I have always envied those around me who seem to always have perfect smiles without even trying, because I feel like I was born with "bad teeth." While my teeth are in great shape now, it is only because I take great care to visit the dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning and maintain good oral hygiene habits at home. While I used to get a lot of cavities, even though I thought I was doing "everything right" to keep them away, I am proud to say that I have been cavity-free for a couple of years now! I put a lot of research into what daily habits can wreak havoc on my teeth, and I thought it would be a shame not to share what has helped me with others who need the advice. I plan to post many oral health tips on my new blog!
The first sign of receding gums is subtle--over time, more and more of your teeth begin to show. Most people won't notice the difference until a significant amount of gum erosion has occurred. While receding gums often come with age, there are many factors that play into this issue. If you don't stop the recession now, the problem may worsen and cause additional issues, like exposed nerves and pain when eating or brushing your teeth. Thankfully, there are several ways to stop your gums from receding farther.
Brush Gently
Dentists, teachers, toothpaste commercials and parents instructed you for years to brush your teeth daily or face the consequences. What they failed to mention, however, is to brush them gently and in a circular motion.
Frequent, aggressive brushing in a back-and-forth motion causes tooth enamel to wear away and gums to recede. You most likely won't notice your gums growing back, but you can stop the problem from getting worse by switching to a soft bristle brush, using a circular motion when you brush, and brushing gently for longer periods of time.
Stop Grinding
Grinding your teeth can also lead to receding gums. Like aggressive brushing, the grinding puts too much pressure on your teeth and gums, which causes the delicate tissue and enamel to wear away. To stop grinding your teeth, purchase a mouth guard to wear at night, when grinding is most likely. If you find yourself clenching or grinding during the day, try to stop the habit or enlist a dentist's help for alternative solutions.
Cease Tobacco Usage
If cancer and the expensive costs aren't enough to stop using tobacco, here's another reason for you—tobacco also causes significant damage to your teeth, including a receding gumline. Unless you brush your teeth (gently) after every cigarette or scoop of chewing tobacco, the substance builds up on your teeth and turns into plaque. Along with cavities, stained teeth, and other issues, this plaque may cause unhealthy gums, which recede gradually. The solution is simple, though the process may be difficult—stop using tobacco at all costs. At the very least, make sure you brush your teeth frequently throughout the day to avoid plaque buildup.
Remove Piercings
There's nothing wrong with having a lip or tongue accessory, unless it's affecting your dental health. The constant rubbing from piercings may be causing unnecessary trauma to your gums. To stop them from receding completely, removing the piercings may be necessary. You can also try using smaller jewelry for a while; sometimes that's enough to stop the constant rubbing and end gum erosion for good.
If you notice that your gums are receding, make sure to talk to a dentist like John P Poovey DMD PC so you can accurately determine the cause of the problem, and develop a plan to solve it.
Share12 November 2014
