Signs of Gum Recession

Gum recession may start gradually and go unnoticed. Visible indicators include shrinking gum tissue and exposed tooth roots. Other common symptoms are: • Bad breath • Bleeding after brushing or flossing • Loose teeth • Pain at the gum line • Red, swollen gums Patients may also notice increased sensitivity to hot and cold due to exposed roots. Addressing recession early can prevent both aesthetic concerns and tooth loss.

Causes of Gum Recession

Multiple factors can lead to receding gums, even when oral hygiene is otherwise good. Common causes include: • Aggressive toothbrushing • Body piercings (lip or tongue) • Clenching or grinding (bruxism) • Crooked teeth or misaligned bite • Hormonal changes (e.g., pregnancy) • Insufficient dental care (infrequent cleanings) • Periodontal (gum) disease • Tobacco use (smoking or chewing) • Genetic predisposition (thin or weak gum tissue) Recession can affect one side of the mouth if plaque accumulates unevenly or if bite forces overload one side. Trauma or ill-fitting dental appliances may also cause localized recession.

Treating Gum Recession

• Not all cases require intervention. Mild recession may be monitored and managed with improved home care. When treatment is needed, options include:
• • Composite Restorations: Tooth-colored resin covers exposed root surfaces, closing black triangles and improving appearance.
• • Desensitizing Agents and Varnishes: Applied to exposed roots to reduce sensitivity, making brushing more comfortable and supporting hygiene.
• • Orthodontics: Braces or aligners can reposition teeth so the gum margin sits more securely, reducing recession over time.
• • Pink Porcelain or Composite Grafting: Aesthetic materials matching gum color fill in recessed areas, enhancing appearance when surgery isn’t an option.
• • Removable Gum Veneers: Silicone or acrylic prosthetics clip over exposed areas to mask recession and protect roots.
• • Surgical Gum Grafts: In moderate to severe cases, grafts from donor tissue (often palate) or synthetic collagen are sutured over receded areas to restore the gum line and protect roots.

Preventing Gum Recession

Preventing recession starts with diligent dental care: brush twice daily using a soft-bristled brush and gentle technique, and floss once a day. Regular dental cleanings (at least every six months) allow your dentist to catch early recession and monitor vulnerable areas. Ask your dentist for proper brushing demonstrations to avoid overzealous scrubbing. Maintain a balanced diet, avoid tobacco, and address bruxism with a nightguard if prescribed. Early detection and intervention preserve both gum tissue and underlying bone.

Risk Factors for Gum Recession

Some individuals face higher recession risk, including: • Age: Nearly 90% of adults over age 65 show recession on at least one tooth. • Tobacco Use: Smoking, vaping, or chewing tobacco promotes plaque buildup and reduces gum blood flow. • Genetic Predisposition: Thin or weak gums often run in families. • Diabetes: Reduced blood flow and immune response can accelerate gum breakdown. Monitoring these risk factors with more frequent dental visits helps catch recession early, when treatment is most effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Is gum recession linked to bone loss? A: Yes. As gums recede, attached tissue and underlying bone can also diminish. Treating recession early helps prevent further bone loss.
• Q: Will gum grafting cover all my exposed roots? A: Coverage depends on the extent of recession. Teeth with long root exposure, notches, or prior fillings may be harder to fully cover. Early treatment yields better graft outcomes.
• Q: Can ill-fitting partial dentures cause recession? A: Yes. Any appliance that irritates or places uneven pressure on gums can contribute to recession. Have ill-fitting dentures adjusted promptly.
• Q: How is gum recession diagnosed? A: Your dentist will review medical history, examine for plaque and tartar, and measure pocket depths between gums and teeth. X-rays may be taken to assess bone levels.
• Q: Can gum recession lead to tooth loss? A: Yes. Recession results in loss of protective tissue, exposing roots to decay and making the tooth more vulnerable. Advanced recession often requires grafting or other interventions to preserve the tooth.

Gum Disease Terminology

• Chronic Periodontitis: Common form of gum infection that inflames soft tissue and destroys bone, creating deeper gum pockets.
• Necrotizing Periodontal Disease: Aggressive infection causing necrosis of gum tissue, gum ligament, and bone, often seen in immunocompromised patients.
• Periapical Cyst: A fluid-filled pathological cavity at the root tip, arising from long-standing pulp inflammation, often requiring endodontic treatment.
• Periodontal Ligament: Connective tissue fibers anchoring the tooth root to surrounding bone, which can be damaged in advanced gum disease.
• Periodontal Pocket: Deepened sulcus between tooth and gum resulting from gum detachment, harboring bacterial biofilm and worsening disease.
• Periodontal Surgery: Surgical interventions—such as flap surgery or grafts—performed to remove infection, reduce pockets, and restore gum health.
• Scaling and Root Planing: Nonsurgical deep cleaning removing plaque and tartar from root surfaces to allow gums to reattach and heal.
• Tartar (Calculus): Hardened plaque on tooth surfaces that cannot be removed by brushing alone and requires professional scaling.