Gum recession can feel like an oral health problem that indicates a point of no return. How can you get back gum tissue that’s worn away or receded so greatly that more of your teeth are showing? It is possible to repair this problem – gum grafts aren’t the only solution, and gum disease is not the only future for your oral health.
Here are just seven ways to prevent gum recession:
1. Brush your teeth gently. Some people brush their teeth aggressively thinking that the harder they brush the better they’re brushing. Or, they brush hard to make up for some missed teeth cleanings. Unfortunately, this act can contribute to gum recession and even cause the enamel on your teeth to wear away. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and clean gently. If you’re unsure of the best ways to care for your teeth or the best tools or cleansers to use, your biomimetic dentist has preventive dental product recommendations.
2. Stop using tobacco. Whether it’s cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, or chewing tobacco, products that contain nicotine aren’t doing your gums any favors. Tobacco leaves a sticky plaque residue on enamel which is difficult to remove. When not thoroughly cleaned away, the tobacco can lead to gum recession. Stop smoking – this will eliminate one risk for gum recession, and lower your chances of developing oral cancer.
3. Get help for teeth grinding. If you tend to grind or clench your teeth, this habit is often done unconsciously during sleep or at times of great stress. Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding can lead to a great number of dental problems. The pressure and force that the grinding puts on your teeth is a common cause of gum recession. A mouth guard can help correct teeth grinding and problems like TMJ.
4. Get orthodontics. When your teeth are crooked or your bite is misaligned, this places force on the gums and the jawbone. Both of these actions make it more likely for the gums to recede. Functional orthodontics and traditional metal braces or clear aligners are all able to correct your malocclusion and prevent the likelihood of gum recession.
5. Avoid mouth piercings. Piercing your lip or tongue and wearing jewelry in or around your mouth is a surefire way to irritate your gums. Over time, the jewelry can irritate the gum tissue and make it wear away, leading to gum recession. Try sticking to your ears for jewelry and keep your mouth free of uncommon elements.
6. Practice preventive dental care. Preventive care includes at-home efforts to clean your teeth, so brush (gently!) and floss every day. Skipping a tooth-brushing occasionally is unlikely to be detrimental to your oral health, but don’t try to make up for lost time, simply keep up with the necessary efforts every morning and evening. Be kind to your teeth and gums and take good care of them to minimize the chances of developing gum recession.
7. Visit your dentist. Keeping up with preventive dental care also means keeping your dental appointments every six months to ensure that your oral health is being monitored properly and regularly. Professional dental cleanings ensure that plaque and tartar are thoroughly removed from your teeth, plus your biomimetic dentist knows your teeth and gums. Any changes, no matter how small, will be noticed. And if gum recession begins, your dentist will notice and advise you on how to prevent the problem from becoming worse.
Repair Gum Recession with the Help of a Biomimetic Dentist
Problems like periodontal disease lead to gum recession because of the bacterial gum infections that are the hallmark of gum disease. Some people are simply predisposed to gum disease, while women may find themselves more susceptible to gum changes because of hormonal fluctuations throughout their lives.
Your biomimetic dentist is focused on providing oral health care in the least-invasive ways possible. The pinhole surgical technique practiced by Moorestown Dental Professionals is gentle and results in far less discomfort than traditional methods of gum recession repair. Contact Moorestown Dental Professionals in Moorestown, NJ, to make an appointment and discuss your oral health needs.
