Gum recession is what we call when the gum tissue pulls away from where it should be against the tooth. This can make the tooth look longer and may also cause sensitivity, as more of the sensitive root is exposed. If you have receding gums in Jacksonville, you’re probably whether or not they will grow back on their own — but unfortunately, the answer is usually no. There is something you can do about it, though! Keep reading to find out more about why recession happens as well as the solution for recessed gums.
Why Do Gums Recede?
There are a number of factors that can cause the gum tissue to disappear. Aggressive toothbrushing is a common one — while it may feel like you are getting a thorough clean when you brush in hard side-to-side strokes, you could also be doing your smile more harm than good. Also frequent is gum disease, when bacteria causes pockets of infection that eats away at the healthy gum tissue.
Whatever the cause of receding gums, you need to find a solution. This condition can affect the aesthetics of your smile and may also put you at a higher risk of root decay, sensitivity, and the loss of bone and teeth.
Can Gums Grow Back?
You can probably find information on a list of home remedies for gum recession — like oil pulling, green tea, and others. Unfortunately, none of these approaches have ever been proven to have much success. Once a significant amount of gum tissue has been lost, it will typically not grow back on its own. This is why it is very important to avoid gum disease and to brush gently to avoid losing your healthy gum tissue.
What Is the Treatment for Gum Recession?
While you may not be able to regrow your recessed gums on your own, your dentist in Jacksonville can help you slow the process or repair the missing tissue altogether using a gum graft. With this laser treatment, healthy gum tissue is taken from elsewhere in the mouth and placed onto the area where it has been lost. The treatment areas are numbed beforehand to ensure you do not feel anything throughout the process.
How to Prevent Gum Recession
Of course, the best solution for gum recession is to prevent it from happening altogether. To ensure your gums stay healthy and in place to support your complete smile, remember to:
- Brush your teeth gently for two minutes, at least twice daily
- Floss between teeth daily
- Visit your dentist for a checkup and cleaning at least every six months
- Eat a balanced, nutritious, low-sugar diet
- Take your dentist’s advice and complete all necessary treatments as recommended
With a little effort on your end, you can prevent gum recession — but if it does happen, partner with your dentist for a beautiful solution!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Matthew Nawrocki of Jacksonville Dental Specialists provides high-quality solutions in prosthodontics and general dentistry, including gum grafting procedures after gum disease treatment. To learn more about this option for receding gums, you are invited to contact the office at (904) 683-4781.