Receding Gums Prevention And Treatment

Written By Kassandra Foreman / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

Receding gums can become a fairly serious concern if left untreated, but in some minor cases will repair themselves. This occurs when the gums begin to separate from the surface of the tooth and pull away.

It can leave the tooth unprotected, as well as allow the roots to show in some severe cases that can lead to tooth loss of tooth. In beginning stages or less intensive occurrences it can be reversed with several treatment options and some causes will even correct themselves.

Symptoms of receding gums

Beginning signs of receding gums are sore or tender gums that bleed while being brushed. Other symptoms include swollen gums and pain in the gums and teeth, and can even include bad breath and exposure of the tooth’s root.

Most often people can see the gums begin to recede and start treatment quickly. People who should be more aware and monitor for receding gums include those with a consistent dry mouth, women during hormonal changes - though this can often correct itself when the hormones become level again - people with a family background of receding gums, and men over 40, as well as people who smoke and those with diabetes or other underlying conditions.

Treatments for receding gums

Treatments can include basic care at home. They include salt water rinse, gentle brushing with a non-abrasive toothpaste, treatment for dry mouth like increased water or mouthwashes, and progress to treatments offered only by a dentist or periodontist. These more intense treatments can include an antibiotic gel, an antiseptic, mouthwash with antimicrobial properties, or even an enzyme suppressant.

All of these will likely be tried before surgery is considered, but in some cases surgery may become necessary.

Surgery for receding gums

Two types of surgery can be used. The first is a deep where cleaning is done on the gums. This removes all plaque building and tartar from not only the surface of the teeth but from within the gums as well.

The other surgery involves implanting a piece of bone or a synthetic piece of bone under the gums to encourage the gums to grow back over the tooth. Both require proper ongoing dental care to be successful.

Prevention for receding gums

Prevention is almost always better than treatments. Not only is brushing and flossing necessary to remove build-up from the teeth, but also regular dental cleanings for the things a normal daily brushing can’t do.

Seeing a dentist regularly also reduces other complications and early signs can be caught before the problems progress. Teeth should be brushed and flossed twice daily to keep down build-up and cleaned at the dentist’s office twice a year for a deeper clean and maintenance.

Receding gums are fairly common but can lead to more serious concerns like loose and lost teeth, and can be a warning sign of other health concerns. While some may correct themselves others require dental treatment and may even need surgery to correct.

Prevent this by cleaning teeth and dental appliances daily as well as regular dental check-ups.

Looking for a 100% all-natural liquid tooth oil and mouth rinse? Check out OraMD Original Strength and OraMD Extra Strength. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral health and skincare. If you are looking for more health resources make sure to check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:

Kassandra Foreman has been writing freelance for five years now and enjoys learning about new things to write about. When not writing she teaches yoga and meditation with a focus on health and fitness.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.