Learning to Manage Your Dental Problems

Receding Gums? What You Can Do At Home

28 May 2016 by Charlotte Beck

If you have or suspect you may have receding gums, there are many treatment options for you. Most dentists treat receding gums by deep cleaning the affected area. In extreme cases, dentists will perform surgery. There are also steps you can take at home to prevent and treat receding gums. Here are actions you can take:

1. Correct your dental hygiene routine

To prevent further gum loss, you need to change up your dental hygiene. When gums recede, the teeth are more prone to tooth decay. You must brush after every meal and floss twice a day to prevent food from getting trapped in the pocket between your teeth and gums. Rough brushing can also cause the gums to recede. Use a soft toothbrush and brush with gentle circles away from the gum line.

2. Wear a mouthguard

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can be a cause of gum recession. Talk with your dentist so he or she can determine if this is the cause and get you fitted for a mouth guard. Be sure and wear the mouth guard every night while sleeping. You should also take other steps to reduce the frequency of your teeth grinding, including the following:

• Manage stress with meditation, relaxation, and exercise
• Avoid caffeine in the evening
• Stop chewing gum
• Relax, stretch, and massage your facial and jaw muscles throughout the day

3. Stop smoking

If you smoke or use tobacco products, you need to stop immediately. Smoking and tobacco use are common causes of receding gums. If you need help with quitting, ask your dentist for smoking cessation products and counseling.

4. Change your diet

It's essential that you change your diet once your gums begin receding. The part of the tooth that was covered by the gum has much less enamel than the exposed part. Because of this, the tooth is more prone to decay and enamel erosion. You need to cut out any food that leads to enamel erosion, especially all acidic foods and drinks including soda, juices, and citrus fruit.

5. Treat dry mouth

Dry mouth can cause or exacerbate gum recession. If you have a medical condition or are taking a prescription that decreases saliva, there are ways to reduce dry mouth. Here are some tips on treating dry mouth:

• Sip water, especially during and after meals to prevent food from sticking to your teeth
• Use a mouthwash and toothpaste that treat dry mouth
• Place a humidifier beside your bed so your mouth doesn't dry out while sleeping

These are ways you can prevent or improve your receding gums at home. For more information, talk to your dentist. A dentist like those at Crystal Dental Care may be able to help meet your needs.

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