6 Immediate Steps to Stop Receding Gums from Getting Worse

Receding gums are a common dental condition. And the more you age, the more risks go up. In fact, 88% of people aged 65 and above have at least one tooth with exposed roots. The issue is, without timely action, it can worsen over time.

The good news? Identifying the root causes can make a big difference in stopping their progression.

In this article, we'll delve into the two primary triggers of receding gums, equip you with proactive strategies to prevent them from progressing and explore options for covering exposed roots while enhancing your smile.

Which of These Two Main Factors Causing Your Gums to Recede?

Gum recession has two main triggers: Plaque Buildup and Trauma. These factors can combine and interact with other risks, further increasing the likelihood and severity of the issue.

Factor 1: Plaque Buildup

Plaque, that sticky film on your teeth, is a major culprit behind gum recession. When plaque isn't removed through proper brushing and flossing, it can lead to inflammation and irritation of your gums. Over time, this can cause your gums to pull away from your teeth, exposing more of the roots.

Associated Symptoms: If you notice your gums looking red, swollen, or bleeding when you brush or floss, it could be a sign of plaque buildup. Bad breath and a sour taste in your mouth might also indicate that plaque is at play.

Factor 2: Trauma

Trauma to the gums can also contribute to recession. This could be from aggressive brushing, using a toothbrush with hard bristles, or even habits like teeth grinding. These actions put undue pressure on your gums, causing them to recede over time.

Associated Symptoms: If you've noticed your gums pulling back and exposing more of your tooth's root without any sign of inflammation or plaque buildup, trauma might be a factor.

Why Finding the Root Cause Matters

Identifying whether plaque buildup or trauma is the main trigger is crucial because once you pinpoint the cause, you're well on your way to tackling the issue head-on. In fact, understanding the root cause should be your first step in treating any gum condition.

By addressing the root cause – whether it's improving your oral hygiene routine or removing any source of irritation – you're taking a big step towards preventing receding gums from progressing further.

6 Steps to Stop the Progress of Receding Gums

If you've noticed your gums receding, there's no need to fret. There are several steps you can take right from the comfort of your home to prevent this common dental issue from worsening. Here are 6 steps to consider:

Can You Reverse Receding Gums at Home?

While you can certainly strengthen and prevent further gum recession at home, regrowing gum tissue is not possible. If your goal is to cover your exposed roots, surgery is often the way to go. So, consulting your dentist is a good idea to discuss your options and the possibility of a gum graft.

However, remember that addressing the root cause is crucial before considering surgery. For eligibility, your gums should be in a healthy, inflammation-free state. Therefore, whichever route you decide to take, adopting home measures will greatly support your journey toward better gum health.

Are There Non-Surgical Options to Cover Exposed Roots?

You've successfully stopped the progression of your receding gums and restored their health. Yet, a concern remains – the appearance of your teeth and the discomfort of sensitivity.

If surgery isn't an option you're considering, you're likely wondering about non-surgical alternatives to cover exposed roots. The good news is that such options do exist. But their feasibility depends on your specific situation. These include:

1. Gentler Toothbrushing:

As we said, brushing your teeth more gently can successfully halt the progression of receding gums. What's new is that this can actually reverse early damage when it's confined to the outer gum layer.

This is thanks to the ability of external gum cells to migrate and self-renew in a process called re-epithelialization. However, it's crucial to eliminate all sources of irritation beforehand.

2. Orthodontic Treatment:

Did you know that misaligned teeth can contribute to gum recession? Aligning teeth correctly not only enhances your smile appearance but also promotes uniform chewing force distribution among your teeth.

Moreover, when a tooth is out of place, repositioning it can thicken the supporting bone and gum tissue.

Interestingly, in certain situations, realigning teeth can even result in full coverage of receded areas.

3. Dental Bonding:

Dental bonding is another treatment approach for receding gums. It involves reshaping teeth using a tooth-colored material to fill gaps created by receding gums. This not only improves the appearance of the teeth but also addresses sensitivity problems by protecting exposed roots.

4. Pinhole Surgery Technique:

Despite being a surgical method, it's different from gum grafting techniques.

With conventional grafting, the dentist prepares the recipient site by cutting the gum to suture the graft in place. This works well but can cause discomfort and take a while to heal.

On the other hand, the Pinhole Surgery Technique is less invasive and less painful, as no cutting or stitching is needed.

In the procedure, a small hole is made in your gum, and special tools are used to lift the gum over the exposed roots.

What's more, your gums will look better immediately after treatment, and the healing process is faster, taking just one day.

This modern approach holds promise, but it does require skill on the practitioner's part.