How to Protect Your Gums from Receding

Do your teeth hurt when you eat or brush? Do your teeth appear longer than usual? If so, you may have gum recession, a common dental problem that causes your gums to pull back and expose the tooth’s root, leading to a gap between the teeth and the gum line. 

We have a fix for that.

Anna M. Munné, DDS, PA, & ASSOCIATES help people throughout the Museum District of Houston, Texas, get their gums back in shape, hugging their teeth and keeping them stable. However, we’d much rather help you avoid the problem altogether. Here’s what you need to know about receding gums and how to prevent them.

What causes gum recession?

Gum recession occurs due to various reasons, including:

Poor oral hygiene 

Bacterial growth, plaque, and tartar formation are common causes of gum recession. Lack of proper oral hygiene allows bacteria to grow, form plaque and tartar, and eventually damage your teeth.

Brushing your teeth too hard

Over brushing your teeth with a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear away the enamel and cause your gums to recede.

Genetics

Genetics also plays a role in gum recession. For example, some people with a family history of gum recession are more prone to it, while others may have weaker teeth and gums from birth.

Smoking

Smoking reduces saliva flow, leading to a buildup of bacteria, plaque and tartar, and gum recession.

How to prevent gum recession

Maintaining good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent gum recession. Make sure to brush your teeth twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoid smoking or chewing tobacco, and floss regularly to remove the bacteria buildup in hard-to-reach areas. 

Of course, visiting us at least twice yearly for professional cleaning and check-ups gives you a significant advantage against gum recession.

Another way to prevent gum recession is by eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, which protect your teeth and gums from decay.

How we treat gum recession

Our treatment of gum recession depends on the cause and severity. Often, all it takes is a thorough professional cleaning technique called planing and scaling, where we remove embedded bacteria from below your gum line. 

We also offer dental bonding to cover exposed tooth roots and alleviate sensitivity. 

However, if your gum recession is severe, Dr. Munné recommends gum grafting. 

We perform gum graft surgery when your gum tissue is too thin or recessed to cover your teeth adequately. In this procedure, Dr. Munné removes a small section of tissue from the palate of your mouth and attaches it to the recessed area of your gums. Alternatively, she may use donated or synthetic tissue to create the graft. 

To speed up healing and ensure a solid graft, Dr. Munné also uses a form of regenerative medicine called platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which uses concentrated components of your blood to stimulate new tissue growth. 

Call or click at your convenience to learn more ways to avoid gum recession or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Munné. It’s always a good time to protect your gums.