Introduction
If you seem to have abnormally long teeth, you most likely have receding gums. Dealing with receding gums is crucial for maintaining good oral health. If left untreated, the issue can lead to tooth sensitivity, decay, and even tooth loss. This guide provides insights into how to treat receding gums through various home remedies, professional treatments, and preventive care to avoid further gum recession.
Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue surrounding the teeth pulls back, exposing the tooth or its root. This can lead to tooth sensitivity, especially when consuming hot or cold foods, and increases the risk of decay and infection. It grows very slowly, making early intervention crucial. While there may not be a cure for receding gums, understanding how to treat receding gums is very important in managing and preventing more severe oral health issues. Both home-based solutions and professional dental treatments can play a role in improving gum health.
Understanding Gum Recession and Its Causes
Before diving into how to fix receding gums, it’s important to understand the causes and signs of gum recession. They have been listed below:
- Aggressive Brushing: Vigorously using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down the gum tissue.
- Periodontal Disease: This gum infection damages the gum and destroys the supporting structure around the teeth, leading to gum recession.
- Genetics: Some people are more susceptible to gum disease due to their genetic makeup.
- Teeth Grinding or Clenching: Putting pressure on your teeth by clenching or grinding can cause gums to recede.
Recognising these contributing factors early is essential to treat receding gums.
Home Remedies for Treating Mild Receding Gums
In mild cases, home remedies for receding gums can be effective in slowing down the process of gum recession. Here are a few home remedies that can help and are easy to apply.
- Oil Pulling: This ancient practice involves swishing with coconut or sesame oil for 10-15 minutes and helps to reduce bacteria, plaque, and gum inflammation. It’s a commonly recommended natural remedy for receding gums.
- Saltwater Rinse: A mixture of warm water and salt is a natural and effective remedy for receding gums. It can reduce inflammation and fight off bacteria that cause gum infection.
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Aloe Vera: Another effective home remedy for receding gums is applying aloe vera gel on the affected area of the gums. This can help soothe and heal the gum tissues.
These home remedies for receding gums may help manage mild symptoms but are not a cure for receding gums. In more severe cases, you should consult a doctor for better suggestions.
Treatments for Receding Gums
If home remedies for receding gums don’t seem to work, professional treatments can step in to fix receding gums. Depending upon the severity, several options are available. Some of them are mentioned below:
- Scaling and Root Planing: The first step in treating receding gums is scaling and root planing. It is a deep-cleaning technique wherein the dentist cleans below (or above) the gum line to remove plaque and tartar. This helps the gums to reattach to the teeth.
- Gum Grafting: In more severe cases, gum grafting can be performed. This surgical method involves taking tissue from another part of the mouth and grafting it in the affected area. This is done by dental professionals. It is a common method to fix receding gum lines.
- Pinhole Surgical Technique: A less invasive option than grafting, this procedure involves making a small hole in the gum tissue and repositioning it to cover the exposed root. It’s an effective treatment for those looking for a quicker recovery. It can effectively help fix receding gum lines with minimal discomfort.
- Desensitising Treatments: For those experiencing sensitivity due to receding gums, sensitivity toothpaste or treatments that apply fluoride to the affected areas can help manage symptoms.
- Laser Treatment: Laser treatments are an innovative option for treating periodontal disease, which helps stimulate tissue growth and can aid in fixing receding gums.
Even though these treatments can treat receding gums, none of them offer a permanent cure for receding gums without knowing the underlying causes.
Preventing Further Gum Recession
Once you have undergone gum treatment, the next important step is to prevent further gum recession. Here are some practical steps to protect your gums.
- Use a Soft-bristled Toothbrush: Brushing too hard or using a brush with firm bristles can irritate the gum and worsen the gum recession.
- Brush and Floss Regularly: Brushing and flossing twice a day is important for maintaining proper oral hygiene.
- Avoid Tobacco Products: Smoking or chewing tobacco can worsen the gum recession and make recovery difficult.
- Regular Dental Checkups: Regular visits to your dentist are very important to prevent serious gum disease. Regular cleanings can help catch issues early, preventing severe recessions.
By following these steps, you can help fix receding gum lines and protect your oral health for the long term.
Managing Gum Health Post-Treatment
Maintaining your gums after treatment is essential for long-lasting results. By adopting a combination of proper professional treatment and home care remedies, you can successfully fix receding gums and ensure a healthier smile in the long term. Here’s how to take care of your gums:
- Gentle Brushing and Flossing: After undergoing treatment to treat receding gums, continue brushing and flossing gently to avoid any further complications.
- Mouthwash: Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce the risk of infection and help keep your gums healthy.
- Healthy Diet: A diet rich in vitamins, particularly C and D. This vitamin helps in keeping the gum healthy. Avoiding sugary foods can also prevent plaque buildup.
Conclusion
While there isn’t a definitive cure for receding gums, understanding how to treat receding gums is the key to managing the condition. Whether it’s through natural remedies for receding gums or more advanced treatments, you have a range of options to treat receding gums. By combining natural, homemade remedies with professional treatment, you can protect your gums and prevent further damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How can I stimulate my gums to regenerate?
Answer- Gums don’t naturally regenerate once they have receded, but there are many treatments like gum grafting or laser therapy that can help stimulate gum tissue and improve gum health.
Q2. Can receding gums be cured naturally?
Answer- While there’s no complete cure for receding gums through natural means. Saltwater rinses and aloe vera gel are some of the natural remedies for receding gums; this can slow down the recession process and promote healthier gums.
Q3. What promotes gum regrowth?
Answer- Gum regrowth is promoted through professional treatments like gum grafting and periodontal therapy. Additionally, good oral hygiene practices can help maintain the result of these procedures. Always maintain proper oral hygiene for better results.