Receding gums through gum disease is an irreversible process. Your gums cant grow back, so you need to get yourself treated first and then take necessary precautions to keep it from coming back in the future.
It Begins With Gingivitis
Gum disease is a common disease that can progresses quickly and lead to teeth becoming wobbly and eventually being lost. The initial stage is referred to as gingivitis. This happens when the plaque is not properly removed from your teeth and bacteria begin to form. Some symptoms to look out for are redness in the gums, swelling and bleeding of gums too. However, proper flossing and brushing of teeth along with a professional cleaning performed by a dental hygienist can help in reversing this stage. This stage is completely reversible and if managed properly there are no long lasting effects. Prevention of gum disease through good home maintenance is key! Seeing a dental hygienist will help because as well as thoroughly cleaning the plaque bacteria away, the hygienist can also show you how to properly clean between your teeth and ensure your gums remain healthy.
Treatment for Gingivitis
Some individuals may need to have occasional deep cleaning treatments known as scaling and ultrasonic cleaning to treat recession in gums. The hygienist cleans the surface of your teeth from plaque and calcified plaque deposits (calculus or tartar) in the scaling process to reduce the swelling and inflammation of the gum tissue and also to encourage the gums to reattach themselves to the teeth.
Gingivitis if overlooked can lead to Periodontitis
Gingivitis can progress to a more severe condition known as periodontitis. The bacterial plaque that builds up over your teeth release toxins that damage the gum tissue and the ligaments and the bone that provides support to your teeth. Soon the infection worsens and loosens the bone. The loose tooth causes pain, infection and will ultimately have to be removed.
Treatment for Periodontitis
Prevention of Gum Disease
Once gum disease becomes established, treatment is focused at slowing its advance. Prevention of gum disease developing is key and that is why we recommend regular dental oral health assessments and appropriate cleaning with the dental hygienist.
It is wise that you take all measures to prevent gum disease by regular and proper tooth brushing , flossing and cleaning between your teeth with inter-dental brushes. The dental hygienist can show you how to do this.
Ultrasonic Cleaning of the gums – The bacteria causing gum disease can be removed by ultrasonic cleaning of the gums. For some individuals with advanced disease, scaling and ultrasonic cleaning don’t help and a periodontal flap surgery might be required. In this process, an incision is made in the gums and the dentist or periodontist removes infectious gum tissue or plaque and then smoothens the damaged bone. This helps the gum tissue to reconnect itself to a healthy bone.
You can read more about gum disease and its treatment here on the practice website.