Gum recession is a dental condition in which our gum tissues recede or pull back from the original gum line, exposing the roots of the teeth. Gum recession makes our teeth and gums more prone to bacterial infections because the root of the teeth is more sensitive as compared to the enamel-coated surface of our teeth.
If receding gums are not treated on time, it could lead to severe infections and diseases in our teeth, bones, and gum tissues.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), anyone can have gum recession. People of all ages can have gum recession. Even those who maintain good oral hygiene can be affected by gum recession because the condition is multifactorial.
However, these 4 ways can help you prevent gum recession.
Gentle Brushing of Teeth
Some people brush their teeth too aggressively, thinking that if they brush harder, their teeth will become cleaner and whiter. But brushing your teeth aggressively can push back the soft tissues of your gums and erode your enamel.
To clean your teeth properly, you must practice gentle brushing for 2 minutes and make sure that your brush is soft and narrow.
A narrow brush will easily reach the corners of your mouth and clean your third molars. Similarly, a toothbrush with soft bristles will clean your teeth gently without causing damage to your enamel and gums. To boost your oral hygiene, you must floss your teeth once a day and rinse your mouth with a mouthwash to wash away bacteria.
Regular Dental Check-ups
Regular dental checkups are the best prevention for all kinds of dental diseases. Your dentist will examine your oral cavities to make sure that no signs and symptoms of dental disease are visible. While examining your mouth, they will be able to diagnose if your gums are slowly receding from the original gum line and are gradually exposing more of your teeth. If that is the case, they will inform you and ask you to take precautionary measures or undergo treatment for gum recession.
Correct Your Bad Bite
Bat bites such as crooked teeth or overcrowded teeth can put pressure on your teeth, bones, and gum tissues. Incisors and canines are responsible for biting the food, and molars are responsible for chewing and grinding, but people who have bad bite exert more pressure on the teeth that have fallen out of alignment. This pressure causes the gums to recede.
Orthodontists are able to correct bad bites with the help of braces, retainers, and other dental devices.
Quit Smoking
The tobacco in the cigarettes stays on your gum line in the form of a sticky black residue. Over time this turns into plaque and starts to push back your gums. The tobacco residue is so sticky and stubborn that even after brushing your teeth thoroughly, the residue remains. To prevent gum recession, dentists recommend that you should quit smoking, as in severe cases, the habit can also lead to the formation of oral cancers.
At Aesthetic Periodontal & Implant Specialists, Dr. Hosseini and can help you find the best treatment for gum recession. Call us today at (210) 614-4700 to schedule your appointment at earliest.
Dental Blog - San Antonio • Aesthetic Periodontal & Implant Specialists We post dental blogs to pique your interest and educate our San Antonio community about topics related to dentistry, dental implants, and oral health. Aesthetic Periodontal & Implant Specialists, 1130 E Sonterra Blvd, Suite 120, San Antonio, TX 78258 \ (210) 614-4700 \ aestheticperiodontist.com \ 12/17/2024 \ Page Phrases: Dental Implants San Antonio TX \
Gum recession is a dental condition in which our gum tissues recede or pull back from the original gum line, exposing the roots of the teeth. Gum recession makes our teeth and gums more prone to bacterial infections because the root of the teeth is more sensitive as compared to the enamel-coated surface of our teeth.