Can you really reverse receeding gums? Let’s find out.
Receeding gums that expose the root surfaces of teeth is a common condition in adults over the age of 40 but may also start in teens. This term refers to a loss of tissue resulting in the exposure of the roots of the teeth.
A major cause of this tissue loss is brushing your teeth with too much pressure. Studies suggest that 50-90% of people brush with too much pressure.
You are not alone if you’ve ever tried to reverse receeding gums. You may be looking at this issue if you’ve started to notice that your teeth look longer than they used to. Receeding gums can be prevented with consistent and thorough oral hygiene habits.
You’re off to a good start if you’re a regular brusher and flosser.
If you’re looking to take a dynamic approach to reverse receeding gums and its related conditions, however, you’ll have to take some extra measures.
Sometimes receeding gums may occur because your gums are very thin and fragile. They are also a danger sign of gingivitis, infections and periodontal disease.
If your dentist concludes that you have some bone loss or that the gums have receded from the teeth, the customary treatment is a rigorous deep cleaning, non-surgical technique called scaling and root planing (SRP).
The FDA approved a fairly new drug in the arsenal against severe gum disease called Periostat in 1998 to be used together with SRP.
Besides SRP, other types of treatment for receeding gums include:
- Homecare techniques with soft toothbrushes, flossing and other aids
- Antibiotic gels
- Surgical procedures to replace and regenerate lost tissue.
Before receeding gums can be treated, fillings and crowns that do not meet properly should be corrected, and tooth grinding and clenching should be stopped. The teeth may become sensitive once the gums have receded.
Certain toothpastes may provide some relief, and nutritional supplements such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin B complex, and vitamin C are sometimes prescribed for prevention of decay and repair of gum tissue.
Your teeth are intended to last a lifetime, contrary to popular belief. Most herbalists and natural healers advocate using warming, astringent, connective-tissue-healing herbs to enhance and maintain oral health.
Herbs such as amla that support the healing and development of connective tissue when taken internally will always benefit the gums. Turmeric capsules, goldenseal rinse, and nightly packs of a paste of turmeric powder, licorice root and Vitamin E can help solve the problem of receeding gums.