How To Stop Receding Gums From Getting Worse? (2024)

My gums are receding.What do I need to know?

Gum recession is a common dental problem. You may not notice your gums receding, as it is a gradual process. If you do see symptoms, you should consult your dentist as soon as possible.

How To Stop Receding Gums From Getting Worse? (1)

What is gum recession?

Gum recession occurs when the gum line wears away or pulls back and reveals more of the tooth. Pockets form between the teeth and the gums, creating a place for bacteria to flourish. If untreated, this can lead to decay, and eventual loss of tissue, teeth, and bone.

How do I know if my gums are receding?

Symptoms of gum recession

Be on the lookout for these signs:

What causes gum recession?

Causes of gum recession

  • Gum disease / gingivitis:gum disease and receding gums go hand-in-hand
  • Over-brushing:brushing too hard can cause gums to recede over time
  • Neglected dental care:if you don't brush daily, plaque build up can lead to more bacteria, which accelerates gum recession
  • Hormonal changes: puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can cause receding gums
  • Tobacco:smoking, chewing tobacco, and other products can damage gums
  • Teeth grinding (bruxism)
  • Misaligned teeth
  • Lip or tongue piercings:piercings can wear away at the gum line
  • Diabetes: diabetescan also be a risk factor
  • Genetic disposition:some people's genetics can be more prone to gum recession

How To Stop Receding Gums From Getting Worse? (2)

How do I prevent gum recession?

Preventing gum recession depends on the cause. These are some important best practices to slow down the progress of receding gums:

  • Dental hygiene:you should brush and floss daily to keep bacteria and plaque at bay
  • Visit your dentist: You should normally visit your dentist at least twice per year, but if you see signs of gum recession, you should visit as soon as possible.
  • Seek treatment for teeth grinding, such as a mouth guard
  • Get a soft-bristle brush
  • Brush more gently
  • Quit smoking

How are receding gums treated?

If it has not progressed too far, gum recession can be treated through deep cleaningand antibiotics.

Gums do not naturally grow back, so if there has been significant tissue loss, gum surgery may be needed to restore your smile. There are also cosmetic dentistry options that can restore lost or misaligned teeth.

If you catch receding gums early enough, you can slow down recession and stop gum loss before it becomes too damaging.

Regardless of how far along with your gum recession maybe, you and your dentist will make a plan to treat the condition and restore your smile based on your unique case.

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How To Stop Receding Gums From Getting Worse? (3)

How To Stop Receding Gums From Getting Worse? (4)

How To Stop Receding Gums From Getting Worse? (2024)

FAQs

How To Stop Receding Gums From Getting Worse? ›

Visit your dentist: You should normally visit your dentist at least twice per year, but if you see signs of gum recession, you should visit as soon as possible. Seek treatment for teeth grinding, such as a mouth guard. Get a soft-bristle brush. Brush more gently.

Can you stop a gum recession from progressing? ›

One of the most important things you can do to avoid further gum recession is to brush and floss your teeth twice daily. If your gums have receded due to aggressive brushing, be mindful of the force you are applying while brushing and use a soft-bristled toothbrush.

How do you fix severely receding gums? ›

Gum graft surgery is the most predictable and long-lasting treatment option for gum recession. Typically, a periodontist (gum specialist) performs this procedure. During this surgery, a gum graft is used to replace your missing gum tissue.

How can I stimulate my gums to regenerate? ›

How Can You Rebuild Your Gums Naturally?
  1. Oil Pulling. Oil pulling is a popular age-long practice for removing plaques and other food particles from the mouth with natural oils. ...
  2. Salt Water. ...
  3. Eucalyptus Oil. ...
  4. Brushing Correctly. ...
  5. Peppermint Essential Oil. ...
  6. Green Tea. ...
  7. Flossing Regularly. ...
  8. Hydrogen Peroxide.

