Preventing Gum Recession: Tips for Healthy Gums

Gum recession is when the gum tissue starts to erode, making it appear that the gums are shrinking away from the teeth. Untreated, it can lead to complications like hypersensitivity, tooth decay and tooth loss. In order to halt or prevent gum recession and its complications, it is important to understand the causes of this common condition.

Gum health and bad breath

When it comes to oral health, the gums are just as important as the teeth. If not properly cared for, problems like gum disease can develop.

Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a very common infection of the gums that can spread to the connective tissues and bone beneath. When this happens, pockets form between the gums and the root surfaces of the teeth, trapping bacteria and food debris. Because these pockets cannot be cleaned with toothbrushing and flossing, the trapped matter starts to decay, causing unpleasant odours and persistent bad breath. 

The main cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene – that is, failing to clean the teeth regularly and thoroughly. This allows a sticky, bacteria-filled substance called plaque to accumulate around the teeth and gums, causing inflammation and infection. 

In addition to oral hygiene, lifestyle habits like diet and smoking can also play a major role in gum disease and bad breath. In order to address both issues, a holistic approach that incorporates good lifestyle habits is needed.

How do you know if you have gum recession?

Receding gums appear to shrink or pull away from the teeth. This may give the teeth a longer appearance, and there may be a darker, yellowish band around the edge of the tooth closest to the gum line. This is the root surface of the tooth. 

The tooth root is normally covered by the gum tissue, so it does not have the same hard, protective enamel coating as the visible part of the tooth (the crown). Instead, it is covered with a softer material called cementum. If cementum is exposed because of gum recession, it can wear away much quicker than enamel, increasing the risk of root cavities and sensitivity.

What causes gum recession?

Gum recession can be caused by trauma to the gum tissue, e.g. poorly fitting dental appliances or an aggressive toothbrushing technique. But the most common cause of gum recession, according to The Dental Association of South Africa (SADA), is gum disease. 

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is a chronic bacterial infection of the tissues and structures that support the teeth. Early gum disease is referred to as gingivitis, a mild infection that is confined to the gums. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the connective tissue and bone beneath the gums, at which point it is referred to as periodontitis. 

The bacteria responsible for gum disease cause inflammation of the gums. Eventually, this causes the gum tissue to detach from the surface of the tooth and wear away, leaving the root surface exposed.

What can you do to prevent gum recession?

Lost gum tissue cannot be grown back, so preventing gum recession is essential for protecting the long-term health of the gums. This can be achieved with the following steps:

1. Practice excellent oral hygiene

The main cause of gum disease is an accumulation of plaque, a bacterial biofilm that builds up on the teeth and around the gum line. Plaque accumulation can be prevented by brushing twice a day, for two minutes each time, and cleaning between the teeth with floss or another interdental cleaning device.

An antibacterial toothpaste with fluoride like meridol® Toothpaste should be used for brushing. It contains dual-action amine fluoride and stannous fluoride to neutralise bacterial plaque and prevent new plaque from forming.

2. Choose gentle products

Some oral care products contain ingredients like alcohol and SLS, which can irritate the gum tissue and dry out the mouth. For optimal gum health, choose gentle products, like meridol® Toothpaste and meridol® Mouthwash, that are free from gum-irritating ingredients.

3. Use proper technique

Aggressive toothbrushing or flossing can traumatise the delicate gum tissue. A softer toothbrush, such as the meridol® Soft Toothbrush, should be used to minimise irritation. The toothbrush should be held at a 45-degree angle against the tooth, and light pressure should be used rather than scrubbing motions.

Dental floss should never be used with a sawing motion or snapped against the gums. For optimal results, a gentle, back-and-forth motion should be used to move the floss up between the teeth and around the gum line in a C-shape. If the gums are very tender, a water flosser may be a more tolerable alternative.

4. Keep dental appliances in good condition

Dentures, retainers, aligners or other dental appliances should be properly fitted and maintained to avoid irritation of the gums. A dentist or orthodontist can assess the fit and make adjustments if necessary.

Dental appliances should also be kept clean and worn only as instructed. Poor hygiene and inappropriate use can increase the risk of dental diseases and lead to gum infections like denture stomatitis.

5. Limit sugar intake

The bacteria that cause gum disease feed on dietary sugars. To reduce the risk of gum disease, gum recession, and other dental problems like tooth decay, the following should be consumed in moderation:

• Sugary foods, particularly sticky foods that coat the teeth.
• Starchy foods like bread and chips.
• Sugary cool drinks.
• Sports/energy drinks.

6. Maintain good lifestyle habits

The Oral Hygienists Association of South Africa warns that both tobacco and alcohol can lead to gum disease, and SADA adds that quitting smoking and reducing your alcohol intake can cut your risk of not just gum disease, but also tooth loss and oral cancers. Healthcare providers can offer support managing tobacco or alcohol use if required.

7. Stay hydrated

Saliva plays an essential role in oral health, but dehydration can dry out the mouth and increase the risk of gum disease and other infections. The recommended intake of water is 30-35ml of water per kg of bodyweight.

8.Get regular dental exams

If diagnosed early enough, problems like gum disease can be reversed before lasting damage occurs. A dentist or hygienist can often spot signs of gum problems before the patient is aware of them, so regular professional examinations and dental cleanings are essential.

 

What if you already have gum recession?

While gum recession cannot be reversed, it can be stopped from progressing further with the above preventative advice and expert gum health products from meridol®. Some cases of gum disease will require professional treatment, so a dental assessment is always advisable to ensure the correct course of action.