Healthy gums fit snugly effectually the visible part, or the "crown," of the teeth. Mucilage recession occurs when the gums pull abroad or recede, exposing the roots beneath.

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

Once the gum tissue has receded from the teeth, it cannot grow back. However, some treatments tin help restore gum tissue effectually the teeth.

This article outlines the diverse treatments for receding gums. Nosotros as well provide tips on how to dull and stop its progression.

In that location are several different factors that can crusade the gums to recede, including:

Periodontal disease

Advanced gingival recession showing receding gums that may not grow back. Image credit: BedrockPerson, 2016 Share on Pinterest
Periodontal disease may crusade receding gums.
Epitome credit: BedrockPerson, 2016

Periodontal illness, or gum disease, 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 called plaque.

Factors that may cause or contribute to periodontal affliction include:

  • poor oral hygiene
  • kleptomaniacal 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 out mouth
  • certain immune disorders
  • stress
  • smoking or the apply of any tobacco production

There are 2 stages of periodontal disease:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis causes mucilage redness, swelling, and sometimes bleeding. Without treatment, gingivitis may atomic number 82 to periodontitis.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is the afterwards phase of periodontal disease and can crusade the gums to recede.

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

If the gums recede likewise much, it may lead to bone loss, which tin cause teeth to loosen or autumn out.

Forceful or incorrect brushing

Regular brushing is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene. Nonetheless, 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 too difficult can harm the gingival margin, peradventure triggering gum inflammation and recession.

Wrong brushing factors that tin trigger gum recession include:

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

Teeth grinding and clenching

Some people grind their peak and lesser teeth together while sleeping.

The movement of teeth grinding puts intense pressure on the gums, which can cause them to recede over time.

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

Injury

Sustaining direct trauma to the glue tissue may crusade the gums to recede in that area. Such injuries may occur in the following contexts:

  • during a fall or other accident
  • during dental procedures
  • while wearing ill fitting partial dentures
  • while playing contact sports

The handling for receding gums depends on the underlying cause. The following treatments can assist reattach or restore gum tissue around the teeth:

Scaling and root planing

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

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

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

Gum graft surgery

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

During GGS, a surgeon will take a small piece of glue tissue from elsewhere in the mouth and use it to cover the exposed tooth roots.

GGS helps prevent bone loss and the gums from receding farther. It tin can also protect the previously exposed tooth roots from decay.

Pinhole surgical technique

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

PST is a minimally invasive process that involves making a tiny hole in the glue tissue in a higher place the exposed tooth root.

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

The tips below can help slow or end the progression of receding gums:

Practice adept oral hygiene

The following oral hygiene tips can help:

  • flossing between the teeth at least one time per twenty-four hours
  • using a fluoride toothpaste
  • brushing the teeth twice per twenty-four hours using a soft bristled toothbrush
  • using an clarified mouthwash to reduce bacteria and flush out debris
  • choosing a size and shape of toothbrush that allows access to all parts of the oral fissure
  • replacing toothbrushes at least every 2–4 months
  • attending regular dental appointments

Apply the correct brushing technique

Adopting the right brushing technique tin aid prevent the gums from receding.

The American Dental Association provide the post-obit guidelines:

  • Identify the toothbrush against the gums at a 45 caste angle.
  • Applying gentle pressure level, sweep the toothbrush back and forth using small, tight strokes.
  • Brush the outer and inner surfaces, also as the chewing surfaces, of the teeth.
  • When cleaning the inner surfaces of the front end teeth, hold the toothbrush vertically.
  • Brush the teeth for 2 minutes in total.

People can also enquire their dentist for tips on modifying this technique to managing their receded gums.

Wear a mouthguard

Wearing a mouthguard at dark can help prevent gum recession due to teeth grinding. Mouthguards create an fifty-fifty pressure across the jaw and human activity equally a physical barrier to separate the top and bottom teeth.

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

Replace ill fitting dentures

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A dentist tin can advise nearly the best treatment for glue recession.

Partial dentures that were one time a good fit can become incompatible with the mouth over time. This can happen for several reasons, including:

  • the bone and mucilage ridges shrinking over time
  • differences in jaw alignment
  • general wear 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 as needed.

Visit the dentist regularly

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

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

Once the gums take receded, they cannot grow back. Nevertheless, some treatments can reattach and restore gum tissue around the teeth.

Maintaining skillful oral hygiene and attention regular dental checkups tin can aid prevent, slow, or stop gum recession.

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