Tips On How to Help Prevent Gum Recession

It doesn’t happen overnight but one day, you realize that your gums have begun receding while brushing or maybe looking at old photos. It may not look like a lot, but just enough that you notice the change. While this might feel like a point of no return, there are ways that you can help reduce and even reverse receding gums.

Gum treatment in Toronto is one way for people to reverse the effects of gum recession, however, there are other non-surgical measures that you can try first.

Brush and Floss Regularly (But be Gentle)

Brushing and flossing are crucial to your oral health but many of us forget that extends beyond keeping your teeth white. Proper oral care also includes your gums. Some people believe that there’s a connection between brushing hard and brushing well. In reality, brushing too aggressively can contribute to gum recession while also wearing away your tooth enamel.

Instead of brushing forcefully, focus on brushing regularly with a soft bristle brush and floss at least once a day.

If You Use Tobacco Products, It’s Time to Stop

Whether it’s a cigarette, a cigar, a vape, or some other form of nicotine product, it’s time to say goodbye. Even with good brushing habits, tobacco is difficult to clean away, and this stuck-on tobacco quickly becomes gum and tooth damaging plaque. Plaque build-up is one of the most common causes of gum recession and avoiding gum recession is just one of the many reasons it’s time to quit smoking.

Seek Help for Issues with Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding contributes to several severe oral health issues including gum recession. It can happen during times of stress or even unconsciously while you sleep. You might not even know that you’re doing it. Your dentist or periodontist can help fit you for a mouth guard, which will help protect your teeth and your gums from the effects of nighttime teeth grinding.

Reconsider Oral Piercings

Mouth and tongue piercings may look cool, but they can be detrimental to your oral health. These bits of metal are an irritant to your gums and can increase the risk of infection and over time can play a role in gum recession. If you’re noticing changes in your gums, it may be wise to keep the piercings outside your mouth.

Be Diligent About Your Oral Care

Good oral health is one of your most potent tools against receding gums. This means daily brushing and flossing and regular visits to your dentist for cleanings. If your gums are already beginning to show signs of recession, it’s an indication you may have early-stage gum disease. It would be a good idea to visit your dentist or periodontist for a deep clean as soon as possible.

Restorative Gum Treatment in Toronto

When proactive dental care isn’t enough to reduce the signs of gum recession, it may be time to consider gum treatment options in Toronto.

For mild cases, a deep clean, also known as scaling and root planing, can be enough to put you back on the right track to healthy gums. Once your periodontist has removed all the plaque from around the gum line, your gums may reattach to the tooth. In more severe cases, surgical gum treatments may be needed to restore your gums. Gum graft surgery takes a small amount of tissue from elsewhere in your mouth and uses it to cover the exposed tooth area. Another new technique called pinhole surgery separates the gums from the tooth and stretches them lower until the desired surface area is covered.