How can you stop receding gums?

In order to holistically treat gum recession, dental procedures, such as a deep teeth cleaning, are effective; however, prevention measures are crucial and include good oral hygiene, such as regular brushing and flossing.

The surgical and non-surgical treatments available to patients at the dental office vary in severity and complexity. At the extreme end of such surgical treatments lies a gum grafting procedure. However, in cases of gum recession, dentists will first consider non-surgical treatments to gum disease.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)

Scaling and root planing is often one of the first recourse a dentist will recommend to patients, such as those with receding gums. The procedure entails the dentist or hygienist removing the plaque and tartar build-up that occurs below the gum line, whereby the fully healing gum will reattach itself to the tooth. For a deeper look at the outcomes, see our guide on whether scaling and root planing can prevent tooth loss.

Scaling

Removal of plaque and tartar build-up using dental instruments

Root Planing

Smoothing the roots of the tooth to promote healing

What to Expect

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Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area

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You may experience some gum pain, which usually subsides the next day

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Typically requires two appointments (one side of the mouth at a time)

📅 For chronic gum disease: Deep cleaning may be recommended 3-4 times per year instead of the traditional twice yearly.

Managing Discomfort

Sometimes your dentist will recommend special toothpaste, desensitizing toothpaste, or similar products to make maintaining your dental hygiene less painful. Patients with gum disease often neglect their oral hygiene routines to avoid the discomfort of pain, and therefore their gum disease becomes even more severe.

Surgical Treatments

Gum Grafts

The most common type of surgical treatment for gum disease is a gum graft. A gum graft takes a piece of soft tissue from a different area of the body (such as the roof of the mouth) and places it in an area to cover the exposed roots of the teeth.

Connective Tissue Grafts

Tissue from the palate

Gingival Grafts

Gum tissue grafts

Pedicle Grafts

Nearby gum tissue

Additional Surgical Options

There are also many dental treatments for patients suffering from significant loss of tissue and bone. These treatments, along with grafts and proteins and other materials supporting bone and tissue growth, are also regenerative dentistry. Options include restorations and gum veneers that are offered as cosmetic dentistry.

Management and Prevention of Gum Disease

The primary factor for receding of gums is the presence of gum disease, which is a chronic condition that has no cure, and the only thing that can be done is management.

Prevention Strategies

🪥 Good Oral Hygiene

Use a soft bristle toothbrush and water flosser. Brush and floss regularly.

🥗 Healthier Lifestyle

Decline sugary foods, quit smoking, reduce alcohol consumption.

🦷 Regular Checkups

Essential for healthy gums. Dentist assesses bone health and prevents bone loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can receding gums indicate gum disease?

Yes, they can. They often begin to recede after plaque and tartar build up between the tooth and the gums. This can be removed and can help bring gums to a healthier state.

Are receding gums a permanent issue?

Not if it is treated. There are many ways to reposition the gums, both surgically and non-surgically, but receding gums will not improve without treatment.

Will receding gums lead to tooth loss?

Yes, eventually tooth decay and looseness can result from receding gums if they are not treated.

Why are my teeth so sensitive?

Receding gums expose the nerve endings at the root of the tooth, and they become very sensitive.