Gingival recession is a movement of the gums upward (in the upper arch) or downward (in the lower arch) that leaves the root area of the teeth exposed. This pathology is found in adults over 40 years of age. Cause of aesthetic problems as well as dental hypersensitivity. To prevent gum recession, you need to avoid its causes.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Understanding the Causes
Step 1. Know that periodontal disease can lead to gum recession
Plaque is the number one cause of gum disease such as gingivitis.
- However, when the supporting structures of the teeth are also involved, it is referred to as periodontitis. One consequence of periodontitis is gingival retraction.
- Over time, the plaque that builds up on the edge of the gums causes them to inflame and move them away from the teeth, causing them to retract or retract.
Step 2. Remember that bad tooth brushing technique is one of the factors
If you use the brush in a horizontal direction (back and forth) you cause micro-trauma to the gums which leads to retraction.
- Using your toothbrush too aggressively ruins the enamel on your teeth (the hard tissue that covers them) near the gumline.
- The gums are soft tissue, so they are vulnerable to violent toothbrush pressure.
Step 3. Misalignment of the teeth and a gingival biotype can lead to this pathology
If the teeth are out of alignment or "crowded" (very close together) orthodontic treatment is necessary. The gingival biotype indicates the thickness of the gums which changes from person to person. Both are factors that you cannot avoid but can be treated.
Step 4. Bruxism is a risk factor
This term refers to the action of unconsciously grinding the teeth. Many people suffer from it without even knowing it as it occurs in their sleep. This action ruins the teeth (literally grinds them), chewing muscles and gums.
Part 2 of 3: Maintaining Oral Hygiene
Step 1. Know the reasons why good oral hygiene can prevent gum retraction
Thorough cleaning prevents gingivitis caused by plaque buildup, as well as other diseases affecting the mucous membranes of the mouth, by eliminating the bacteria that cause inflammation. Maintaining good oral hygiene includes regular visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning session and brushing your teeth at least twice a day at home (in addition to flossing).
Step 2. Make regular appointments with your dentist
Visit him twice a year for professional cleaning (removal of tartar and polishing).
- Scaling, or tartar removal, is used to remove hardened plaque that cannot be removed with a toothbrush.
- Polishing the surface of the teeth after scaling gives them a smooth "finish" that prevents plaque from adhering easily.
Step 3. Brush your teeth twice a day
This simple action allows you to prevent gum and periodontal disease. The bristles are able to enter 1 mm below the gum line eliminating the plaque that has accumulated in that point.
Step 4. Follow the right brushing technique
This is the modified Bass technique. This allows the bristles to penetrate 1 mm below the gum line and remove the plaque. Equally important, Brass's modified technique does not traumatize the gums but massages them.
- Tilt the brush head 45 ° relative to the gum line. By following this direction you are sure not to damage the mucous membranes.
- Once you've oriented your toothbrush correctly, make small circular, vibrating movements. Be gentle as too vigorous cleaning can injure your gums. Do about 20 movements in one spot before moving on to neighboring teeth.
- After 20 repetitive movements, perform one towards the tip of the teeth to permanently remove the plaque. Clean the chewing surfaces in a horizontal motion.
Step 5. Floss daily
It should be as automatic as brushing your teeth. This way you remove all the plaque that the bristles of the toothbrush cannot reach.
- For proper use of the wire, take a segment of it as long as your forearm and wrap both ends around your middle fingers. Between the fingers leave a segment of about 2-3 cm.
- Start with the back teeth and gently insert the floss between tooth and tooth with the help of your index fingers. Do not force the thread otherwise it could hit and damage the gums.
- Repeat the same procedure for all the interdental spaces without damaging the mucous membranes.
Part 3 of 3: Making Lifestyle Changes
Step 1. Stop smoking
Many studies have shown that smoking can cause many dental health problems. One of these is gum recession.
- Smoking affects the mucous membrane and lining of the gums causing them to shrink.
- Use nicotine substitutes like chewing gum or patches.
Step 2. Don't get your mouth pierced
Metal jewelry inside the mouth not only causes problems for the teeth, but also for the gums.
- The hooked tip of the tongue and lip jewels hit the gums continuously causing trauma which, over time, leads to recession.
- If you want a piercing in the mouth at all costs, at least make sure that the studio and the professional who will put it on you follow scrupulous hygiene procedures.
Step 3. Go to the dentist
Your dentist is able to identify the causes of the gum recession and advise you on the right treatment. If you have misaligned or "crowded" teeth, she may recommend an orthodontics.
