Receding gum means a common dental condition in which the gum tissue that covers the teeth fades away or pushes back, exposing more of the tooth or the roots. When this happens, "pockets," or gaps, emerge between the teeth and gum line, allowing disease-causing germs to accumulate. If neglected, the supporting tissue and bone components of the teeth can be severely compromised, leading to tooth loss.
The initial indicator of gum recession is generally dental discomfort, although you may also notice that a tooth seems longer than usual. You can feel a notch near the gum line when it happens.
Causes of Receding Gums
Inadequate oral hygiene and periodontitis contribute to gingival recession. However, gum retraction can also occur in people with good oral hygiene.
Physical gum wear and tissue inflammation are the main causes of the recession.
Some people have a tendency for their gums to recede due to genetic factors. These factors include tooth position and gum thickness.
Physical wear and tear of the gums due to intense brushing and the use of hard hair is another common cause of the gingival recession. Excessive brushing can lead to gum retraction, even if the teeth are in good hygiene.
This type of physical recession often affects the left side of the mouth even more. This is because most people use a toothbrush on their right hand to put more pressure on their left gum. This pattern affects the side gums more than the front.
Other physical factors that push the gums back include lip and tongue piercings, tooth misalignment, and dental damage.
Some people are more sensitive to the inflammatory causes of gum retraction than others because they have more sensitive tissue. As the gum tissue becomes thinner, plaque is more likely to cause inflammation.
Plaque buildup on your teeth can lead to the following dental disorders:
Inflamed gums: This condition is called gingival inflammation and can cause periodontal disease.
Periodontitis: This creates a space between the gums and the teeth, resulting in the loss of binding fibres and bone around the roots of the teeth. This can lead to gum retraction and bone loss.
Periodontitis is a common cause of gum retraction. Periodontitis causes loss of supporting bone and tissue around the teeth due to an inflammatory reaction. Retraction of the gums tends to affect all teeth in the same way.
Symptoms of receding gums
As receding gums progress over time, you'll notice the subsequent symptoms:
Long Teeth
One symptom is the visible perpetuation of the teeth. When the gums recede as a result of disease, the teeth appear to be much longer than they are.
Exposed Roots
Exposed roots are another symptom and might be extraordinarily sensitive and uncomfortable. They're usually a sign of disease or are frequently attributed to brushing too hard with a toothbrush that has worn-out bristles.
Loose teeth
When full of receding gums, you'll notice loose teeth, which are attributed to the bacteria and disease below the gums that surround the teeth. As receding gums worsen, the gum pockets deepen due to the loss of attachment structure.
Treatment of Receding gums
In most cases, receding gums do not require treatment. In those mild cases and during early intervention, the dentist's advice on prevention suggests gum monitoring and teaches you an effective but gentle brushing technique.
There are several options for individuals in need of treatment.
- Through products such as desensitizers, varnishes, and dentin adhesives that are intended to reduce the sensitivity of exposed roots. Dentin hypersensitivity also helps in maintaining oral hygiene by treating neurological symptoms and making it easier to brush sensitive teeth.
- By Composite Resin Restoration: The dentist uses a tooth-coloured composite resin to cover the surface of the root. You can also fill the black gaps between your teeth.
- By applying pink porcelain or composite, which is the same pink colour as the gums and can be applied to fill the gaps where the gums recede.
- Using detachable gingival veneers, which are typically made of acrylic or silicone and artificially replace large areas of receding gingival tissue.
- Through orthodontic treatments, which involve the slow repositioning of teeth over a long period of time, this repositioning can correct the gum lines and facilitate tooth cleaning.
- The last option is surgery, where the dentist transplants tissue from another part of the mouth to cure the gingival recession. People usually only need this to treat badly retracted gums.
Natural Remedies for Receding Gums
There are numerous herbal treatments for treating receding gums. However, you have to constantly visit your dentist to pick out the most appropriate answer for you.
Here are a few herbal treatments to counter receding gums:
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling can reduce microorganisms and plaque buildup that results in receding gums. Take 2 tablespoons of oil for your mouth and gently massage it for 20 minutes. After spitting the oil, you have to rinse your mouth with hot saltwater and brush your teeth.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is powerful in selling dental health. Injecting Aloe Vera gel into infected gums can improve your condition.
Green Tea
Drinking inexperienced tea can save you from gum sickness and give you wholesome gums and teeth. Drink one or two cups of green tea every day to get better results.
Saltwater Rinse
You can get rid of infected gums by rinsing your mouth with a saltwater solution. Repeat this 3 times a day.
Septillion
Septillion is to be had in both syrup and pill form. Taking Septillion will enhance the final results of your periodontal treatment. Take dosages as prescribed by means of your dentist.
Turmeric Gel
The anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric gel can assist in saving you from plaque formation and gingivitis that cause receding gums.
Omega-three fatty acids
Eat meals that incorporate omega-three fatty acids. Take three hundred milligrams of omega-three fatty acids each day to lessen gum irritation and enhance gum-to-teeth attachment.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide and water solution. This will assist in dealing with receding gums. Repeat this two or three times a week.
Tea Tree Oil
The supply of the European Journal of Dentistry demonstrates that tea tree oil is powerful in opposition to the increase of pathogens inside the mouth.
Flossing and brushing
Gently brushing your teeth and flossing two times a day can promote wholesome gums and teeth.
Prevention of Receding Gums
Gingival recession can be caused by a variety of preventable factors.
Brushing teeth too hard or with a hard-bristled toothbrush is the most obvious and preventive cause. Instead, people should clean their teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoiding over brushing.
Periodontal disease is caused by plaque and tartar buildup, so regular oral hygiene can help prevent receding gums.
People who are concerned about their teeth or receding gums should schedule an appointment with their dentist.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. Can you fix receding gums?
Yes, you can fix receding gums through these (add the link to the treatment of receding gums title) various treatments.
Q2. Can receding gums grow back?
No, it is impossible for receding gums to come back. Even while receding gums cannot be reversed, there are treatments that can help prevent the condition from worsening.
Q3. What is the fastest way to heal receding gums?
The fastest way to heal the receding gums is the various natural and home remedies given above.
Q4. How can I rebuild receding gums?
Your gum tissues don’t regenerate like other tissues and they don’t grow back.
Q5. Does salt water help gums?
Yes, Rinsing your mouth with salt water will give you relief from damaged gums and angry teeth
Q6. At what age do gums start receding?
Overall, receding gums grow with age. According to a survey, around 38% of people between the ages of 30 and 39 have receding gums. People aged 50-59 had a higher rate of 71 per cent, and people aged 80-89 had a higher rate of almost 90 per cent.
Q7. Does old age cause gums to recede?
Yes, receding gums grow with age.