One of the ways you can tell if you need gum recession treatment is your teeth may look longer. While that might sound strange, one of the reasons is your gums are receding and exposing more of your teeth. There are a number of different reasons this could be happening.

You might be brushing your teeth with too much pressure, or you could be grinding them in your sleep. Your genes can play a role. One of the most common causes for gum recession is your lifestyle, particularly the amount you smoke and drink.

Eventually Loose Teeth

Gums that recede can eventually cause you to lose teeth. Missing teeth can affect the way you speak, eat and even your self-esteem. Even when you’re looking to replace missing teeth with dental implants, your gums should be in good shape.

So the question becomes whether gums will grow back on their own. Unfortunately, they won’t but that doesn’t mean your dentist doesn’t have a few treatment options.

Different Factors

The type of treatment your dentist chooses depends on a few different factors. For example, they will want to take a look at how far along the recession is and whether you have the beginning signs of any gum disease. Gingivitis and it’s more serious cousin periodontitis are responsible for gum recession.

Surgical Alternatives

There are some other surgical alternatives too like gum grafting. This is the process where healthy tissue is used to cover areas that have been affected by receding gums. Another option is regeneration therapy. Here, bacteria is removed surgically and the idea is to stimulate the regrowth of tissue and bone.

Once the gums of the treated with the technique that’s best for you, it’s important to take steps to prevent them from receding again. If brushing too hard was the original culprit, your dentist might suggest that you switch to a soft bristle toothbrush.

Good Oral Hygiene

If you haven’t done so already, getting in the habit of good oral hygiene helps to prevent any further problems from developing. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day can help stem the tide of gum recession.

There are a few other telltale signs that your gums are receding. These include bad breath that lingers and gums that bleed easily when you are brushing or flossing. If your gums look swollen, red and tender that’s usually another indication that you’ll need some kind of gum recession treatment.