Receding gums is a common issue for children and adults. Close to 45% of people 15 to 60 years old have receding gums. There are many causes of gum recession, from traumatic toothbrushing habits to gum disease and misaligned teeth.

If you are suffering from receding gums, you are at a higher risk for tooth decay, cavities, root canals, gingivitis, and periodontitis. To avoid putting yourself at risk for these oral health issues, you should visit your dentist twice a year, brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and consider getting gum grafts.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

One of the best ways to stop receding gums is to consistently visit your dentist for deep cleans. Receding gums are frequently caused by plaque and tartar buildup on teeth. The bacteria that make up plaque and tartar create a hostile environment for gum cells.

When plaque and tartar are not removed, they get under the gums and create pockets between the gums and the teeth. As the pocket gets deeper, the gums also recede.

Fortunately, the gum cells are atrophying rather than dying, which means they can grow back to a healthy state if the plaque and tartar are removed. While plaque can be removed with brushing and flossing, professional dental cleaning is required to remove tartar.

Your dental hygienist or dentist scrapes away tartar through a process called scaling. Then smooths the tooth in a process called planing. Planing facilitates gum reconnection to your tooth.

Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush

You may have perfectly clean teeth and still have receding gums because of your toothbrush and brushing technique. While it is necessary to brush your teeth regularly to remove harmful plaque buildup, brushing duration, force, frequency, and the hardness of your toothbrushes’ bristles all contribute to gum recession.

A soft-bristled toothbrush reduces the likelihood that your brushing results in gum trauma. Also, brushing in a circular or vertical motion is 30% less likely to cause gum recession than horizontal brushing.

Gum Grafts for Receding Gums

If your gum recession is significant, it may be too late to reverse its course. In this case, your dentist may recommend gum grafts to rebuild your gums to a healthy state. Usually, gum grafts are recommended for people who have otherwise healthy gums and want to stop gum recession for cosmetic reasons.

A gum graft takes gum tissue from the top of your mouth and places it in the affected area. It is a simple procedure that only requires a local anesthetic. Ask your dentist if gum grafts are an option for your receding gums.

Learn More at Aurora Dental Group

If you have noticed your teeth roots are exposed because of receding gums, then make an appointment with your dentist to stop the issue before it develops further. Your dentist will do a deep clean, advise you on oral hygiene practices, and possibly recommend a gum graft.

At Aurora Dental Group, we strive to inform our patients of the benefits of preventive dental care and how our services improve their oral health and overall wellbeing.

Contact us today if you want more information on our cosmetic, restorative, and general dentistry services.