Receding gums

Receding gums, also known as Gingival recession, is a condition in which the margins of the gum tissue surrounding the teeth wear away, or pull back, exposing more of the tooth, or the tooth's root. This can lead to damage to the supporting bone and tooth loss if left untreated.

Causes

Receding gums can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Periodontal disease: This bacterial gum infection destroys gum tissue and the supporting bone that holds teeth in place. It is the main cause of gum recession.
• Genetics: Some people may be genetically predisposed to gum disease. In fact, studies show that 30% of the population may be predisposed to gum disease, regardless of how well they care for their teeth.
• Aggressive tooth brushing: If you brush your teeth too hard or the wrong way, it can cause the enamel on your teeth to wear away and your gums to recede.
• Poor dental care: Inadequate brushing, flossing, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash makes it easy for plaque to turn into calculus (tartar) — a hard substance that can build up on and in between your teeth and can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning. It can lead to gum recession.

Symptoms

The symptoms of receding gums include:

• Tooth sensitivity: This is often the first sign of receding gums. Recession of the gums leads to the exposure of the roots of the teeth, which can lead to sensitivity to hot or cold.
• Longer-looking teeth: As the gums recede, the teeth appear longer than normal.
• Loose teeth: As the gums recede, the support to the teeth decreases which can make the teeth loose.

Treatment

Treatment for receding gums depends on the cause of the gum recession. Options may include:

• Deep cleaning: This is the first line of treatment for receding gums. It involves removal of tartar and plaque from the teeth and root surfaces.
• Gum graft surgery: In this procedure, the gum tissue is taken from another area of the mouth and attached to the areas around the teeth.
• Regenerative surgery: This is performed when the bone supporting your teeth has been destroyed due to gum recession. The bone is regenerated using grafting material.

Prevention

Preventing gum recession is a matter of taking good care of your mouth. Brush and floss regularly, and see a dentist or periodontist at least once a year. Eat a well-balanced diet and quit tobacco use.