Gums are essential to your oral health. They keep your teeth in position so you can talk, chew, and smile without difficulty. Gums also protect your teeth’s roots from decay and cushion your bite when you chew.
Gum recession is a significant dental problem to be concerned about, given that our gums do so much for us. At Edgemere Dental in El Paso, TX, our dentist wants to assist you in maintaining your gums for years to come so that they may continue to serve you. Here are some facts that everyone should be aware of when it comes to gum recession:
What is gum recession?
Gum recession is a type of gum disease. When gum tissue separates from your teeth, revealing the roots beneath, this is referred to as a recession. This can promote the development of cavities in your teeth. When brushing or eating, your teeth can become extra sensitive as a result. Gum recession can be slight, moderate, or severe and can affect one tooth or several teeth.
Causes of gum recession
Gum recession can be caused by a variety of factors including:
- periodontal disease
- old age
- genetics
- poor oral hygiene
- medical conditions
How is gum recession treated?
With deep teeth cleaning of the affected area, our dentist may be able to treat mild gum recession. During the deep cleaning, also called tooth scaling and root planing, plaque and tartar that have grown on the teeth and root surfaces below the gum line is meticulously removed, and the exposed root region is smoothed to make it more difficult for germs to grow. To get rid of any remaining harmful bacteria, our dentist may prescribe antibiotics.
Gum graft surgery may be required to repair the damage caused by gum recession if your gum recession cannot be treated with deep cleaning because of excess loss of bone and pockets that are too deep.
Gum graft surgery
Gum graft surgery is a surgical approach that can help prevent further bone loss and gum recession. It will also help to protect the exposed root from rotting.
Gum grafts may be done in a variety of ways, depending on your specific requirements and the degree of damage. Our dentist will go through a variety of options for grafts with you to select the best one for you.
Local anesthesia is used to make the process as pleasant as possible. Some of the existing gum may need to be removed during the surgery in order to expose and clean the root of a tooth.
Grafting is the process of replacing part or all of a patient’s damaged gum tissue with an alternative source. Gum transplant surgery can be divided into three categories:
- Connective tissue graft
- Free gingival graft
- Pedicle (lateral) graft
Can receding gums grow back?
‘Can gum recession be reversed?’ is a frequent question regarding this condition. In a nutshell, no, receding gums cannot be restored; neither can they regenerate, but there are treatments that may assist.
Natural remedies
Gum recession treatment choices, on the other hand, might help you stop further development. There are also various natural treatments that may assist relieve the underlying condition and prevent further advancement of this problem, which we’ll discuss here.
- Eucalyptus oil – According to some research, eucalyptus oil is an anti-inflammatory and promotes new gum tissue growth, ensuring proper oral health and preventing gums from receding.
- Green tea – Research has revealed that drinking green tea on a daily basis may help to improve the health of teeth and gums. Drink two cups of green tea every day, or use it as a mouthwash.
- Herbs – Septilin is a herbal combination of guggul, guduchi, licorice, and other substances that have been proven to have cleaning advantages and reduce the risk of tooth loss.
- Hydrogen peroxide – If your gums are sore, red, and enlarged, a hydrogen peroxide mouthwash might help alleviate some symptoms and kill specific germs that cause gum disease. Make this solution by combining 60ml of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 60ml of water and swirling it around in your mouth for 30 seconds. Repeat this procedure about 2-3 times a week and avoid swallowing the solution. Many people consider this solution the best mouthwash for receding gums.
- Mouthwash: There are many types of mouthwash you can buy to help improve gum health.
Do you think you suffer from gum recession? Schedule a dental exam today!
At our office, we are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of care. We offer a variety of services such as teeth cleaning, tooth scaling and root planing, dental exams, fillings, veneers, crowns, bridges, dentures, and more! Give us a call today to schedule an appointment!
Call us today at 915-921-6200 or click the button below to schedule a visit.
