We can help to prevent gum recession and correct it once
started. Your gums are extremely
important for the overall health of your mouth.
Gums hold your teeth in place and cover up sensitive roots, preventing
bacteria and plaque from reaching them.
Poor gum health may eventually lead to tooth loss, in addition to pain.
As a local dentist, we help patients to stay healthy. There are many things that can lead to poor
oral health. This includes not brushing
and flossing enough and not visiting the dentist on a regular basis. Fortunately, there are simple things you can
do to stay healthy. Here are our
favorite tips.
·
Visit the
dentist twice a year. You can brush
and floss daily and still not reach all of the bacteria that forms in your
mouth. There are some areas that are
simply too difficult to get to. A
professional teeth cleaning will remove the plaque and bacteria that you were
unable to reach. We can also remove
tartar which is a harder substance and nearly impossible to remove on your
own. These regular visits can keep you
in good health and prevent gum recession.
·
Pay
attention to risk factors. If you
are a smoker, you are at greater risk for all types of oral health issues due
to the sticky plaque that is caused by smoking.
This plaque can lead to cavities and gum disease. Another risk factor is hormonal changes. Puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can all put
women at greater risk for sensitive gums and oral health problems. If you are at greater risk ask your dentist
how often you should have your teeth cleaned.
You may need to come in more frequently than twice a year.
·
At home
routine. While, at home, you should
brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush at least twice a day, floss daily, and
use an antiseptic mouthwash daily. These
three things combined will help to remove bacteria and prevent plaque from
forming. At home care is essential for
maintaining the health of your gums and teeth.
·
Correct
your bite. If your bite is off it
will place additional pressure on your teeth and gums which can cause gum
recession. When you correct your bite,
the rest of your mouth will thank you.
·
Stay
hydrated. Your mouth needs to
produce saliva in order to wash away bacteria.
In order to do so, your body needs to stay hydrated so drink plenty of
water. If you don’t like the taste of
water try a sugar free drink instead.
Gum recession is a serious condition that can lead to a lot
of pain. As gums recede, pockets can
form in between the teeth and gum line where bacteria can hide and grow. These exposed areas will make your teeth and
gums more sensitive while the bacteria attacks your teeth and can cause tooth
decay or the need for a root canal. We
can do a deep cleaning of your gums both at and underneath your gum line to
remove bacteria. Once removed, your gums
will start to feel healthier again, and the severe, permanent damage can be
corrected. Call us to schedule an
appointment today.
