If you’ve noticed a change in your gum line, it’s time to visit the dentist. You could be experiencing gum disease, & while it’s common, that doesn’t make it benign.
Why Gum Recession Is Serious
If your gum line is receding, it’s unlikely it will grow back. The tissue that makes up your gums doesn’t regenerate like other tissues. Similar to the enamel on your tooth, once it’s gone, it’s gone.
Causes
There are several things you can do to mitigate gum loss. While genetics can play a role, changing certain habits can lead to a healthier gum line.
- Don’t brush too hard. Brushing too hard can irritate your gums & cause them to recede. Most dental professionals suggest using a soft bristle toothbrush. Brush gently perpendicular to your jaw.
- Cutting out tobacco use & changing your diet can help. Obviously tobacco products are unhealthy, but foods with too much sugar that leads to plaque buildup can also lead to gum decline.
If your dentist believes the recession has advanced, they may decide to perform a deep cleaning, or periodontal maintenance. This is like a regular cleaning except it focuses more on cleaning the area at your gums. You may also be asked to come in more frequently for cleanings.
Other Treatment
If you have advanced gum recession, you may be able to recover some of the exposed areas through surgical techniques. Recent advancements have made these less invasive. Not everyone is a candidate. Talk to your dentist to see if oral surgery is right for you.
- Pinhole surgical technique: This process allows an oral surgeon to alter your gumline using a small incision.
- Gum graft: In this procedure, a small amount of your mouth’s tissue is taken from elsewhere & grafted onto the affected area.
These procedures can potentially save a tooth, but the best treatment is always prevention. So be sure to stay on a regular cleaning schedule & do what you can to minimize your gum loss.
Sources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4944726/
https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(14)63227-X/fulltext