Receding Gums: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Gum recession is a common oral health concern characterized by the gum tissues pulling away from the teeth, exposing your tooth roots. It can leave your teeth looking longer and increase the risk of tooth root decay, sensitivity, infections, bone loss, loose teeth, and tooth loss. At Dental Care of Madison, we are dedicated to providing personalized care to treat gum recession and restore your healthy smile!

What Are the Causes of Gum Recession?

Gum Disease: Gum disease (periodontitis) is the leading cause of gum recession. The chronic condition damages the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss and affecting your overall oral health.

Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing allow plaque to build up along the gumline. If left untreated, plaque hardens into tartar, which irritates the gums and causes them to recede.

Aggressive Brushing: Brushing too hard or using a stiff-bristled toothbrush can wear down the enamel and cause gums to recede over time. We recommend using a soft-bristled brush and gentle, circular strokes to clean your teeth.

Teeth Grinding and Clenching: Teeth grinding or clenching, also known as bruxism, puts excessive pressure on the gums. Not only does it cause gum recession, but it can also cause tooth wear and damage.

Tobacco Use: Smoking or using other forms of tobacco not only impacts your overall health but can also be detrimental to your mouth. It can damage your gum tissues, increasing the risk of periodontal disease and gum recession.

Genetics: Some individuals are more prone to receding gums than others due to genetics, even with good oral hygiene. Our team at Dental Care of Madison will work with you to keep your gums as healthy as possible.

How Can You Prevent Gum Recession?

Prevention is always the best way to take care of your oral health. The following are tips to lower the risk of gum recession:

Brush and Floss Daily: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent plaque buildup. Make sure to also floss daily to remove plaque and food particles trapped between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach.

Avoid Brushing Too Hard: Use gentle, circular motions when brushing to protect your gums and enamel. Switching to an electric toothbrush with pressure sensors can help prevent overbrushing.

Use Fluoride Toothpaste and Mouthwash: Fluoride in toothpaste and mouthwash helps strengthen tooth enamel, reducing the risk of decay along the gumline. We also offer topical fluoride applications during your regular dental cleanings.

Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings: Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that contribute to gum disease and recession. They also allow us to identify the early signs of gum disease, ensuring prompt treatment.

Wear a Night Splint: If you grind your teeth at night, we may recommend a custom night splint. Your oral appliance will protect your teeth and gums from the forces of grinding and clenching, lowering the risk of gum recession.

Quit Smoking: Tobacco use weakens gum tissue, making it harder for the gums to stay healthy. Quitting smoking can help improve your gum health and reduce your risk of gum recession.

How Are Receding Gums Treated?

Your first line of defense against gum disease and recession is a procedure known as scaling and root planing. The deep dental cleaning involves removing plaque and tartar from below your gum line and smoothing your tooth roots, which helps promote healing and encourages the gums to reattach to your healthy tooth surfaces. Deep cleanings help halt the progression of gum disease and prevent the gums from receding further.

If you have advanced gum disease and severe gum recession, our experienced dentists may recommend a gum grafting procedure to rebuild the gum tissues and restore your healthy smile.

Periodontal Care Near Me in Madison, MS

If you have gum disease or have noticed that your gums are receding, don’t wait. Contact Dental Care of Madison to schedule a consultation. Early intervention can restore your gum health and keep you smiling your best. Call us at (601) 898-9390 to schedule an appointment or request one online today!