How to stop gum disease from getting worse? ›

Do
  1. brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day – spit after brushing, do not rinse.
  2. clean in between your teeth every day using floss or interdental brushes.
  3. replace your toothbrush every 1 to 3 months.

What gel helps your gums grow back? ›

Straumann Emdogain is an easy-to-apply, protein-based gel that is designed to promote predictable regeneration of lost periodontal hard and soft tissues caused by periodontitis, helping to save and preserve the tooth.

What toothpaste is best for receding gums? ›

Corsodyl toothpaste has been shown to have many uses including fighting oral thrush, relieving mouth ulcers, cleaning wisdom teeth and improving gum disease, which is a cause of gum recession.

What mouthwash is best for receding gums? ›

The Corsodyl mouthwash helps with bleeding gums as well as recession, and it prevents gum disease. It is the go-to brand for many people with gum recession. Corsodyl contains an active ingredient called chlorhexidine digluconate, an antiseptic that kills bacteria that aren't layered onto the teeth.

What is the number one cause of receding gums? ›

The leading causes of receding gums are an inconsistent oral care routine, high consumption of sugar, tobacco use, and irregular dental cleanings. Brushing too vigorously may lead to or contribute to the recession of the gum line, as well.

How do dentists fix receding gums? ›

To fix receding gums, we can use a procedure called a gum graft. This is a minor surgical procedure that involves taking healthy gum tissue from another part of the mouth and attaching it to where the gums have receded, providing extra tissue to build the gums back up.

Does salt water help receding gums? ›

Benefits of Using Salt Water for Receding Gums

Salt water acts as a natural disinfectant, helping to reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth. Rinsing with salt water can inhibit bacterial growth and promote a healthier oral environment, potentially preventing further gum recession.

What makes gums grow back? ›

While your gums won't grow back on their own, surgical treatment can be used to replace the missing tissue, and restore both your appearance and your oral health. Gum grafting involves taking soft tissue from another part of the mouth and grafting it onto your gums.

How to brush teeth with receding gums? ›

Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle along the line of the gums. Don't hold the brush flat against your teeth. This lets the brush skim the surface without getting into the crevices where bacteria and plaque hide.

What not to do with gum disease? ›

Avoid sugary treats, sodas, and fruit juices that can erode tooth enamel and hinder the healing of inflamed or damaged gums. Carbonated beverages, including soda and sparkling water, contain high levels of carbonic acid, which can weaken tooth enamel and potentially interfere with the healing process.

What is the best home remedy for gum disease? ›

These include:
  • Salt Water Rinse. Salt water rinse is a natural remedy for reversing gum disease. ...
  • Oil Pulling. ...
  • Turmeric Paste. ...
  • Hydrogen Peroxide. ...
  • Tea Tree Oil. ...
  • Aloe Vera Mouth Rinse. ...
  • Vitamin C. ...
  • Sage Mouthwash.
Sep 11, 2023

How to reverse gum disease at home? ›

Proper oral hygiene practices, such as brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily, can go a long way in preventing and reversing gum disease. Additionally, using an antibacterial mouthwash can help kill bacteria that contribute to gum inflammation.

How fast does gum recession progress? ›

The answer depends on the underlying cause. For example, if you brush too hard, your gums may recede over time. However, if you have gum disease, your gums can recede quite quickly. In some cases, they may even recede within a matter of weeks or months.

How long does it take for gum recession to go away? ›

How long does it take for receding gums to heal after treatment? On average, it takes about 2-4 weeks for gums to heal, but it can take longer depending on the severity. You will want to schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist to check your healing and overall gum health.

When is it too late to reverse gum disease? ›

It's never too late to seek treatment for gum disease, and the degree of treatment you require will depend on how advanced it is.

Do gums grow back after deep cleaning? ›

It depends on how severe the receding gums are, as if they are only minimally receded, then the gums will reattach themselves to the teeth. While any gum loss experienced due to gum disease will not grow back, the majority of patients can expect their gums to reattach after undergoing a deep cleaning.

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