Gum Recession: Everything You Need to Know

What Is Gum Recession?

Gum recession, also known as gingival recession, occurs when the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth and exposes more of the tooth roots. Exposed tooth roots can lead to tooth sensitivity, especially when eating cold or hot foods. Gum recession leads to small spaces between the gum line and teeth, allowing harmful bacteria to accumulate, which can cause further damage.

According to our dentist Perth, if gingival recession is left untreated, it can cause significant damage to the supporting bone and gum tissue and may even lead to tooth loss.

Causes of Gum Recession

Here are some common causes of receding gums. 

Gum Disease

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is one of the main causes of gum recession. Gum disease can occur due to poor oral hygiene and plaque buildup – a sticky film of bacteria. If you don’t get rid of plaque regularly, it will harden into tartar, which brushing can’t remove. Plaque and tartar buildup will irritate your gums and cause them to pull back. Ignoring gum disease can make things worse, leading to bad oral health or even tooth loss, so it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible.

Aggressive Tooth Brushing

How you brush your teeth is important. If you brush your teeth aggressively, it can damage gum tissue and tooth enamel. Brushing too hard is a common reason why gums start to recede.

Poor Dental Care

Neglecting regular dental check-ups and poor oral hygiene can cause various issues, including periodontal diseases and receding gums. Without proper dental care, plaque and tartar buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease are more likely to occur.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes in women, such as during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can lead to increased gum sensitivity and a greater risk of gum recession.

Tobacco Products

Using tobacco products can lead to serious gum problems, including gum recession. People who use tobacco often build up a stickier type of plaque on their teeth that’s harder to clean and can lead to gum recession.

Abnormal Tooth Positioning

Misaligned teeth that do not fit together correctly can place extra pressure on the gums and bone structure, which might cause the gums to recede. People who have misaligned teeth or a crooked bite may have a harder time cleaning their teeth, which can increase their risk of gum disease and recession.

Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can put too much pressure on your teeth. When you grind your teeth repeatedly, it can irritate your gums and make them more likely to pull back. Over time, this constant pressure can also weaken the bone and nearby support structures and cause the gums to pull back faster.

Aging

As we get older, it is natural to notice some changes in our gums. Over time, our gums may pull back from our teeth and expose the sensitive areas of our teeth. This can make eating or drinking uncomfortable and increase the chance of problems like cavities.

Genetic Predisposition

Sometimes, gum recession is in your genes. If your parents or grandparents had problems with their gums, you may face similar challenges.

Signs of Receding Gums

It’s important to spot the early signs of gum recession to prevent more serious problems with your oral health. When gums recede, the roots of the teeth can start to show, making the teeth look longer than normal. If the edge of the gums begins to pull back, it’s often a sign of gum issues that need attention.

Tooth Roots Exposure: This is the most obvious sign of gum recession. When the gums start to recede, they pull back from the teeth and expose the roots​.

Tooth Sensitivity: Tooth sensitivity is often the first noticeable symptom. It may include sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks.

Changes in Tooth Appearance: When gums recede, teeth may start to look longer than usual. This change is often easy to notice, especially when comparing the affected teeth to others.

Notch at the Gum Line: You may feel a notch or small bump near the gum line, where the root and the crown of the tooth meet​​​.

Visible Gap Between the Gumline and Teeth: As the gums start to recede, they can leave a noticeable gap between the gumline and the teeth​.

Other Symptoms: These can include bad breath, swollen and red gums, a bad taste in the mouth, and even loose teeth​.

Receding Gum Treatments

If your gums are receding, it is important to seek treatment to stop receding gums from causing more damage. The right treatment option will depend on how severe the issue is and the underlying cause.

Here are some common treatments:

Improved Oral Hygiene: Practising proper oral hygiene is usually the first step in treating gum recession and preventing oral health problems. Use a soft toothbrush and apply the correct brushing technique, remember to use fluoride toothpaste, floss every day, and rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to keep your gums healthy and stop the recession from getting worse.

Scaling and Root Planing: This is a deep cleaning procedure that is performed by a dentist or periodontist. Deep cleaning can be effective for cases of mild gum recession. The process involves tooth scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and beneath the gumline. The dentist will smooth the root surfaces to prevent tartar from forming again and to help the gums reattach to the teeth. This procedure is an important step for treating mild cases of gum recession.

Gum Graft Surgery: For severe gum recession, surgery may be needed to fix the problem and address the affected gum tissue. This procedure usually involves taking tissue from another part of the mouth, like the palate, and attaching it to the areas where the gums have pulled back. This procedure helps cover exposed roots and rebuild the missing gum tissue to improve gum health and protect your teeth.

Pinhole Surgical Technique: This method is a less invasive option compared to traditional gum grafting. It involves creating small holes in the gum and using special tools to gently loosen and reposition the gum over an exposed tooth root.

Regenerative Procedures: If the bone that supports the teeth has been destroyed, regenerative procedures may be used. Regenerative procedures involve pulling back the gum tissue, removing bacteria, and applying materials like a membrane, graft, or protein to encourage the body to regenerate bone and tissue in the affected area.

Lifestyle Changes: Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, and managing health conditions like diabetes, can help you maintain healthy gums. Smoking can make gum recession worse, but eating a healthy diet helps keep your gums and bones strong. These changes can prevent gum recession from getting worse and make other treatments more effective.

Orthodontics: In some cases, misaligned teeth may cause gums to recede, and orthodontic treatment like braces or aligners can help correct the alignment and relieve pressure on the gums.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can gum recession be reversed naturally? Gum recession usually can’t be reversed, but taking better care of your teeth and getting the right treatments can prevent it from getting worse.

Is gum recession common in children? Gum recession is rare in children but may occur due to poor oral hygiene, aggressive brushing, or orthodontic issues.

Does gum recession always require surgery? Not all cases of gum recession require surgery. Mild cases can often be managed with improved oral hygiene and professional cleaning.

Can receding gums lead to tooth loss? If gum recession isn’t treated, it can damage the bone and support around your teeth and ultimately cause teeth to loosen and fall out.

How can I prevent gum recession if I have braces or aligners? Maintaining proper oral hygiene, using a soft toothbrush, and following your orthodontist’s instructions can help prevent gum issues during orthodontic treatment.

What is the best type of toothbrush to use for receding gums? A soft-bristled toothbrush is recommended to avoid further irritation or damage to the gums.

Are there specific foods that help prevent gum recession? A diet rich in calcium, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids supports gum health and may help prevent gum recession.

Can medications cause gum recession? Certain medications, like those that cause dry mouth, can increase the risk of gum recession because they reduce the saliva that helps protect your gums.

What role does stress play in gum recession? Stress may make you grind your teeth and put extra pressure on your gums, which may lead them to recede over time.

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