Your teeth are one of your most prominent facial features. Having receding gums can decrease your confidence and force you to avoid social confrontations. Fear not, receding gums are treatable through small changes to your daily life such as using a different toothpaste brand.
This article will help identify why your gums may be receding and give you practical advice on the best toothpaste to help you at home as well as some other options that you may need to explore with your dentist.
Why are My Gums Receding?
Receding gums are when the gums in your mouth have been pulled back so that a majority of your tooth or the root is visible. Gum recession can be unhealthy because as your gums recede, small pockets will form in the gaps between your gum and teeth, thus leaving space for the build-up of harmful bacteria. If gum recession is left untreated, it can result in tooth loss and the determination of supporting tissues and bones.
Gum recession is a common dental issue that many cannot often pinpoint. This is because the condition occurs gradually and you may only notice the symptoms when the condition has already progressed. For instance, you may look in the mirror while brushing your teeth and wonder why one of your teeth looks longer than it usually does.
Here are 8 major reasons for why your gums may recede:
- Periodontal Diseases
These diseases are responsible for destroying the health and strength of the supporting bones and tissues in your mouth. Gum disease is the most popular periodontal cause of receding gums. - Tooth brushing habits:
The enamel of your teeth is very sensitive and can easily be worn away by aggressive or rough tooth brushing habits. If most of your enamel becomes worn away, you are at a high risk of having receding gums. - Genes:
Recessive gums can be inherited from a relative or close family member. It is important to check your family history to determine if you may be at risk for this condition. Even if you may be at risk, by having healthier habits, you may be able to prevent the onset of receding gums. - Hormonal changes:
The gums become very sensitive during extreme hormonal changes. Some examples of these are pregnancy, menstruation, puberty, and menopause. These fluctuations in a woman’s hormones can make her more at risk for gum recession. - Lack of proper dental care:
Like with any other dental issue, poor dental care is a leading cause. It is important to practice healthy brushing habits such as flossing, rinsing with mouthwash, and brushing after every meal. Not doing this can result in the buildup of tartar on and between your teeth. This substance can usually be cleaned by the dentist, however, leaving it untreated can result in gum recession. - Grinding your teeth:
Unhealthy habits such as grinding your teeth can put pressure on the teeth. This can lead to gum recession. - Lip or tongue piercings:
Body piercings on the lips or tongue can irritate the gums. This can result in both the deterioration and recession of the gums. - Crooked teeth:
When the mouth is not able to close properly, pressure can be placed on both the bones and gums, eventually causing the gums to recede.
What Toothpastes Can Help Reverse Gum Recession?
Once your gums begin to recede, they will not grow back. For this reason, it is very important to begin treatment as soon as you notice the first symptoms of gum recession. Here are a few kinds of toothpaste that were specifically formulated to help combat gum recession:
Parodontax
- Three 3.4 oz tubes of Parodontax Clean Mint Gum Toothpaste for Gum Health
- Parodontax toothpaste to help bleeding gums helps remove and kill plaque bacteria
- Parodontax removes plaque more effectively than a sodium monofluorophosphate (SMFP) toothpaste, removing three times (3x) more plaque build-up; it's a meaningful difference that supports you and your patients to take action today on gingivitis
- Toothpaste removes plaque and aids cavity prevention
- Parodontax clean mint toothpaste is formulated to keep seal between gums and teeth tight
Parodontax has a variety of uses including combatting gingivitis, treating bleeding gums, and cavity prevention. This antiplaque toothpaste prevents the buildup of plaque and tartar more efficiently than other common toothpaste. Parodontax was formulated to maintain the seal between your gums and teeth, therefore preventing any recession and keeping your gums healthy.
The main ingredient in Parodontax that makes it so effective is stannous fluoride. This compound is anti-microbial and protects the mouth from bacteria. Clinical studies have shown that it is very effective at helping maintain great overall dental health.
Stannous fluoride is currently used in countless dental practices as an after-treatment.
Crest Pro-Health Gum and Sensitivity
- Two 3 oz tubes of Colgate Renewal Gum Protection Whitening Toothpaste Gel, Mint Flavor
- Target and repair early gum issues and help reverse early gum damage or gingivitis with this gum protection whitening toothpaste gel
- Double toothpaste pack of Colgate Gum Renewal helps revitalize gums by reversing early damage
- Whitening Restoration is a teeth whitening toothpaste that gently whitens teeth
- Enjoy fresher breath and a cleaner mouth with this minty toothpaste gel with 3X cleansing action that removes stains, plaque and bacteria with brushing
Crest Pro-Health Gum and Sensitivity toothpaste was made specifically for gum health and tooth sensitivity. It works to provide relief from sensitivity as well as act as a barrier between foods and our teeth. As a bonus, this toothpaste is also formulated for gentle whitening and prevents the buildup of plaque.
This toothpaste was formulated with stannous fluoride, an ingredient mentioned previously. Because of this, it has the same capabilities for sealing the gap between your gums and teeth. This toothpaste has plenty of benefits in addition to preventing gum recession.
Sensodyne Complete Protection
- Three 3.4 oz tubes of Extra Fresh Sensodyne Pronamel Intensive Enamel Repair Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth, to Reharden and Strengthen Enamel
- Toothpaste for enamel repair that inhibits demineralization, repairs microdamage and rebuilds enamel strength
- Providing lasting relief, this sensitive enamel toothpaste 3 pack protects your against pain triggers
- Strong enamel toothpaste for tooth enamel repair that prevents cavities and acid erosion from exposure to acidic foods and drinks
- Sensitivity toothpaste with fluoride to protect you against cavities
Sensodyne Complete Protection attempts to tackle overall dental health in a single toothpaste. It has many benefits including anticavity, sensitivity relief, whitening, and protection from gingivitis.
Daily brushing while using this toothpaste can help rebuild and strengthen your enamel while restoring the whiteness of your teeth. It has been proven useful in combatting gum recession and is highly recommended by dentists.
What Are My Other Options for Treating Gum Recession?
If your gums have already recessed to the point where toothpaste will not be able to help, there are still plenty of options available to you.
- Scaling and root planing:
If your gum recession has gone untreated for some time, there may be a buildup of plaque and harmful bacteria in your mouth. This treatment is often one of the first recommended methods. Scaling and root planing involves removing plaque and tartar from below the gumline.
Plaque will also be removed from the roots of the teeth and this will allow the gums to reattach. This procedure is fairly intrusive, however, and may feel uncomfortable for most people. - Gum graft surgery:
Gum graft surgery involves taking a piece of your gums from another place in your mouth and grafting it to the affected location. This will cover the roots of the teeth and prevent further recession of the gums. - Pinhole technique:
The pinhole surgical technique is a more recent technique used for minimally invasive procedures. It involves creating a small incision in the gum tissue above the affected area. The dentist will then insert a tool into this hole to help separate the gum and tooth which he will reposition to reverse the effects of gum recession.
In Summary
Your dental health is a top priority and there are plenty of options available to you when seeking treatment. If you notice the first symptoms of gum recession, you can easily combat it by using specialized toothpaste, improving your dental care habits, and taking better care of yourself. Remember, your smile is what makes you, you.
