Stop Receding Gums from Getting Worse

Gum recession is a condition in which the gum tissue becomes inflamed and infected and pulls away from the surface of the tooth roots. Recession is a relatively common issue, but without treatment, it can cause a number of more severe problems, including tooth mobility, bone loss, and even tooth loss. Fortunately, there are treatment options available to slow the progression of gum recession and even restore affected areas.

Can you stop receding gums from getting worse?

Depending on the cause and severity of your gum recession, there are treatment options available to keep it from getting worse. If you suffer from periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing to remove tartar and bacteria from the gum pockets below the gum line.

For scaling and root planing treatment, a local anesthetic is administered to the side of the mouth being treated. Because you are numb during the procedure, most offices prefer to do this treatment in two separate appointments, treating one side of the mouth at a time. Once you are numb, your dental provider will begin cleaning each gum pocket using manual and ultrasonic tools to make sure everything is clean and clear. Sometimes, an especially deep pocket may require the placement of an antibiotic chip, called Aresta, to help the healing process.

More severe cases of gum recession may require the specialized treatment of a periodontist. A periodontist is a dental professional who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease. A periodontist will have the ability to provide more intensive care than your dentist. A couple of surgical procedures that a periodontist might use include a gum graft and flap surgery.

Is there anything I can do at home to stop receding gums from getting worse?

The best thing you can do at home is improve your oral care routine. Most of the time, recession is a symptom of periodontal disease, which is almost always a result of poor oral hygiene. Gum tissue will not grow back on its own, and removing the tartar from under your gum line is not something you can do at home. This, unfortunately, requires a dental professional.

It is important to maintain regular visits to your dentist, at least twice a year, but more if you have gum recession or periodontal disease. During your regular cleanings, your hygienist will measure the depths of your gum pockets, and any measuring deeper than 4 millimeters may need attention. When gum pockets become infected, measurements can be much deeper, leading to recession and bone loss. If you are experiencing any symptoms of recession, be sure to discuss them with your dentist.

Symptoms of gum recession are much like those for periodontal disease, of course, because they tend to go hand-in-hand. Tender, swollen gum tissue, bleeding with oral hygiene or when eating, new or worsening sensitivity along the gum line, loose teeth, and chronic bad breath that does not go away with oral hygiene are all indicative of periodontal disease and gum recession. The appearance of your teeth can also signify gum recession. If your teeth appear longer than they used to, your gums may be pulling away. The sooner periodontal disease is diagnosed, the better your chances of successfully treating and restoring the area.

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