As a top dentist in Maidstone, we work with patients from in and around the area to create happy, healthy smiles. Whether it’s restorative work, cosmetic treatments or everyday care, we’ll find the perfect procedures for you and give you all the guidance and advice you need at the same time. Today, we’re looking at a common dental complaint: gum recession. Find out what it is, what causes it, how to prevent it and possible treatments in our latest post.

So, what’s gum recession all about?

Put simply, it’s where the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, revealing parts of the underlying structure. It can worsen without proper care, and develop into periodontitis – which is also known as gum disease. This can lead to tooth loss and jaw bone recession over time.

What causes gum recession?

There are actually a number of factors that can cause gum recession. The most common are:

• Aggressive brushing – This is where you brush the teeth too harshly, which damages the gums and soft tissue. We’d always advise our patients to use a medium-soft bristled toothbrush, as this is gentler on your mouth. Hard-bristled toothbrushes are typically only recommended for things like lifting staining on the teeth.
• Smoking – Lots of people smoke and vape, without realising the detrimental effect it has on their smile. We typically think about smoking causing staining, but it can exacerbate gum conditions and affect healing, too.
• Genetics – Sadly, there are often things that run in families, which can mean we have less control over whether they happen to us. But, this does mean you can be aware of what’s in your family and try to prevent it in the future.

How can you prevent gum recession?

It’s often down to good oral care, regular dental check-ups and being mindful about your mouth – like recognising common warning signs of tenderness, inflammation and bleeding. If in doubt, book in with our Maidstone dentists at our welcoming dental practice to get to the bottom of your concerns.

How can you treat gum recession?

Antibiotics can be a starting point, especially if there’s some infection there due to bacteria or food getting trapped in the pockets that have opened up in the gums. You could also use antimicrobial mouth rinses. Sometimes, a surgical gum graft can replace the missing tissue, as gum tissue, unfortunately, doesn’t grow back.

Talk to our Maidstone dentists

Don’t suffer from gum recession in silence. Talk to our experts for treatment, or get more tips and information about preventing it in the future.