Receding Gums: 14 Best Ways To Treat (According to Professionals)

Gum recession refers to the condition where the gum tissues begin to pull away from the teeth, exposing their roots and increasing vulnerability to cavities. It’s a periodontal disease typically resulting from poor or inadequate oral health, which can lead to increased teeth sensitivity and tooth loss. Various treatments are available, which depend on the condition’s severity. Often, the earlier it’s diagnosed and treated, the more positive the outcome.

As a periodontal disease, receding gums can be considered a type of gingivitis. It can start with an accumulation of plaque and bacteria within the teeth and gums. Over time, plaque build-up can damage your gums, causing the condition. In serious cases, pockets may form between your gums and teeth, creating an even greater breeding ground for the formation of more bacteria. Some risk factors of gum recession are aggressive teeth brushing, hardened plaque build-up, smoking, hormonal changes, diabetes, and HIV.

Specific medications that cause dryness of the mouth may also increase the risk of developing the condition. Without enough saliva, the mouth’s tissues can become more vulnerable to injuries and bacterial infections. Receding gums also occur more often in adults over 40. 

Topical Antibiotics

The treatment for gum recession usually depends on the condition’s cause. Working with a dentist will enable you to find the best approach for saving your teeth and gums. In mild cases, root planing or scaling, or deeper dental cleaning, may be performed to eliminate the harmful bacteria triggering the gum disease deep under its gum line. If an infection is found, a periodontist may prescribe an antibiotic, usually applied under the gums, to treat the condition effectively.

Antibiotics are drugs designed to slow down or destroy bacterial growth, and they’re often used for treating the infections and diseases they cause. In scenarios where the presence of bacteria is too strong and overpowers your immune system’s ability to protect the body, these medications can be useful in impairing their ability to reproduce and ultimately destroying them. Unfortunately, because of their strength, they’re only available as prescription drugs.

It’s crucial to follow the directions of the periodontist or dentist when using any topical antibiotics. If not, it may result in overuse and potentially serious complications. Moreover, it may not work as intended for treating the gum recession if the prescribed antibiotic’s directions aren’t followed. Therefore, take note of the directions given to avoid misuse.