Gum tissue should wrap snuggly around your teeth. When your teeth appear longer and you can see the roots, you are looking at gum recession. If it is not taken care of, it can result in tooth decay. Unlike the crown, the roots do not have enamel. The gum acts as their protection. When it recedes, bacteria see an invitation to attack and cause tooth decay. This is why you should deal with gum recession as soon as possible.

Gum recession is not reversible in its severe stages. However, restoration is possible through treatments like grafting and other procedures. If caught early, your gums can heal and the gum recession reversed.

Reversing Gum Recession

The best way to stop or reverse gum recession is by having good oral hygiene. Gums are organic tissue. Thus, proper care encourages healing. This proper care means thorough brushing, flossing, taking supplements, and saltwater rinses.

It is also important to quit smoking and using tobacco. If you notice inflammation of your gums and blood when you brush, these are the first signs of gum recession. Nip it in the bud using these techniques.

Brushing

Hard bristles will hurt your gums and encourage the onset of gum recession. Medium bristles are okay when used with the proper brushing technique. However, most people will use their toothbrushes vigorously.

They end up scrubbing away their gumline in the process. When brushing your teeth, make sure to use a soft bristles toothbrush. Also, ask your dentist to show you the proper way to brush to encourage your gums to heal.

Flossing

Receding gums create spaces between your teeth known as periodontal pockets. These encourage the buildup of bacteria and plaque. Flossing twice or thrice a day will help reduce and deal with the buildup. It will also encourage the gum to heal and fill the periodontal pockets.

Taking Supplements

Vitamin C and coenzyme Q10 strengthen gums and prevent gum disease. They are naturally available from whole foods. However, it is also good to take them in supplement form. There is no established ideal dose. Hence, follow the instructions on the bottle or ask your dentist for advice.

Saltwater Rinse

Mouthwashes can contain harsh chemicals that can worsen the recession process. To avoid worsening the condition, use a warm saltwater rinse instead. Rinse your mouth with the mixture for less than a minute. Do this twice or thrice daily. Saltwater rinses have three advantages. They are easy to make, kill bacteria, and soothe gum inflammation.

Additional Ways of Reversal

There are more ways to deal with gum recession. There is scaling and root planing or getting a professional cleaning. However, these are professional procedures that your dentist will do. They will help remove the buildup of plaque and tartar. This will help heal your gums and encourage them to grow around the roots again.

Prevention

Unfortunately, there are some causes of gum recession that may not be so easy to prevent. These include hormonal changes in women and having a family history of gum recession. If this is the case, your best approach is to catch it early and slow it down. Catch it early by going for regular dental checkups. Slow it down by applying the good oral habits discussed above.

To know if gum recession can be reversed, visit Dr. Sam's Premier Dentistry at our office in Sherman, Texas. You can also call (903) 708-6400 today to schedule an appointment.