Gum recession is when the gums pull away from the teeth and expose the tooth roots. When this occurs, you can experience tooth sensitivity, discomfort, and an increased risk of tooth decay. Gum recession can be a sign of gum disease, which can lead to serious oral health problems like bone loss and tooth loss.
At Sninski & Schmitt Family Dentistry, we look specifically at the health of your gums during our dental checkups, in addition to many other things. In this article, we describe the signs of gum recession, its causes, how to prevent it, and treatment options. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment with your dentist.
Signs of Gum Recession
There are several signs and symptoms of gum recession; some are visible, and others are sensory. Gum recession can be a gradual process and may not cause any noticeable symptoms initially.
If you experience any of the following signs, we recommend that you consult a dentist for evaluation and appropriate treatment.
- Exposed tooth roots: Noticeable recession of the gum line, revealing more of the tooth root.
- Tooth sensitivity: Teeth may be sensitive to hot, cold, or sweets, especially when brushing, flossing, or during a dental cleaning.
- Pain: You may experience pain and discomfort near the gum line, especially when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth.
- Redness and swelling: Gums may appear red and swollen.
- Bad breath: You may experience bad breath.
- Bleeding: Gums may bleed after brushing or flossing.
- Loose teeth: In severe cases, teeth may feel loose.
- Tooth appearance: Teeth may look longer than normal, or there may be more space between the teeth and gums.
- Teeth shift: You may notice gaps between your teeth that weren’t there before.
- Changes in bite: You may notice changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down.
- Notch in teeth at the gum line: You may feel a notch where the gum meets the tooth.
Causes of Gum Recession
Gums may recede for several reasons. Oftentimes, poor oral hygiene is a contributing factor to gum recession, but not always. Many people have a genetic predisposition to thin gum tissue. Regardless of the cause of your gum recession, prompt diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-term oral health problems.
Causes of gum recession include:
- Brushing too hard or too aggressively
- Periodontal disease
- Dental plaque and tartar buildup from poor oral hygiene
- History of braces or other orthodontic treatments
- Trauma or injury to gum tissues
- Abnormal tooth positioning, misalignment
- Smoking or chewing tobacco use
- Lip and tongue piercings
- Aging
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Gum Recession Diagnosis and Tests
Gum recession can be diagnosed during an examination. The dentist measures the amount of gum recession on each tooth using an instrument called a periodontal probe. Bone loss is a common result in areas of gum recession but not a given. Healthy pockets measure between 1 and 3 millimeters. With gingivitis, pockets measure around 4 millimeters. If you have periodontal disease, your pockets will measure 5 millimeters or higher.
Gum Recession Treatments
Though gum recession is irreversible, prompt treatment can halt its progression and prevent further deterioration. Gum recession treatment largely depends on the underlying cause of the condition. Mild cases of gum recession may be improved with nonsurgical treatments such as topical antibiotics, dental bonding, or orthodontics. However, many times gum recession surgery is necessary.
Nonsurgical Treatments
- More effective oral hygiene practices: If gum recession is due to periodontal disease, your dental professional may guide you on more effective, less damaging, brushing and oral hygiene practices.
- Deep dental cleanings: Procedures like scaling and root planing can help remove harmful bacteria at the roots deep below the gum line, and antibiotics can be placed directly under the gums.
- Dental bonding: Bonding with a composite resin can be used to conceal the exposed tooth root and alleviate the discomfort.
- Orthodontics: Orthodontics can be used to correct crooked, tipped, or rotated teeth that are contributing to gum recession. Braces can reposition the tooth, allowing the gum margin to correct itself.
- Fluoride varnish: Your dentist can also administer fluoride varnish or other desensitizing agents to alleviate discomfort. Using a desensitizing toothpaste at home can also lessen the discomfort.
Gum Recession Surgery
Gum graft surgery is the most effective and long-lasting treatment option for gum recession. Typically, a periodontist (gum specialist) performs this procedure. In this surgery, a gum graft is used to replace your missing gum tissue. Usually, the graft is taken from the roof of your mouth, but it can also come from sterilized human donor tissue.
Once the gum graft is in the proper position, the surgeon stitches it in place. There are several different types of gum grafting procedures. Your surgeon can help determine which type is right for your situation. Gum grafting procedures are minimally invasive.
Preventing Gum Recession
Gum recession can’t always be prevented, especially if you are genetically predisposed to thin gum tissue. However, you can significantly reduce your risk of infection-related gum recession by practicing proper teeth and gum care.
- Brush your teeth thoroughly twice each day
- Floss once daily
- Use an antimicrobial mouthwash twice daily
- Follow your dentist’s recommendation for teeth cleanings.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Don’t smoke or use chewing tobacco.
Contact Sninski & Schmitt Family Dentistry for Gum Recession
If you are experiencing any symptoms discussed in this article that may indicate receding gums, contact Sninski & Schmitt Family Dentistry to schedule a dental appointment. Our dentists will provide an assessment and outline treatment for any dental or gum issues identified during your appointment. Call our Holly Springs office at 919-600-6262 and our Cary dentist office at 919-467-2203, or simply fill out our contact form below.