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How To Prevent Your Gums From Receding

6 January 2015 by Julia Gregory

There are numerous causes of gum recession. Some are things you may not have great control over, such as hormonal changes during menopause and genetic predisposition. Some of the causes are also things you can prevent. For example, you can keep your gums intact by:

Observing Oral Hygiene

One of the premier causes of gum recession is periodontal disease. The bacteria eat away your gums, and even the supporting bones and tissues. If you don't treat the condition early enough, then the result is a recessed gum. Luckily, this is something you can prevent by observing oral hygiene measures such as:

• Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly
• Washing your mouth with suitable mouthwash
• Consulting your dentist regularly

Brushing Your Teeth Gently

Apart from periodontal disease, aggressive brushing can also erode your gums. This can also happen if you are using a toothbrush with hard bristles. What happens is that the brush erodes your teeth and causes your gum tissues to recede. Therefore, you need to use a relatively soft toothbrush and use gentle, circular motions while brushing.

Correcting Your Misaligned Teeth

If your teeth are misaligned, then they are probably causing excessive force on your jawbone and gums. This can also make your gums recede. Therefore, if you have misaligned teeth, then you should consult a dentist to prescribe the best treatment suitable for your case. Some of the available options include:

• Wearing a removable retainer
• Wearing braces
• Removing some teeth to reduce overcrowding
• Reshaping your crooked teeth

Treat Your Bruxism

Bruxism (chronic grinding and clenching of the teeth) also causes gum recession because it puts too much force on your teeth. A few causes of bruxism, such as stress, are known, but it is likely that there are also some unknown causes. Therefore, professional diagnosis is necessary to chart the best course of treatment that may include:

• Undergoing behavioral therapy
• Wearing mouth guards
• Engaging in muscle-relaxation exercises
• Managing your stress

If you are unlucky enough to have recessed gums, then your dentist is the person to consult. If the recession is mild, then a deep cleaning that removes all the plaque and tartar followed by a smoothening of the exposed area may be all that you need. However, for excessive recession characterized by great bone loss and deep pockets in the gums, a suitable form of gum surgery (such as soft tissue grafting or bone regeneration) may be the best option.  

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