Have you struggled with periodontal disease, or gum disease, in the past? You aren’t alone. This common problem affects almost half of American adults over the age of thirty. The good news is that this disease is easily preventable with proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, but what if you suffered from gum recession as a result of periodontal disease in the past? A dentist explains whether or not gums grow back in Round Rock.
Is Gum Recession Reversible?
The truth is that once your gums have receded, it is impossible for them to grow back and return to their normal state without surgical intervention, such as a gum graft, from a dentist. However, if you have experience gum recession, you are able to prevent the issue from worsening by seeing your dentist and receiving periodontal disease therapy. The earlier that you are able to catch this infection, the more likely that you are to restore the health of your smile.
How Can You Prevent Periodontal Disease?
There are numerous steps that you can take to keep your smile healthy and prevent the onset and progression of periodontal disease. Here are a few helpful tips to maintain the health of your smile and reduce your risk of gum recession:
- Brush: Brush your teeth twice daily to remove food particles and plaque that are lingering in your mouth.
- Floss: Brushing isn’t enough by itself. Use dental floss to clear away food particles, plaque, and bacteria from between the teeth and beneath the gumline.
- Mouthwash: Rinsing with mouthwash helps to reduce plaque and rinse away food particles in the mouth that you missed after brushing and flossing.
- Risk analysis: Some people are at a higher risk than others for developing gum disease. Factors include advanced age, smoking, poor diet, and genetics. If any of these risks apply to you, be extra diligent with your dental hygiene.
- Don’t use tobacco products: Smoking doubles your risk of developing gum disease. It is also linked to oral cancer among many other medical issues. Talk to your doctor, friends, and family about the best ways for you to quit.
- See your dentist: If gum disease is discovered early on, steps can be taken to reverse it with gum disease therapy before it becomes too serious. You should see your dentist every six months for a regular checkup.
Gum recession isn’t reversible without dental intervention, so it’s important that you take steps to prevent it from occurring. Use the tips listed above to keep your gums healthy for years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Mike Asay earned his dental doctorate from Baylor College of Dentistry on an academic scholarship after scoring in the 99th percentile on the Dental Admission Test. He is passionate about continuing education and is a proud member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Association and Texas Dental Association. For more information on periodontal disease or to schedule an appointment at his office in Round Rock, visit his website or call (512) 244-2796.