What You Should Know in Regards to Gum Recession

At Stony Brook Family Dentistry we see many new patients who come to us because they have gum recession. In addition, we have many long term patients who want to avoid gum recession and they problems it can cause. Below is information about receding gums that you should be aware of.

What is Gum Recession?

Receding gums is the condition in which a person loses gingival tissue over the jaw bone area hence leading to root exposure. The condition is also known as gingival recession.

What Causes This Condition?

Receding gums mostly affects people over the age of 40 regardless of their gender. However, it may have its origin in teen years. The leading cause of receding gums is over-aggressive brushing.

This is because of the fact that harsh movements and motions caused by brush pressure corrode the enamel at the gum line. Accumulation of bacteria, caused by bad oral hygiene, can also cause bone and enamel breakdown. Last but not least, diseases like edentulism and gingivitis can also lead to receding gums.

What are The Symptoms of Receding Gums?

Common symptoms of this condition include pain, severe discomfort, irritation and inflammation in the gum areas, tooth sensitivity, tooth root exposure and caries below the gum line.

How Can Receding Gums Be Treated?

I would say that prevention is better than cure when it comes to receding gums. This is because of the fact that the only way to treat this condition is through periodontal surgery which is usually painful and intrusive. So, I would highly recommend applying the proper basic oral hygiene routines for prevention of receding gums.

Natural Treatments

There are several natural treatments and remedies that can be used to effectively treat receding gums at an affordable cost. Sage solutions are among the most effective natural treatment options. These solutions can effectively tighten gums while at the same time relieving pain and discomfort caused by receding gums.

You can brew your own sage solution by adding some sage leaves to boiling water and then strain the solution and you are done. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with the solution twice daily. Another effective natural treatment option is tea tree oil which has microbial and anti-bacterial properties which enable it to effectively prevent bacteria accumulation. To make your own tea tree oil solution, mix a few drops of tree oil with warm water and rinse your mouth with it two times every day.

Consult Your Physician

Consult your physician as soon as you experience any symptoms of receding gums such as pain or discomfort. Also, check with your doctor or dentist before you start any treatment. Doing so will help you find the best solution to your problem as your dentist or doctor will determine whether or not you are suffering from gum recession.

Next: Learn what you can do from home to help stop the progression of gum disease and to prevent it from coming back. Follow the links directly below for more information on this topic.