As you age, your body changes naturally. For instance, your immune system weakens, your cells reproduce more slowly, and your skin becomes thinner. These changes affect the mouth as well as the rest of your body. One of the main concerns in aging mouths is gum tissue. Gum recession is more common in older adults because of the natural changes that occur over time.
Gum recession can make teeth appear too long. And when gums recede, the roots of teeth are more prone to tooth decay and acid erosion. Fortunately, you can slow down the negative effects of aging on your gum tissue by following these tips.
1. Brush your teeth gently
Gum tissue is sensitive and doesn't respond well to repeated trauma. If you brush your teeth with too much force, you will damage them and cause them to recede. Be gentle. Remember, you only need to remove the surface layer of plaque, which does not require much force.
2. Avoid oral piercings
Oral piercings like tongue and lip rings can damage your gums too. As you talk and eat, the piercings rub on your gum tissue and cause it to recede. Avoid oral piercings if you want to protect your gums.
3. Correct tooth misalignment
Teeth can naturally become misaligned over time. Misaligned teeth don't meet properly when you eat and speak. This puts pressure on both your teeth and gums. Eventually, this can cause gum recession. If you can afford orthodontic treatment for crooked teeth, get it, because you'll lower your risk of gum recession.
4. Eat a nutrient-rich diet
Eating junk food and sugar-rich foods will not benefit your gums in any way. Your body as a whole needs a diet rich in nutrients. The healthier your body is, the healthier your gums will be.
5. Stop or cut down on smoking
Smoking restricts your blood vessels, which slows down the rate at which your gums heal. Try to cut down or even stop smoking to ensure that your gums remain healthy and strong over time.
6. Treat gum disease early
Gum disease becomes apparent when your gums bleed and become swollen. This is when you should see your dentist, in the early stages. Wait too long to treat gum disease, and your gums will recede due to the damage.
7. Treat bruxism early
If you grind your teeth at night, this will contribute to gum recession due to the enormous pressure placed on your teeth and gums. See a dentist about this issue early. Even if you only wear a night guard when you sleep, that should be enough to prevent gum damage.
The aforementioned issues all contribute to gum recession as you age. But with a few adjustments to your lifestyle, you can avoid all of them and slow down the process of gum recession. For more information about general dentistry, contact a local dental office.
Share