Dear Friends,
As a dental medical expert, I am often asked about gum recession: what it is, why it matters, and what to do about it. So let me tell you.
Gum recession is a condition in which the gum tissue around the teeth begins to pull away, exposing the tooth root. Gum recession is common, but it can cause significant oral health issues if left untreated, including increased sensitivity, bleeding gums, and even tooth loss. Many people do not notice they have gum recession for a long time because it occurs slowly. However, if you feel or notice a notch at the bottom of your tooth, or if your tooth starts to appear longer than normal, gum recession may be affecting you.
If you think you have gum recession, it is imperative to consult your dentist as soon as possible. There are umpteen causes for gum recession, and your dentist will help you pinpoint which is behind yours. However, there is one overwhelmingly common behind gum recession: brushing too hard with a stiff toothbrush.
Most people are brushing their teeth the wrong way and don’t realize it. I’ll admit that even I was, which was very embarrassing for me to hear from my dentist! But if you think about it, tooth brushing is an activity you will do twice a day for the rest of your life, so it’s important to get it right. Something I like to say about brushing is don’t scrub, just rub–in small circular motions from back to front. A gentle hand will help preserve your tooth enamel and gums.
However, it’s not just how you brush but what you brush with that matters. That’s why I recommend the Clinical Care Butter on Gums Toothbrush, which I created because I needed it for myself. Our special Softex™ bristles are not only ultra-soft but also multidirectional and smooth-ended to give your teeth a deep cleaning without eroding your gums or tooth enamel or causing pain. In fact, they have literally 10x more bristles than a normal toothbrush and are 10x softer! The brush’s rubberized ergonomic handle is easy to hold and maneuver, ensuring your reach every last part of your mouth. Clearly, the Butter on Gums Toothbrush is easy and comfortable to use.
While it’s true that eroded gums cannot be replaced without surgery, it’s also true that regular professional dental care and good daily habits can help slow gum recession and preserve your oral health. But don’t just take my word for it. I recently spoke to a famous gum surgeon in San Diego who was blown away but the Butter on Gums toothbrush and even said she would recommend it after surgery. Whatever state your gums are in, it’s never too late to start taking better care of them, which is why I am proud to use the Clinical Care Butter on Gums Toothbrush twice a day myself.
Using the right toothbrush is a key part of good oral health. However, it’s far from the only part. For more great ideas for how to take care of your mouth, check out the Gurunanda Water Flosser with Concentrated Mouthwash and GuruNanda Dual-Chamber Mouthwash, or the Posh Mama Oral Care Kit.
Namaste,
Puneet
