Noticing receding gums for the first time can be a bit surprising. This is especially because people commonly pay more attention to the teeth to indicate overall oral health. However, receding gums can be a serious sign of gum disease, requiring prompt treatment. So if you’re reading this post, you’re likely wondering if receding gums can be reversed.
We’ll talk about what receding gums look like and whether it’s possible to reverse the progression of gum disease. Finally, we’ll let you know about the best treatment options for receding gums.
Receding Gums: An Overlooked Sign of Disease
Gum recession is a gradual process that isn’t immediately apparent at its onset.
Your mouth is home to a wide variety of bacteria that feed on food particles left behind as you eat and drink throughout the day. A combination of these bacteria, the food particles, and the saliva in your mouth form plaque, a sticky biofilm that deposits on surfaces inside the oral cavity. The bacteria produce acids that can dissolve tooth enamel and cause tooth decay and are constantly trying to infiltrate the oral tissues.
You can keep plaque under control with a good oral hygiene routine, as brushing and flossing disrupt and remove this film. However, plaque can harden if not regularly removed, turning into tartar.
Now, usually, your gums form a razor-thin seal around your teeth, protecting the sensitive root from bacterial infection. However, tartar buildup can accumulate beneath the gums, causing infection. This leads to red, puffy gums, infection and swelling, and eventually, periodontal disease.
Can Receding Gums Be Reversed?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for gum disease, but treatment and management are entirely possible.
Cases of mild gum recession are much easier to treat than progressive gum disease. You might have to undergo a “scaling and root planing” procedure. This involves a dentist performing a deep cleaning down to the roots of your teeth beneath your gums.
For more advanced cases of gum disease, gum grafting is an option that offers good results. Healthy gum tissue from elsewhere in the mouth is grafted onto the damaged area to help it heal.
The best way to keep receding gums under control is to ensure a good, regular oral hygiene routine. This can be a little work, but the benefits include cleaner teeth, gums, and tongue, less bad breath, and a fresher feeling in your mouth as you go about your day.
Conclusion: See A Qualified Dentist For Professional Diagnosis and Treatment
It’s important to visit a qualified dentist, as they have the necessary expertise to spot receding gums immediately. They’ll be able to offer treatment options and find out what caused your gums to recede in the first place.
Your dentists at A+ Star Smile Dental can help you get on track to maintaining excellent oral hygiene. We use advanced treatment techniques and offer individual options to suit each patient’s needs, allowing you to manage and treat your receding gums. Contact us at (713) 984-4934, and we’ll be happy to help!