Gingival Recession Self-Care

Gingival recession self-care

Gingival recession is a common condition in which the gum tissue erodes further away from the tooth's crown over time. As the gingival recedes, it exposes the tooth's roots and causes a host of problems, including sensitivity, tooth looseness, and aesthetic concerns. If the cause of the recession is not addressed, the patient may eventually suffer tooth loss as well as other periodontal problems. 

Needless to say, gingival recession is something you should take seriously. In a previous post, we discussed the potential causes of gingival recession. In this article, we will provide tips on caring for your gingival recession.

Gingival recession self-care

Treating gingival recession is a partnership between you and your periodontist. Your periodontist will provide professional periodontal treatment and regular cleanings called periodontal maintenance. Your contribution is also essential. Take the following gingival recession self-care steps to ensure that you make the most of the time in between visits to your periodontist:

Quit smoking/vaping

Smoking and vaping are significant risk factors for developing periodontal disease and gingival recession. If you currently smoke or vape, it is critical that you quit as soon as possible to avoid making your periodontal problems worse. By quitting smoking/vaping, you will also be able to keep your teeth whiter for longer, as smoking tends to stain the teeth.

Eat healthy

A balanced and healthy diet improves your overall health, including your teeth and gums. Without proper nutrition, your body cannot heal and fight off infections such as periodontal disease. Periodontal disease often results in gingival recession. Anything you can do to reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease will be well worth your while.

Lower your stress

High stress levels weaken the immune system and diminish your ability to fight infections. As mentioned earlier, periodontal disease is an infection of the gum tissue that often contributes to gingival recession. By lowering your stress levels, you increase your ability to stop and reverse periodontal disease damage. 

Avoid aggressive brushing

Aggressive tooth brushing can damage your gum tissue and contribute to gingival recession problems. When brushing your teeth, it is important to use an extra soft bristle brush and apply light pressure.

Practice excellent oral hygiene

Excellent oral hygiene practices can help you improve your oral health and stop further gingival recession from occurring. We recommend brushing 2-3 times per day and flossing daily. Patients who get food stuck between their teeth often may want to use an interdental brush or water pick as well. Regardless of your exact routine, it is essential that you clean your teeth thoroughly each and every day.

Schedule a Gingival Recession Consultation

During your first consultation, we will assess your oral health and develop a treatment plan to improve your gingival recession. We will also provide a detailed description of proper gingival recession self-care techniques and ensure that you understand your condition and treatment options. Contact us today to get started.