Fixing Gum Recession and Protect Your Teeth

Gum recession might be a fairly common dental issue, but it’s one that can have a serious impact on the lifespan of your teeth. Worse yet, is that the progression of receding gums happens so gradually that many patients don’t realize the problem until it begins to cause issues (such as loose or falling out teeth, bleeding gums or infections).

At Northmed Dental, Dr AJ Salman and his team are committed to helping Auckland, NZ area residents prevent and protect their gums from receding, as well as providing world-class care and treatment for already affected gum lines.

What Are Receding Gums?

Gum recession is a term used to describe the wearing away of the gum tissues surrounding the teeth. This pulling back of the gum line eventually exposes more of the tooth and its root, as well as creates crevices or ‘pockets’ that are a breeding ground for inflammation-causing bacteria.

If left untreated, gum recession can result in:

• Bleeding from the gums.
• Swelling, pain and discomfort.
• Infections.
• Gum disease.
• Loose teeth or tooth loss.

What Causes Gum Recession?

Gum recession can be caused by a range of factors, some of which are within your control to reduce the risks of, and others that may be out of your control.

Causes of Gum Recession Include:

• Periodontal diseases.
• Genetics.
• Overly aggressive tooth brushing.
• Poor dental habits (inadequate brushing, flossing, use of mouthwash, etc.)
• Hormonal changes throughout life.
• Use of tobacco products.
• Grinding and/or clenching teeth.
• Some medical conditions may increase risks.

How is Gum Recession Treated?

The type of treatment necessary is highly dependent on the extent of the recession as well as the underlying cause. 

In mild cases, treatment may involve:

• Professional deep cleaning of the impacted area.
• Tooth scaling / Root planing to remove plaque and tartar.
• Antibiotics to resolve an existing infection or to reduce bacterial risk of infection.

Moderate to severe gum recession treatment may involve:

• Open flap scaling and root planing.
• Regeneration.
• Soft tissue graft.

How Can You Prevent Gum Recession?

The overwhelming best way to prevent gum recession is to practice good oral hygiene and to take good care of your mouth.

Ways to Prevent Gum Recession:

• Brush and floss twice daily and/or after food and drink.
• Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Ask your dentist to show you how to properly brush your teeth and avoid abrasive/aggressive brushing.
• Quit smoking and/or stop tobacco use.
• Eat a well-balanced diet.
• Reduce stress and get good sleep.
• Exercise regularly.

Have concerns about your gums? Reach out today! We’re always excited to talk about dentistry and learning more about how we can help our patients get the smile they deserve.