It’s common to worry about teeth wearing down, but not as many people will have the same concerns about their gums. Despite that, about half the population suffers from some sort of gum recession, a condition that exposes the roots of the teeth and can cause them to become sensitive or develop decay. The risk of gum recession in Belmont increases with certain habits and risk factors, but thankfully the right habits and proper treatment from a periodontist can help you avoid it altogether. Keep reading to learn what you need to know to keep your gums intact.

Preventing Gum Recession

If you want to avoid gum recession, it’s important to realize that it can happen for a variety of reasons, including gum disease or physical damage of some kind. In certain cases, it might even be a result of your genetics; obviously, there’s not much you can do to avoid that. With that said, there are plenty of steps you can take to slow down or even stop the process.

Be careful to protect your gums from mechanical damage. When you brush, use the right techniques and tools; only clean your teeth with soft bristles, use an electric toothbrush and avoid hard scrubbing that could wear away gum tissue or tooth enamel. You should also consider wearing a nightguard; if you grind your teeth at night, an oral appliance can keep the rest of your mouth safe.

You also need to pay attention to your oral health overall. Do not smoke or use any kind of tobacco product that could increase your risk for gum disease. Brush and floss every day to get rid of dangerous plaque; to be as thorough as possible, you should brush for at least two minutes at a time and hold the brush at an angle to make sure that you’re cleaning the gum line and the space in between your teeth.

Treating Gum Recession

Any gum recession that has already occurred needs to be addressed. The tissue can’t grow back on its own, and in the meantime the roots of the teeth will be left vulnerable. In general, the best solution is a gum graft. As the name suggests, this often involves taking soft tissue (which could be taken from somewhere else in your mouth or from a donor) and attaching it to the area where the recession occurred. After your mouth has fully recovered, the tissue will look like a natural part of your gums, and it will perform all the necessary protective functions.

Gum recession may not be an issue that immediately jumps to mind when you think about oral health, but that doesn’t make it any less important. It’s a good idea to talk to your periodontist in Belmont about any concerns you might have when it comes to your gum health so that you can figure out the best strategy for avoiding recession well before it becomes a serious problem.

About the Author

Dr. Schrott has been certified by both the American and German Boards of Periodontology, he has served as a reviewer for the Journal of Periodontology. His extensive training makes him an expert in performing gum grafts as well as various forms of gum disease therapy. To schedule an appointment at his practice, Schrott Perio Implants, visit his website or call (617) 484-9240.