5 Ways You’re Making Your Receding Gums Worse

While most people think of receding gums as the result of periodontal (gum) disease, there are other causes. Gum disease is the most common cause of gum recession, but heredity, orthodontics such as braces, and other factors can also play a role.

You should never ignore receding gums because the exposure of your teeth’s roots leads to sensitivity and tooth decay at and below the gum line. Treating gum recession is necessary, but it is also crucial to care for your gums properly before and after treatment. You may be aggravating your receding gums without realizing it. The following habits should be addressed so you don’t worsen your receding gums.

1. Aggressive Brushing

Many believe that the harder you brush, the cleaner your teeth will be. However, this is a misconception. Aggressive brushing or using a brush with stiff bristles can harm delicate gum tissue, leading to irritation and eventual recession. To avoid this, opt for a soft bristle toothbrush or an electric toothbrush for a thorough clean without the need for excessive pressure.

2. Neglecting Oral Hygiene

Skipping brushing before bedtime or neglecting flossing can lead to plaque buildup, especially around the gum line, and eventually, gum recession. To prevent this, it’s crucial to maintain a routine of brushing twice daily and flossing, even after gum recession has been corrected. Additionally, regular checkups with us twice a year are essential for monitoring your teeth and gums, providing you with the reassurance that any issues can be identified and addressed early.

3. Using Tobacco

Tobacco use in any form, including smoking, chewing, or vaping, contributes to rapidly receding gums. Reduced blood flow to the gums, thinning of the mucosa, and carcinogens in tobacco all contribute to gum recession. If you use tobacco in any form, you are making your receding gums worse. If you don’t stop using tobacco, your gums will continue to recede even after they are restored.

4. Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, puts excessive pressure on your teeth. This added wear and tear contributes to gum recession. If you grind your teeth at night, talk to us about a customized night guard to prevent teeth grinding. The night guard will help prevent future gum recession and alleviate any other bruxism symptoms, such as chronic jaw pain or morning headaches, making it a win-win for you.

5. Piercings

Facial piercings are increasingly common, but a tongue or lip piercing can rub against the gums, causing irritation and inflammation that triggers gum recession. If your gums recede due to irritation from piercings, you should remove the piercings after your gums are restored to prevent future problems.

Smileboston Treats Receding Gums with the Pinhole Surgical Technique®

At Smileboston, we correct receding gums using the patented Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST) to move receding gums back into place without incisions, sutures, or bleeding. This minimally invasive approach uses a specialized tool to gently guide the gum tissue back into place. The tissue is accessed through a tiny pinhole above the gum line where the tool is inserted. This approach has several advantages, including fewer side effects, less pain, no bleeding, no sutures, and a quicker recovery. We can also treat multiple areas of recession in one visit with almost immediate results.

Smileboston offers the safest, most effective solution for receding gums with PST, but you must also participate in the healing and maintenance process. You can keep receding gums at bay as you age by giving up the habits listed above.

If you’re noticing signs of gum recession, it’s important to take action immediately. Contact Smileboston at Smileboston Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry office Phone Number 617-277-4100 to schedule a PST appointment or a consultation to determine the best treatment plan for you. The sooner you act, the better the chances of preventing further gum recession and maintaining your oral health.