Taking care of your mouth goes beyond making sure your teeth look good. Don’t forget about your tongue and your gums, too. In fact, if your gums are receding, it’s understandable to be a little bit worried. Here’s what you should do if your gums recede.
Reasons It’s Happening
One major reason you could see your gums receding is due to hormones. Different stages of life will bring about hormone changes – pregnancy, puberty, and menopause are not only represent significant shifts in your lifestyle but might also be the cause of your gums showing. Unfortunately, when your gums are this exposed, they also become more vulnerable to accidental damage.
Accidental damage can come from over brushing or brushing too forcefully. This technique will wear down the enamel of your teeth. If you think this is a possible problem, then it’s time to talk to your friendly dentists here at Annapolis Dental Care. We can give you some great advice on how to take it easy on your teeth, and tips for choosing a toothbrush that’s better-suited to your mouth.
Another reason your gums could be receding is grinding your teeth. Bruxism, as it’s known, hurts your teeth and gums alike.
Can They Grow Back?
Unfortunately, there is no way to regenerate your gums. You’ll need to undergo some dental procedures instead. For instance, the regeneration procedure entails the gum pockets being cleaned. Proteins and membranes are grafted in your mouth to encourage the gum tissue to start regrowing. In some cases, you may end up developing gum disease. The plaque and tartar that contribute to gum disease can be treated through scaling and root planning.
How to Prevent It
Luckily, you have several ways to prevent your gums from receding any further. First of all, if you smoke, then you should stop. Brushing and flossing become even more important, as you should do whatever you can to avoid gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Grinding your teeth may be an unconscious habit of yours whenever you get frustrated, but you need to get it checked out to protect your gums. And don’t forget to come in for regular cleanings!
KEEP YOUR MOUTH HEALTHY WITH ANNAPOLIS DENTAL CARE!
Whether it’s a regular check-up you need or a tooth extracted, Annapolis Dental Care has the expertise and compassion to work with you on improving your oral health. Your comfort and health are our top priorities, and so we go above and beyond to make our patients happy and give them the highest quality care. To set up an appointment today, please give us a call at 410-571-5014 or visit us online. For more oral health tips for you and your family follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube! We are always looking to accept new patients, so if you live in Arnold, Annapolis, or Anne Arundel County, MD, come on down!