Many people don’t give their gums a great deal of thought, preferring to focus their oral care routine on cleaning their teeth and getting them as white as possible. However, the gums play a crucial role in the health and retention of our teeth, as well as helping us to have an attractive and even smile.

If our gums don’t receive sufficient attention daily, we could develop a range of dental issues, one of which is gum recession. Gum recession is characterized as the retraction of gum tissue from around the base of the teeth where they usually fit snugly, helping to support our teeth in place and covering the sensitive roots. Gum recession may not sound like a serious problem, but it is something that can both affect the appearance of your smile as well as causing further problems for your oral health.

The effects of gum recession

Gum recession is a progressive problem, meaning that unless treatment is sought, it will inevitably get worse over time. When the gums recede, gaps can form between the tooth and gum tissue, allowing disease-causing bacteria to become trapped and multiply. This can make the condition much worse and the tissue and bone structures of the teeth can become damaged, potentially leading to tooth loss.

Another effect of gum recession is exposed to roots. The roots are essential for holding our teeth in position and keeping them healthy. If the roots become exposed, it can cause substantial pain and irritation, and over time they could become damaged, putting our teeth at risk of coming out.

There are also cosmetic repercussions of gum recession is when the gums pull back, they can cause the teeth to look longer than they are. This can affect your smile and cause you to feel self-conscious.

How to stop the gums from receding

Gum recession can be caused by a variety of different things, in particular, gum disease. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to keep your gums healthy and intact. These include the following:
Don’t smoke. Smoking is well-known as being a key contributor to gum recession since people who smoke are more likely to develop plaque on their teeth which can lead to gum disease. Giving up smoking can significantly reduce your risk of gum disease and recession.
Brush your teeth properly. The best way to prevent most dental problems, including gum recession, is to make sure that you are brushing your teeth properly. Brush using a fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes twice each day, paying particular attention to where the teeth meet the gums.
Don’t skip flossing. Many of us are guilty of avoiding flossing our teeth because it can be fiddly or time-consuming. However, flossing is an excellent way of preventing gum problems since it is the most effective method for removing plaque from those areas of the mouth where toothbrushes find it hard to be effective – between the teeth. If you can’t get on with conventional floss, consider a water flosser, interdental brushes or any of the other alternatives.
Visit your dentist regularly. Your dentist isn’t just there to help you manage dental problems that have occurred. They are also an invaluable source of preventative care and regular visits and annual professional cleans can help to prevent many issues from ever occurring – including gum recession.

For more advice on the best way to stop your gums from receding, or to make an appointment to discuss gum recession with our expert dental team, call or visit our offices today.