Gum recession is an incredibly common occurrence, with about 88 percent of people over 65 years old experiencing it on one or more teeth. In fact, you might have receding gums without even realizing it.
While receding gums are a cosmetic concern for many people, gum recession is actually a form of gum disease, which means that it’s indicative of underlying oral health issues that need to be addressed in order to prevent further damage, tooth loss, and costly interventions.
Keep reading to learn more about receding gums, why they occur, and what treatment options are available.
What Are Receding Gums?
Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue around the teeth pulls back, exposing more of the tooth or its root. In addition to teeth appearing longer, symptoms include increased sensitivity, noticeable gaps between the teeth and gums, bleeding, and discomfort. Receding gums also make the teeth more susceptible to cavities.
Left untreated, receding gums can lead to significant oral health issues, including bone loss, tooth mobility (a feeling of the tooth being loose), and even tooth loss.
Causes of Gum Recession
Gum recession can happen for many reasons, including:
- Poor oral hygiene practices leading to a buildup of plaque and tartar
- Gingivitis and periodontitis
- Aggressive brushing or flossing, including using a hard-bristled toothbrush
- A family history of gum disease
- Natural thinning of gum tissue with age
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Diabetes
- Hormonal changes, including pregnancy or menopause
- Tooth misalignment causing uneven pressure on the gums when chewing
- Lip and tongue piercings
- Teeth grinding or clenching
How to Recognize Gum Recession Early
No matter the underlying cause of receding gums, recognizing the signs early on is key to minimizing the risk of long-term problems, including advanced periodontal disease and tooth loss. Watch for increased tooth sensitivity, changes in the appearance of teeth and gums, and gumline shrinking.
Furthermore, routine cleanings and exams give the dentist the chance to identify any gum issues early and recommend timely interventions, therefore preventing gum recession from worsening and protecting overall oral health. Treating receding gums is often less invasive and more affordable when it’s caught in the early stages.
Treatment Options for Receding Gums
Gums may not be able to grow back, but professional treatment can stop their recession and alleviate symptoms such as sensitivity and irritation.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Depending on the cause of receding gums, non-surgical treatment options can be effective. Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that removes stubborn plaque and tartar build-up from above and below the gum line and smooths the tooth roots. This process can help the gums reattach to the teeth.
Other non-surgical treatments include specially formulated anti-sensitivity toothpastes, topical antibiotics, and orthodontics to correct bite issues. Dental bonding can camouflage the affected area by covering it with tooth-colored composite resin. In addition to improving aesthetics, dental bonding can also reduce discomfort related to receding gums.
Surgical Treatment
In more severe cases, gum graft surgery may be necessary. During this procedure, a periodontist — a dental professional specializing in gum health — takes some tissue from the roof of the mouth and grafts it to the area of gum recession, stitching it in place to rebuild the lost tissue. This procedure is relatively minimally invasive, and typically, patients feel back to normal within about two weeks.
An alternative, minimally invasive surgical treatment is the Pinhole Surgical Technique. In this procedure, a needle is used to make a small hole in the tissue near the receding gums. Using special instruments, the periodontist loosens the gum tissue, moving it into place to cover the exposed tooth structure. No stitches are required, and the recovery time is usually shorter than that of gum graft surgery.
How to Prevent Gum Recession
The best way to prevent gum recession is practicing good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily to remove food particles and plaque trapped between teeth. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking or reducing tobacco use can help, as well as wearing a nightguard to prevent nocturnal teeth grinding.
Take Charge of Your Gum Health Today with VIP Smiles
At VIP Smiles, we understand that receding gums are more than just a cosmetic issue. They can have lasting effects on oral health, even leading to tooth loss. That’s why we’re committed to catching gum recession early and preventing further damage, ensuring our patients maintain their happy, healthy smiles for a lifetime.
If you’re concerned about receding gums, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our expert dental professionals.
