“Long in the tooth” is a phrase used to describe someone as old. This saying came from the practice of judging a horse’s age by the length of its teeth – meaning, the more the gums recede, the older a horse must be. Well, no one is calling you a horse or trying to tell your age by the length of tooth enamel you have showing. However, if you are seeing more tooth and less gum than you once did, gum recession has come calling, and that means trouble for your oral health.
Here are just some of the ways to prevent gum recession.
1. Brush Gently
It’s easy to mistake aggressive brushing with thorough brushing. Scrubbing your teeth vigorously with a toothbrush for 30 seconds is not the same thing as brushing carefully and gently for two minutes. Being heavy-handed with the toothbrush will wear away at your enamel – and contribute to gum recession. You simply cannot get your teeth cleaner by brushing harder. Invest in an electric toothbrush, which manages the pressure of brushing for you, or at least use a soft-bristle toothbrush to be as gentle as possible.
2. Get a Nightguard
People who grind or clench their teeth while sleeping are at a greater risk of gum recession. All that pressure of the top and bottom teeth shifting against each other is dangerous to the gums. Getting a customized night guard helps protect your teeth and gums from the wear and tear. An NTI nightguard, in particular, can even help relax your muscles to stop the grinding, so your problem is not just minimized, but eliminated.
3. Get Braces (or Invisalign)
If your bite is misaligned or you have crooked teeth, the force on the gums and jawbone make it more likely that you will suffer from gum recession. Conventional braces and Invisalign are designed to correct any misalignment so your teeth stay healthier and your gums are saved from stress.
4. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Preventive dental care includes brushing twice a day and flossing once a day at a minimum. It also includes seeing your Suwanee dentist twice a year for professional teeth cleanings and check-ups. Part of every dental exam includes a review of your gum health and measurements of gum recession, so your dentist can intervene sooner rather than later when it comes to addressing the health of your gums.
Gum Recession Is Reversible
Your gums are important. When you take care of your teeth every day, you also care for your gums. Keeping both teeth and gums healthy means you are less likely to develop gum disease, which means you’re less likely to see healthy gum tissue separate from tooth enamel and recede.
If you do have receding gums, it’s never too late to fix the problem or safeguard against periodontal disease. The pinhole surgical technique corrects gum recession without scalpels, sutures, or pain. Learn more about this procedure, and other options for restoring your oral health, at Family & Cosmetic Dental Care. Schedule your appointment today.
