Gingival recession

Gingival recession, also known as gum recession, is a condition in which the margin of the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth wears away, or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth or the tooth's root. Receding gums can cause noticeable gaps, making it easy for disease-causing bacteria to build up. If left untreated, the supporting tissue and bone structures of the teeth can be severely damaged, and may ultimately result in tooth loss.

Causes

Gingival recession can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Periodontal diseases: These are bacterial gum infections that destroy gum tissue and the supporting bone that holds your teeth in place.
• Aggressive tooth brushing: Brushing your teeth too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear away the enamel on your teeth and cause the gums to recede.
• Insufficient dental care: Inadequate brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash makes it easy for plaque to turn into calculus (tartar) — a hard substance that can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning and can lead to gum recession.
• Tobacco products: Tobacco users are more likely to have sticky plaque on their teeth that is difficult to remove, which can cause gum recession.
• Hormonal changes: Changes in female hormone levels during a woman’s lifetime, such as during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can make gums more sensitive and more vulnerable to gum recession.
• Genetics: Some people may be more susceptible to gum disease, regardless of how well they care for their teeth.

Symptoms

Symptoms of gingival recession include:

• Visible roots of the teeth
• Sensitive teeth — particularly to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli
• Teeth appearing longer than normal
• Loose teeth
• Discomfort or pain along the gum line

Treatment

Treatment for gingival recession depends on the cause of the gum problems. If hard brushing or poor oral health care is the cause, working with a dentist on changing brushing habits and improving oral health care routines can help. In more severe cases, treatment may include:

• Deep cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing): This is the first line of treatment for gum recession, involving the removal of plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums.
• Gum graft surgery: This involves taking tissue from another part of the mouth (usually the palate) and grafting it onto the affected gum area to protect the roots and reduce further recession.
• Regenerative material: In some cases, a dentist may apply regenerative material such as graft tissue, membrane, or tissue-stimulating protein to encourage your body to naturally regenerate bone and gum tissue.

Prevention

Preventing gum recession is mostly about maintaining good oral hygiene practices. This includes:

• Brushing gently with a soft-bristled brush twice a day.
• Flossing daily to remove plaque between the teeth and under the gumline.
• Visiting the dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings.
• Quitting smoking or using other tobacco products.
• Managing changes in hormones and addressing any genetic predispositions with a healthcare provider.