Are You Looking a Bit 'Long in the Tooth?' You May Have Gingival Recession
Do your gums appear to be pulling, or wearing, away from your teeth? Does your gum line appear irregular? Are your teeth sensitive? You may have gingival recession or what's more commonly known as receding gums.
This article will explain what gingival recession is, and guide you through the most common causes. Additionally it will list what you can do to prevent and better manage your dental health.
What is Gingival Recession?
Gingival recession is the pulling, or wearing, away of the gum from the tooth. It is characterised by deterioration in tooth enamel, tooth sensitivity and the creation of an irregular gum line which may create food and bacterial traps. Severity varies and is often a gradual process which can challenge detection.
What causes it?
Over brushing or incorrect brushing.
- You can correct this with a soft toothbrush.
- Keep pressure gentle as you brush.
- Try holding your brush with your thumb and just one finger. This little trick is great for those who tend to brush too vigorously and with excessive pressure.
Lack of brushing and poor dental hygiene.
- Clean and floss your teeth gently after each meal.
- Rinse your mouth with 2 drops of tea tree oil in half a glass of warm water.
- Oil pull three times a week with cold pressed coconut oil or sesame oil.
- Very gently massage a blob of coconut oil into your gum line if you don't have the time to Oil Pull.
Smoking.
- Try joining a group for moral support and kick the habit.
- Reward yourself for each day you don't have a cigarette.
- Find a healthy habit or food to replace your desire to smoke.
Hormonal Changes like adolescence, pregnancy and menopause.
- Ask your doctor what you can do to equalise your hormone levels during periods of change.
- Investigate hormone-balancing herbs. Always seek guidance from a medical herbalist to ensure individual suitability.
Genes or heredity.
- Ensure you brush correctly and regularly.
- Some people are just more susceptible to gum recession.Seek the expertise of your dentist ask for an individual dental health plan.
Oral Piercing
- Be mindful of jewellery placement.
- Be fastidious about oral cleanliness.
- Monitor oral health and the impact the piercing may have on your tooth enamel and gums.
Gum recession is one of the most common dental problems seen by dentists and if left untreated can lead to decay and, in extreme cases, tooth loss. The good news is that we can actively contribute to its prevention and management. In all cases ensure that you visit your dentist regularly and have the health of your teeth and gums monitored. Contact a clinic like Manuka Dental Care to know for sure if you have a receding gumline and what you can do about it.
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