forth using minor, tight strokes.
  • Castor the outer and inner surfaces, as well every bit the chewing surfaces, of the teeth.
  • When cleaning the inner surfaces of the front teeth, concord the toothbrush vertically.
  • Brush the teeth for 2 minutes in total.

People tin likewise inquire their dentist for tips on modifying this technique to managing their receded gums.

Habiliment a mouthguard

Wearing a mouthguard at night tin aid preclude gum recession due to teeth grinding. Mouthguards create an even force per unit area across the jaw and human activity as a physical bulwark to carve up the elevation and bottom teeth.

Mouthguards are available from most pharmacies. A dentist can also make a customized mouthguard, which volition provide a improve fit.

Replace ill fitting dentures

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A dentist can advise about the best treatment for gum recession.

Partial dentures that were once a proficient fit can become incompatible with the oral cavity over fourth dimension. This tin happen for several reasons, including:

  • the bone and gum ridges shrinking over time
  • differences in jaw alignment
  • general habiliment and tear of the partial dentures

Ill fitting partial dentures can rub and irritate the gums, causing the gums to recede around healthy teeth. People tin prevent this by replacing partial dentures every bit needed.

Visit the dentist regularly

Attending regular dental checkups is vital for detecting the early stages of gum recession.

Checkups also enable the dentist to identify and replace whatsoever faulty fillings or ill fitting partial dentures, which can contribute to receding gums.

Once the gums accept receded, they cannot grow dorsum. Notwithstanding, some treatments can reattach and restore glue tissue effectually the teeth.

Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental checkups can assist prevent, irksome, or cease gum recession.

People should talk to their dentist for tailored advice on preventing and treating receding gums.