Receding Gums

[princessjen]

Today I went to the dentist and they said my gums are receding. They recommended gum grafting surgery. They told me what it was and I said "No Thanks!"

Does anyone know of anything I can do to help my gums from receding any more? Is it possible to reverse receding gum lines?

[thriftygranny]

I have dealt with peridontal/gum issues my whole life and have had grafting done.Unless you are prepared to really take care of your teeth ...4 cleanings and year with two of them being perio cleanings it is a waste.I am trying a new product form my dentist which are perio trays with prescription jell that I wear 2 times a day for 15 minutes.I must say I have noticed an improvement in how my gums feel.Good luck!!

[Aslan]

Does anyone know of anything I can do to help my gums from receding any more? Is it possible to reverse receding gum lines?

I have the same issue with my gums. The advice that I was given was just brush and floss regularly and properly, as well as use a mouthwash. A softer toothbrush will help, along with brushing more gently. My issue was that I was brushing way too hard, and my gums appear to have stabilised once I started using a softer brush and a gentler technique. You can also try a warm, saltwater rinse, 3 times a day, 1tsp of salt in 1 cup of water.

It also can be hereditary, and I do know that a couple of my relatives have the same issue. For a lot of people, it's just a natural progression, especially after you turn 30-40.

It isn't possible to reverse receding gum lines beyond the surgery. You could try getting a second opinion, as I am somewhat surprised that your dentist immediately started pushing surgery without giving other suggestions.

[Psychojo213]

You can't reverse the gum recession but you can slow it down or stop it by taking extra care of your teeth; flossing everyday, using a soft or extra-soft tooth brush, and having regular cleanings.

[walkonby]

yep, me too, I went for two of those special perio cleanings and hated them, so I stopped going. Same advice as the others, use a soft brush, brush gently and floss.

[princessjen]

You could try getting a second opinion, as I am somewhat surprised that your dentist immediately started pushing surgery without giving other suggestions.

I was surprised they recommended surgery too. They said its not too bad now, but I should do it before it gets worse. They seemed shocked that I said no to the surgery.

Anyways I will take your guys advice and get a soft toothbrush and floss daily (even though I hate flossing). I think I also try the salt water rinse.

Thanks for all your suggestions. I will try them all!

[jennrav]

Go see the periodontist for a consult....see what he has to say.....I am a dental assistant, and a lot of our patients will see us for a cleaning and then see the periodontist for a deep cleaning, and stagger back and forth.....grafting sounds bad, but it really isn't the layer of skin that they take off the roof of your mouth is very thin and heals very quickly.....and as well do what everyone else is saying, use a very soft brush, and floss at least twice a day and NEVER miss a cleaning appt with your dentist!!!!!!

[frugal50]

i had gum surgery done, very expensive procedure but well worth it

had to pull two teeth out

if you don't get the surgery done, your gums will only get worse

and your teeth will start falling out

because there will be no bone support left

i'm glad i did the surgery.

[Lynn49]

Okay....although I've never had this problem BEFORE, it seems that as one ages, it does become a problem. I was in the beginning stages of receding gums, so I go for dental cleanings every 3 months (like today), and use a soft brush, as well as floss as often as I can. Some areas HAVE corrected themselves a little, so that's the good news, and the receding has been halted. Apparently if one can keep plaque at bay, which pushes on the gums, it's quite treatable with dental cleanings and good oral health. Hope that helps, Hon...

[princessjen]

Okay....although I've never had this problem BEFORE, it seems that as one ages, it does become a problem. I was in the beginning stages of receding gums, so I go for dental cleanings every 3 months (like today), and use a soft brush, as well as floss as often as I can. Some areas HAVE corrected themselves a little, so that's the good news, and the receding has been halted. Apparently if one can keep plaque at bay, which pushes on the gums, it's quite treatable with dental cleanings and good oral health. Hope that helps, Hon...

Thanks! You gave me hope.

The Hygienist said my problem is probably from having braces or genetics. So I guess I can blame my parents for this one! lol

[Lynn49]

Yes, my Mom had the same problem...so blame it on genetics...it works for me!!

[electric_viking]

I had the gum grafting surgery. They didnt take the skin from the roof of my mouth. The perio just used skin they grow in the lab. Worked great. No issues.
I go for regular cleaning (every 3 months), try to floss regularly and use an electric toothbrush. It's a Phillips SoniCare. Works great.

[frugal50]

even after my periodontal surgery

i have to go for cleaning every four months.

[frugal50]

update: gums still bleeding after spending $7843 on surgery

would i do it again?? NO

the dentist said there is no cure for gum disease

only preventive measures

so i have to go for cleaning every 4 months

[denver smith]

I have heard you may include green tea in treating of receding gums. The fact is that green tea has a lot of antioxidants that keep away many diseases by combating free radicals. Free radicals in your mouth can cause periodontal disease that may lead to Receding gums. Green tea has an antioxidant that helps treating even the existing periodontal disease. These antioxidants in your green tea will strengthen the bond between your gums and teeth. The anti-inflammatory properties of green tea will reduce the swelling of gums that obstruct the proper healing of your gums and oral diseases.