Healing gum between teeth, also known as treating gum recession or inflammation in the interdental papillae (the gum tissue that fills the spaces between your teeth), often involves a multi-faceted approach focusing on improving oral hygiene, addressing underlying causes, and sometimes requiring professional dental treatment. The best approach depends on the severity and cause of the issue.
Steps to Heal Gum Tissue Between Teeth:
1. Improve Oral Hygiene:
- Brush Gently: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid aggressive brushing, which can further damage the gums. Proper brushing technique is crucial; ask your dentist or hygienist to demonstrate.
- Floss Daily: Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between the teeth, preventing inflammation and promoting healing. Be gentle to avoid irritating the gums. Different types of floss (waxed, unwaxed, dental tape) may be more comfortable for you; experiment to find what works best.
- Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash: A mouthwash containing chlorhexidine gluconate can help reduce bacteria in the mouth and promote gum healing. Use as directed by your dentist, as long-term use can sometimes cause staining. Over-the-counter antiseptic mouthwashes are also helpful.
- Consider Interdental Brushes: These small brushes are designed to clean between teeth, especially if you have wider gaps. They can be more effective than floss in certain situations.
2. Address Underlying Causes:
- Treat Gum Disease (Gingivitis/Periodontitis): If gum disease is present, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line. This is often followed by more frequent check-ups and cleanings.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking significantly increases the risk of gum disease and hinders healing.
- Manage Diabetes: Poorly controlled diabetes can weaken the immune system and make you more susceptible to gum infections.
- Address Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): If you grind your teeth, especially at night, consider getting a mouthguard from your dentist to protect your teeth and gums from further damage.
- Evaluate Medications: Some medications can cause dry mouth or other side effects that contribute to gum problems. Discuss any concerns with your doctor.
- Nutritional Considerations: Vitamin deficiencies (especially Vitamin C) can contribute to gum problems. Ensure you have a balanced diet or consider supplements if recommended by your doctor.
3. Professional Dental Treatments:
- Scaling and Root Planing: As mentioned above, this deep cleaning removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line.
- Topical or Systemic Antibiotics: In some cases, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help control infection. Topical antibiotics, such as gels or mouth rinses, can be applied directly to the affected area.
- Dental Bonding: In cases of minor gum recession, dental bonding can be used to cover exposed tooth roots.
- Orthodontics: If misaligned teeth are contributing to gum problems, orthodontic treatment (braces or Invisalign) may be recommended to improve alignment and facilitate better oral hygiene.
- Gum Grafting: For significant gum recession, a gum graft can be performed to restore lost gum tissue. This involves taking tissue from another area of your mouth (or a donor source) and attaching it to the receded area. This is the most predictable way to restore lost gum tissue.
- Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR): This procedure is used to regenerate bone and gum tissue lost due to periodontal disease. It often involves placing a membrane between the gum and bone to allow for tissue regeneration.
4. Monitor and Maintain:
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Regular check-ups and cleanings allow your dentist to monitor your gum health and detect any problems early.
- Home Care Reinforcement: Your dental professional will provide personalized instructions on how to maintain good oral hygiene at home.
- Early Intervention: Addressing gum problems early is key to preventing more serious issues.
Healing gum tissue between your teeth requires a proactive approach that combines diligent home care with professional dental treatment. Consult your dentist or periodontist to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.
