Archive for June, 2011
Receding gums is a condition wherein there is significant loss of gum tissues resulting the roots of the teeth to be exposed. This condition commonly occurs on adults and gradually worsens with age, but sometimes also found on the younger population. The most common causes of receding gums are aggressive tooth brushing, gum injury and gum diseases.
There has been very little success in getting the lost tissues back; in fact, the only way to completely reverse the symptoms and cure receding gums is to have a gum tissue surgery wherein soft tissues are taken from the top of the mouth then surgically planted on the areas where the gums have receded. This has known to be a drastic method and comes at a high price. There is also a relative amount of pain and discomfort after the surgery but it has known to be an effective method.
Moving on to treatment, there are a handful of ways to get receding gums to stop and the most important thing to do is to first determine the causes of the recession. For instance, if the cause of one’s recession of gums is due to forceful tooth brushing then simply using a soft bristle toothbrush while brushing the teeth in the proper way will stop the gums from receding.The solution will start varying when the cause of the recession is due to bacterial infection. This is when a variety of possible treatment of receding gums can be applied.
Gum diseases cause loss of gum tissue overtime which will eventually cause receding gums. One simple way to stop this is by making a salt and warm water solution then using it to rinse your mouth several times a day. This simple method has been proven to be effective in getting rid of germs and is very accessible. You may also apply tea tree oil on the gums, it has antibacterial properties which is very useful for treating gum diseases in general. Another remedy for receding gums is peppermint, which has healing properties and can provide a soothing treatment to your gums.
A few other things to remember is to have a constant daily intake of vitamin C to strengthen immune system, reinforce the gums, provide rapid healing and prevent further tissue loss; drink a lot of water as this provides hydration and prevents dry mouth; avoid smoking as this could lower the immune system and dry the mouth which gives way to bacterial infection and finally, maintain an overall proper dental care as this is your ticket to permanently stop receding gums and have good looking gums and teeth.
It is always emphasized that the best way to treat gum disease is the prevention of its onset. Gum disease is associated with all the other types of diseases affecting the gums which eventually lead to tooth loss. The different types of gum disease can cause bad breath, receding gums, bleeding gums, and sensitive teeth. The prevention of these diseases is focused on good dental care or oral hygiene.
Many dental professionals advice that the best ways to treat, reduce, or stop the onset of gum disease is to follow routine habits of taking care of the gums and teeth. This is extremely important even before the disease has already been diagnosed. The daily habits to be followed with strict discipline are brushing of the teeth with the use of a good fluoride toothpaste at least three times a day; flossing the teeth at least once daily, and the regular visits to your dentist at least twice per year. It is also best to stay away from sweet foods that will eat away the structure of the teeth such as soft drinks and candy. The two major diseases of the gums include periodontal gum disease and gingivitis.
Gingivitis is the most common form and is considered the mildest type of gum disease. It can start as early as the period of puberty with symptoms of swollen and puffy red gums. The best way to treat this disease is to remove the plaque that causes irritation and inflammation of the gums and will increase the risk of the individual to contract severe gum disease. For individuals who are still spared of the dangers of the disease, it is best to prevent the onset by following the habits of dental hygiene.
Oral health should be maintained by proper brushing and flossing of teeth. This must be done to reverse the effects of gingivitis. The regular visits to your dentist must be done also as he is the qualified professional to prescribe anti-bacterial mouth rinses or antibiotics that will help in the reversal of the disease.
Periodontal disease is the advanced form of the gum disease wherein the gums will recede and pull away from the teeth. It is even found out in studies that periodontal disease and heart disease are related. Without seeking the help of a dental professional and receive the proper oral care, there is the danger of losing not only one but all set of your teeth.
To cure periodontal disease includes methods of cleaning the teeth so that plaque and tartar that has found its way below the gum line will be removed. Antibiotics are used to prevent inflammation of the gums and stop infection. Surgery can be resorted to once the disease has progressed. This process is done by putting the gums back in place so as to fit snugly against the teeth. When the disease has become severe, gum tissue from other areas will be used for grafting and treating the areas affected.