Receding gums can be alarming. As the gums pull away from the teeth, they expose more tooth surfaces and root structures. This not only affects appearance but can lead to tooth sensitivity, decay, and eventual tooth loss if left untreated. Thankfully, receding gums can be prevented from worsening with proper oral care. This article provides expert tips from dentists and home remedies to stop Receding Gums Grow Back.
Causes of Receding Gums
Before exploring solutions for how to stop receding gums from getting worse, it’s important to understand the causes. The most common causes include:
Plaque buildup – When plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, accumulates on teeth, it can irritate the gums and cause inflammation. If left untreated, the plaque turns to harder tartar that continues to irritate and pull on gums.
Aggressive brushing – Over time, overly aggressive teeth scrubbing can wear down gums. Brushing hard does not remove more plaque and can rub away gum tissue.
Periodontal disease – Chronic bacterial gum infection damages tissue and bone structure supporting the teeth. As supporting bone is lost, the gums can recede.
Smoking/tobacco use – Chemicals in tobacco products interfere with gum health, suppressing blood flow and increasing gum recession risk.
Professional Treatment
For moderate to severe gum recession, visiting a dentist should be the first priority. With an oral exam, they can properly assess the cause and degree of tissue loss to determine appropriate treatment, which may include:
Deep cleaning to remove infection and tartar from below the gumline
Flap surgery to regrind damaged bone and reposition gumline
Soft tissue grafting to reinforce thin gums
Medications or antimicrobial rinses to resolve inflammation
Following any procedures, the dentist will provide at-home guidelines for aftercare and gum reattachment. Ongoing dental visits help monitor how to stop receding gums from getting worse.
How to Stop Gum Recession at Home
Daily home care complements any clinical treatments on how to stop receding gums from getting worse. Useful tips include:
1. Brush gently
A soft-bristled toothbrush should be used delicately along the gumline at a 45-degree angle, not roughly scrubbing. This removes plaque bacteria without eroding gums. Can my dentist tell if I vape? The gentle brushing motion also stimulates gums to strengthen over time.
2. Don’t skip flossing
While brushing cleans exposed tooth surfaces, floss helps dislodge plaque hiding between teeth where gums are vulnerable. Doing both helps combat gum infection. Waxed floss glides smoothly below the gumline without shredding tender tissue.
3. Massage gums
Using a clean finger, gently massage swollen or bleeding gums to increase blood circulation to the area. Repeat for 30 seconds to 1 minute twice daily. There are also commercial gum massagers available.
4. Rinse daily
Mouthwash produces a clean oral environment less hospitable to the bacteria-eroding gum attachments. Alternating rinses like cetylpyridinium chloride and essential oil formulas help disrupt biofilms.
When to Visit a Dentist
While home care and natural remedies help stabilize areas of mild recession, rapidly receding gums require a professional assessment to rule out developing periodontal disease. Loose teeth, persistent bad breath, and excess pus near gumlines also require prompt dental attention. Addressing problems early better preserves gums and surrounding tooth structures.
Can Receding Gums Grow Back? May be! Receding gums often respond well to treatment if caught before extensive damage is done, preventing tooth loss. Partnering regular dental visits with daily oral hygiene allows for the best defense—halting receding gums in their tracks for improved oral and systemic wellness.
Visit DentistDiary.com for more tips on optimal gum health and care.