Gum recession involves the gradual loss of gum tissue, which can lead to exposed tooth roots if untreated. It’s common in adults over 40 but can start earlier.
Gingival recession (receding gums) refers to the progressive loss of gum tissue, which can eventually result in tooth root exposure if left untreated. Gum recession is most common in adults over the age of 40, but the process can begin in the teenage years.
Gum recession can be difficult to self-diagnose in its earlier stages because the changes often occur gradually. Regular dental checkups will help to prevent gum recession and assess risk factors.
Symptoms of Gum Recession:
- Sensitive teeth: When the gums recede enough to expose the cementum protecting the tooth root, the dentin tubules beneath will become more susceptible to external stimuli.
- Visible roots: This is one of the main characteristics of a more severe case of gum recession.
- Longer-looking teeth: Individuals experiencing gingival recession often have a “toothy” smile. The teeth are normal length, but the gum tissue has been lost, making them appear longer.
- Halitosis, inflammation, and bleeding: These symptoms are characteristic of gingivitis or periodontal disease. A bacterial infection causes the gums to recede from the teeth and may cause tooth loss if not treated promptly.
Causes of Gum Recession
Gum recession is common and can be caused by several factors, including brushing too hard and poor oral hygiene.
Gum recession is an incredibly widespread problem that dentists diagnose and treat on a daily basis. It is important to thoroughly examine the affected areas and make an accurate diagnosis of the actual underlying problem. Once the cause of the gum recession has been determined, surgical and non-surgical procedures can be performed to halt the progress of the recession and prevent it from occurring in the future.
Common Causes:
- Over aggressive brushing: Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can erode tooth enamel and irritate gum tissue.
- Poor oral hygiene: Improper or infrequent brushing and flossing can lead to plaque buildup, which contains bacterial toxins that erode the jawbone and gums.
- Chewing tobacco: Tobacco use, especially chewing tobacco, aggravates the gingival lining and causes gum recession.
- Periodontal disease: Often due to poor oral hygiene or systemic conditions like diabetes, which create an environment for bacteria that infect gums and bone.
Treatment of Gum Recession
Every case of gum recession is slightly different, so many treatments are available. The underlying cause of the recession must be addressed first.
If aggressive brushing is causing the recession, a softer toothbrush and gentler technique are recommended. If poor oral hygiene is the issue, professional dental cleaning (prophylaxis) may be needed to remove debris and bacteria. In severe cases of calculus (tartar) buildup, scaling and root planing will be performed to heal gingival inflammation and clean the teeth.
After addressing the cause, surgical options like gum tissue regeneration and gum grafting might be recommended to restore natural gum symmetry and improve the smile’s appearance.
For questions or concerns about periodontal disease, treatments, or gum recession, please contact our office.