Relief from Receding Gums

If you suffer from receding gums the most appropriate Gengigel® products to use are either Gengigel® Oral Gel or Gengigel® Oral Spray. Both products have a soothing, healing and protective effect for the whole gum area and the therapeutic benefits will stabilise further recession. The Gengigel® Oral Spray can be targeted directly to the most significant gum recession which will sooth and restore healthy gums.

All Gengigel® products have been clinically proven and are recommended by dental health professionals. Its main ingredient, hyaluronic acid, has a soothing, healing and protective effect that will help maintain a healthy mouth long-term.

To learn more about how Gengigel® works, please, check the ‘How it works‘ section.

Why are gums important?

Gums play a vital supporting role in keeping the mouth and body healthy. So, although it is the teeth that people tend to notice first, without the strength and cushioning that gums provide, people would not withstand the pressure of biting or chewing.

Looking after the gums is therefore equally as important as looking after the teeth. So, following a good mouth care regime should reduce the chances of needing any intervention.

However, many people do not regularly clean their teeth and may use inappropriate tools for the task, which can cause damage. Common examples would be using a hard bristled toothbrush or apply too much pressure to the gum area. In other cases, people may be admitted to hospital or a care home environment where oral care may not be a high priority. The lack of appropriate dental care can lead to mouth and gums deterioration over time and may result in pain when trying to eat, amongst other issues.

What causes receding gums?

Receding gums often happen gradually, which can contribute to it being difficult to spot at the beginning. The most common signs of receding gums are redness, bleeding or inflammation.
In terms of what causes receding gums, there are many reasons that can lead to this to this common oral health issue.

Some of the most common causes behind it are:

Brushing teeth too vigorously. It can be usually due to putting too much pressure when brushing the teeth, using a toothbrush with very hard bristles, or an old toothbrush that no longer cleans teeth properly.
Having insufficient or poor oral hygiene, which can trigger infection that will attack the gum tissue and can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Hardened plaque (or tartar)
Teeth grinding while sleeping.
Smoking.
Hormonal changes. For example during pregnancy or menopause.
Ageing. Getting older can cause receding gums, even if there is a good dental care routine.
Genetics. It may be that the family has a history of gum disease.
Trauma to the mouth such as piercings.

Can I prevent having receding gums?

Unfortunately, gum recession can’t always be prevented. However, there are things that you can do in addition to using products such as Gengigel®, that will improve it if you already have it and will slow down its progression reducing the risk of infection-related gum recession. The way to achieve this would be by practicing a proper teeth and gum care routine.

Some simple recommendations would be:

Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day as a minimum. Ideally, three times a day or after every meal.
Brush your tongue.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Floss once a day.
Use an antimicrobial mouthwash twice daily.
Follow your dentist’s recommendation for teeth cleaning.
Avoid smoking or smoking products.

What are the consequences of receding gums?

The gums play a critical role in our oral health. They act as a protective seal over the teeth and are also the support structure that holds the teeth in place. Having low, loose gums are signs of gum disease and recession. When gums start receding, it causes bacteria to gather in between teeth and gums causing exposed teeth roots. If left untreated, some of the consequences can be having “wiggly” teeth or even tooth loss, tooth sensitivity and bleeding gums.

So, keeping gums pink and healthy will ensure the preservation of a good dental health overall.

Does receding gums cause periodontal disease?

Receding gums can lead to gingivitis and if this goes untreated it can advance to periodontitis where the gums pull away from the teeth to form pockets or spaces that can become infected. It is estimated that periodontal diseases such as receding gums are responsible for about 70% of adult tooth loss.

What happens if gums bleed while brushing?

If gums bleed when brushing the teeth, the best advice is to gently brush the gums in soft, circular motions at least twice a day using a soft bristle toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste . After around 7 days, the bleeding will become less and less and will eventually stop altogether.
Other recommendations include flossing at least once a day, using a therapeutic mouth rinse like Gengigel®. It’s advised to give up smoking and visit a dentist regularly. A hygienist will be able to provide deep cleaning to clear out bacteria which will allow the gums to heal and re-adhere to the teeth.

Is there a connection between receding gums and Gingivitis?

Gums that become inflamed and appear red and swollen are usually caused by bacteria. This condition is known as gingivitis. This is a mild form of gum disease and can be reversed by daily flossing, brushing and regular visits to a dentist or hygienist.

One of the most common cause of gingivitis is stress; the body produces immune cells to protect against bacteria, but when the body is under stress, this subtle balance can be disturbed. Gum inflammation does tend to increase under stress which can allow bacteria to thrive and hence cause gingivitis.