Gum recession occurs when gum tissue pulls back from the teeth, exposing the root surfaces underneath. This loss of tissue makes traditional, aggressive brushing habits detrimental to the remaining gum tissue and teeth. Standard back-and-forth brushing can easily cause further abrasion and deepen the recession. To maintain oral health, a shift to gentle, specific hygiene methods is necessary. This approach focuses on cleaning effectively without causing additional physical damage to vulnerable areas.
Understanding the Sensitivity and Damage
The primary concern with receding gums is the exposure of the tooth’s root, which is normally covered and protected by the gum tissue. The root surface is composed of cementum, a thin layer that covers the underlying dentin. Unlike the crown of the tooth, which is protected by hard enamel, the cementum and dentin are much softer and more susceptible to wear.
This exposure leads to problems, most notably dentin hypersensitivity. Dentin contains microscopic tubules that lead directly to the nerve of the tooth. When the cementum is worn away, external stimuli like hot, cold, or air pressure can travel through these tubules, causing a sharp, temporary pain.
The exposed root surface is also vulnerable to decay, known as root caries, because the dentin wears down more easily than enamel. Aggressive brushing with a hard-bristled brush often causes the recession itself, creating a cycle of abrasion and tissue loss. Modifying the brushing technique is necessary to clean effectively and prevent the condition from worsening.
Essential Tools and Product Selection
Protecting receding gums requires replacing the tools used in daily hygiene. A switch to a soft-bristled or extra-soft toothbrush is mandatory, as hard bristles damage delicate gum tissue and abrade exposed root surfaces. The bristles must be flexible enough to clean without causing physical trauma.
For those who prefer electric toothbrushes, selecting a model with a built-in pressure sensor is recommended. This feature provides immediate feedback, alerting the user when they are applying excessive force, a common cause of further recession. Whether manual or electric, the brush head should be small enough to easily navigate the mouth and focus on individual teeth.
Toothpaste choice is equally important, focusing on low-abrasive formulas. The abrasiveness is measured by its Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) value. Individuals with recession should look for products with an RDA value below 70 to minimize wear on the exposed root dentin.
Specialized sensitivity toothpastes contain compounds like potassium nitrate, stannous fluoride, or arginine. These ingredients work to either calm the nerve or physically block the open dentinal tubules. Consistent use of these specialized products is necessary to achieve relief, often taking several weeks to become fully effective.
The Gentle Brushing Technique
The technique must be altered to prioritize gentleness and effective plaque removal at the gum line. Position the brush at a 45-degree angle, with the bristles pointing toward the gum line. This angle allows the soft bristles to reach into the sulcus, the shallow pocket between the tooth and the gum, where plaque accumulates.
Instead of a broad, horizontal scrubbing motion, utilize short, gentle strokes. These strokes should be small, controlled circles or a slight vibrating motion, focusing on only one or two teeth at a time. The goal is to gently disrupt the bacterial film without physically scrubbing the gum tissue or the root surface.
When cleaning the outer and inner surfaces, use a rolling or sweeping motion to move the plaque away from the gum line, toward the biting surface. Pressure control is paramount; practice by holding the brush with only the fingertips rather than a tight fist. The bristles only need to flex slightly to clean effectively, and forcing them down can cause damage.
Brushing should continue for a minimum of two minutes. This duration ensures all surfaces receive adequate attention and allows for the gentle, meticulous approach required for safe cleaning. Using this controlled technique maximizes plaque removal while drastically reducing the risk of further abrasion.
Beyond Brushing: Auxiliary Care and Professional Guidance
The daily hygiene routine must incorporate gentle flossing to remove interdental plaque. Floss should be carefully guided around the curve of each tooth, using a c-shape, and slid gently beneath the gum line. Specialized interdental brushes can also clean the larger spaces that sometimes open up between teeth due to recession.
Rinsing with a fluoridated or antimicrobial mouthwash provides additional protection. Fluoride helps strengthen the exposed dentin against decay, and antimicrobial ingredients help control bacteria that contribute to gum disease. Using a desensitizing mouthwash can further aid in managing sensitivity.
Regular professional oversight is necessary for managing receding gums. Dental check-ups allow the dentist to monitor recession progression and perform professional cleanings. The dentist can also apply protective fluoride varnishes or other desensitizing agents directly to the exposed root surfaces.
For advanced cases, a periodontist may recommend treatments like a gum graft to cover the exposed root and protect the area from further damage. Addressing underlying causes, such as misaligned teeth or nighttime grinding, is part of a comprehensive strategy to halt the recession.