Medications for gum recession primarily target underlying bacterial infections and inflammation, including topical/local antibiotics (like Arestin®, Atridox®), antimicrobial rinses (chlorhexidine), and sometimes oral antibiotics (doxycycline, amoxicillin) for severe cases, often used with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing). Other treatments involve desensitizing agents for sensitivity and, for advanced issues, surgical options like gum grafts.
Antibiotics can arrest the progression of receding gums
Dentists often add antibiotics to the treatment plans of patients who suffer from gum disease.
Gum recession treatment largely depends on what caused the condition. Mild cases of gum recession may be improved with nonsurgical treatments, such as topical antibiotics, dental bonding or orthodontics. In most instances, however, gum recession surgery is needed to fully correct the problem.
Clean your teeth carefully twice a day for 2 minutes with a fluoride toothpaste – ask your dentist to show you a good brushing method to remove plaque. Floss once a day to remove small bits of food from between your teeth, which will help to prevent the build-up of plaque.
Treating Gum Recession in Kids
At Children's Dental Center, we offer several treatments to address gum recession, including scaling and root planing to remove bacteria, and in severe cases, a gum graft may be recommended to restore the receded tissue.
Common causes include aggressive tooth brushing, periodontal disease, genetics, tobacco use, and hormonal changes (such as those during pregnancy). What are the symptoms of gum recession? Symptoms include longer-looking teeth, increased tooth sensitivity, visible roots, and gaps between teeth.
The 2-2-2 rule in dentistry is a simple guideline for good oral hygiene: brush twice a day, for two minutes each time, and visit your dentist twice a year, helping to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems by establishing consistent habits for plaque removal and professional monitoring.
It is only possible to reverse gum disease when it is in its early stage, which is gingivitis. So, when is it too late to reverse gum disease? Advanced periodontal disease is the stage when it's not possible to reverse the disease.
Try anti-inflammatory medication. Over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen can help reduce the swelling and provide pain relief. Eat cold foods to help reduce the swelling and soothe your pain. Try benzocaine, but be aware that it is not suitable for children or babies.
In order to achieve this level, at least 200 mg vitamin C per day should be ingested. This should become general advice to periodontitis patients. However, some patients may require even more due to possibly reduced vitamin absorption and/or smoking.
15 Foods to Avoid with Receding Gums
You may be prescribed antibiotics for NPD. A course of metronidazole or amoxicillin is usually given. The course is usually for 3 days. You cannot take amoxicillin if you are allergic to penicillin.
Bone Grafting
When needed, we can add material to regenerate bone that has been lost. The material used for these procedures can be your bone, a bone from a tissue bank, bovine bone or synthetic materials. Grafting bone can add years of life to a compromised tooth or even completely reverse the damage.
Receding gums are more than just a cosmetic concern they're a sign that your oral health needs professional attention. While lost gum tissue doesn't regenerate naturally, today's cosmetic dentistry offers safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatments to restore your gum line and protect your teeth.
Sensodyne Pronamel Toothpaste
This is one of the best toothpaste for gums recession and is ideal for those with receding gums and sensitive teeth. It strengthens tooth enamel and reduces tooth sensitivity while protecting against tooth decay and gum recession.
Vitamin B is essential for the healthy growth of gum tissue, as well as for the production and maintenance of dentin. If you are experiencing gum recession, your dentist may suggest increasing your vitamin B levels by eating more foods like eggs, cheese, fish, milk, or cereal.
How Can I Treat Red and Swollen Gums?
No true antibiotics are sold over-the-counter for dental pain. All antibiotics require a prescription from a dentist or doctor. OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are your best bet.
It's crucial to remember that saltwater rinse is not a cure for receding gums. It may offer temporary relief from some symptoms, but it won't address the underlying causes of gum recession.
Stage 3: Moderate Periodontitis
At this stage, the pockets around the teeth deepen, and more bacteria accumulate, leading to further gum recession and bone loss.
The "333 dental rule" refers to two different concepts: a hygiene guideline (brush 3 times a day for 3 minutes, replace brush every 3 months) and a temporary toothache relief method (take 3 ibuprofen tablets, 3 times a day, for 3 days). The hygiene rule promotes better habits, while the pain management rule helps control inflammation and pain before a dental visit, but requires caution as it's not a cure.
The "dentist 2 year rule" refers to two main concepts: the 2-2-2 oral hygiene rule (brush 2x/day for 2 mins, see dentist 2x/year) or the Australian Child Dental Benefits Schedule, a government program providing benefits for eligible children over a 2-year period. For general adults, the actual recommended checkup interval varies, but 1-2 years is common for healthy patients, while high-risk individuals need more frequent visits.
Experts weighed in on whether to brush teeth before or after eating breakfast. Although the practice may disrupt the flavor of the food, the general consensus is to brush the teeth prior to breakfast, according to a news report from Healthline.
Code 2 – Slight bleeding when probed, Calculus or Plaque present and gingival pockets under 3.5mm.
Don't rinse with water straight after toothbrushing
Don't rinse your mouth immediately after brushing, as it'll wash away the concentrated fluoride in the remaining toothpaste. Rinsing dilutes it and reduces its preventative effects.