How to Prevent Receding Gums or Keep Gums from Receding Further

Receding gums can be a very serious problem. Gum recession causes the roots of your teeth to be exposed, which can result in uncomfortable tooth sensitivity. And since your gums hold your teeth in place, if your gums recede far enough, you can eventually lose your teeth. Correcting seriously receded gums can involve costly and painful gum surgery. If you have been told or have noticed that your gums are starting to recede, there are some things you can do to correct or slow down the process.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   Brush and floss teeth regularly

   --Good oral hygiene and regular dental care.
   Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, which is a big cause of receding gums. Brush and floss your teeth daily and get regular dental cleanings and checkups. Taking proper care of your mouth, teeth and gums can go a long way toward preventing your gums from receding because of gum disease.

2. 
    
   Use a soft toothbrush

   --Use a soft or extra soft toothbrush.
   If your gums are thin or sensitive and have started to recede, be sure to use a soft—or in some cases, extra soft—toothbrush. If you brush your teeth regularly, a soft toothbrush is all you need to clean them, and using a soft toothbrush will keep you from irritating already sensitive gums.

3. --Brush, don’t scrub.
   If you’ve had a hard day, don’t take it out on your gums. Be careful not to be heavy-handed or aggressive when you brush. If you brush your teeth at least twice a day and get regular dental cleanings, your teeth need only to be brushed. There is no need to scrub your teeth and gums harshly. Using too much pressure when you brush can be detrimental to your gums and cause them to recede.

4. --Brush in small circles.
   The motion you use when brushing can have a lot to do with whether you are contributing to your receding gum problem. Do not brush in a back-and-forth motion (like a saw). Learn to brush in small circles. This can take some practice, particularly if you’ve developed bad brushing habits from childhood on, but sawing at your gums can cause them to loosen and recede, so it is well worth the effort to learn to brush correctly. If you need help learning proper brushing techniques, ask your dentist or dental hygienist to show you.