Stimulating Gum Tissue Growth
Your gums protect your teeth and keep them healthy. They are pink and connect with the base of each tooth to protect them against decay, loss, and infection.
However, if these tissues have been damaged or lost, you may require a procedure called soft tissue graft surgery. This involves taking tissue from the roof of your mouth or a nearby site.
What is receding gums?
Gum recession is when the margin of gum tissue that surrounds your teeth gradually pulls back or wears away, exposing more of your tooth, including the root. It can cause gaps to form between your gums and your teeth, which leads to bacterial infections and periodontal disease. Without treatment, these infections may damage the bone that supports your teeth and lead to tooth loss.
Most people who have receding gums don’t realize that they have this problem until they develop pain or sensitivity symptoms. This sensitivity may occur when you’re eating, drinking or brushing your teeth, which can be uncomfortable or even painful.
Typically, you’ll feel the area of your gums where they meet your teeth as if there is a notch. This notch is a sign of gum recession, and it’s important to visit a dentist immediately.
Receding gums are caused by several factors, most of which you can control. Poor dental hygiene is one of the main causes, as is gum disease or periodontal disease. This type of gum disease occurs when plaque and bacteria build up on your teeth, and it destroys the gum tissue and supporting bone that hold your teeth in place.
You can prevent gum disease from developing by practicing good oral hygiene habits and visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. During these visits, your dentist will identify signs of gum disease before they get too serious and recommend treatments to treat it.
The good news is that most cases of receding gums can be reversed, if caught in time. Your dentist can perform a deep cleaning and smooth any areas where recession is occurring, removing the bacteria and restoring your gums to a healthy state.
Another common treatment is gum grafting, where a small amount of tissue from elsewhere on your body is transplanted to the gum area where there is receding. This procedure usually costs extra, but it can help restore your gums to their original health.
There are also many natural remedies for receding gums that can be used alongside professional treatment to improve your oral health and stop the deterioration of your gums. For instance, essential oils such as fennel and frankincense have been shown to help with gum health and promote healing of the mouth.
Causes And Symptoms Of Receding Gums
One of the most common causes of receding gums is periodontal disease. This disease is a bacterial infection that damages the gums and the teeth. It can lead to tooth decay, bad breath and even tooth loss if left untreated.
Some people can also develop receding gums due to their genetic makeup. Studies suggest that up to 30 percent of the population has pre-existing genes that make them more prone to gum diseases.
If you have any of these risk factors, it is important to make sure that you visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. They can help to spot early signs of gum recession and provide you with the right treatment options to keep your gums healthy.
Overzealous brushing of the teeth with hard bristles can cause gum recession, as can bruxism (tooth grinding). If you are clenching your teeth while you sleep, consider wearing a mouthguard to prevent injury to your teeth and gums.
Smoking can also increase the chances of gum recession, as nicotine can irritate and erode the gums. This is why it is important to quit smoking if you want to avoid this condition.
Other causes of gum recession include lack of dental care, such as not brushing and flossing your teeth enough. This can result in a buildup of plaque, which is hard to remove with regular brushing.
Using antibacterial mouthwashes can also reduce your risk of gum recession. They can prevent the buildup of bacteria on the surface of your teeth and reduce your risk of developing gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease.
A dentist can treat gum recession by deep cleaning (also called scaling and root planing) that smooths out any exposed roots, which helps to prevent future damage to your teeth. They can also place gum grafts to encourage your gums to grow back in the area where they have receded.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, schedule an appointment with your family dentist today. They can catch receding gums before they become a serious problem and help you find the right treatments to keep your smile beautiful and your gums healthy.
Professional Treatments For Receding Gums
There are a number of professional treatments that can be used to help stop and prevent gum recession. If the condition is caused by periodontal disease, then your dentist may recommend topical antibiotics and cleanings to combat it.
The dentist may also offer a fluoride varnish to reduce tooth sensitivity and pain associated with gum recession. Your hygienist can apply a numbing agent during prophylaxis cleanings to make the process more comfortable.
In cases where receding gums are caused by teeth that have become crooked or unevenly positioned, orthodontic treatment can be used to straighten them out and put them back into proper position. This can often solve the issue of a receding gum line and return your smile to its healthy state.
Another cause of receding gums is clenching and grinding of the jaw during the day or while you sleep (nocturnal bruxism). This puts a lot of stress on the teeth and can result in the gums becoming more susceptible to damage.
If the problem is not severe, your dentist can treat mild gum recession by performing a deep cleaning, called scaling and root planning. During this procedure, plaque and tartar are removed from the area. The exposed roots of the teeth are also smoothed, making it harder for bacteria to accumulate.
A gum graft is another option for restoring the health of the gums. It involves adding tissue to the affected areas of the gums, and can be used for both mild and advanced cases of receding gums.
Gum grafts are the most common type of treatment for gum recession, and they typically require a procedure performed by a dental specialist. The grafts are placed under the affected gum tissue using small strips of grafting material, which are then shifted into place to cover more of the teeth and restore the gumline in a healthier position.
For patients with more advanced cases of receding gums, a new patented procedure called PST(tm) can be used to repair the damaged tissues. This procedure is much less invasive than traditional grafting, and it can restore the tissue in a single session without any scalpels or sutures involved.
Natural Remedies For Receding Gums
Receding gums can be a painful and frustrating oral health problem, but there are several natural remedies that may help stimulate your gum tissue growth. Using these alongside standard medical or surgical treatments for gum disease can improve the results of treatment and reduce the risk of gum problems from worsening.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that strengthens and protects your gum tissue. It also helps to fight off bacteria that cause inflammation and infections. Consume foods rich in this nutrient like citrus fruits, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and berries.
Another essential nutrient that can help improve your overall health is omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients can be found in fatty fish, walnuts, flax seeds, and almonds. In particular, these omega-3 fatty acids can help to prevent receding gums by reducing the formation of plaque and gingivitis.
If you are unable to find an omega-3 fatty acid-rich food source, then consider taking a supplement that contains these essential fatty acids. You can buy a good quality omega-3 fatty acid supplement at your local drug store or health food store.
Salt has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce the symptoms of receding gums. Adding a pinch of salt to water and rinsing with it twice a day can help to improve your oral health and keep your teeth and gums healthier.
Hydrogen peroxide is an effective and non-toxic way to fight off gum infections. It can be applied directly to the affected area and has a strong anti-inflammatory effect that can help reduce inflammation in the gums.
Aloe Vera is an excellent hydrating agent that can be used as a mouthwash to sooth and heal your gums. It is a great alternative to other products and can be swished in your mouth after brushing.
Septilin is a dental prescription that can help to strengthen the connective tissues in your gums, which are responsible for holding your teeth together and protecting them from infection. It can be taken in tablet or syrup form and should be prescribed by your dentist. Talk to your doctor to determine the best dosage for you and how often you should take it.
