I Think My Gums Are Receding
Gum recession? See a dentist or periodontist now. Recession severity and causes require professional assessment.
Causes: Periodontal disease, heredity, hormonal changes, tooth grinding, aggressive brushing, and poor oral hygiene can promote gum recession.
For good oral hygiene, use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Regularly floss to remove plaque and prevent recession.
A firm toothbrush or too much pressure might promote gum recession. Lightly brush circles.
Gum recession severity and cause may require expert cleaning (scaling and root planing), gum graft surgery, or other gum tissue regeneration and preservation. Follow your dentist’s advice for best outcomes.
Signs of Gum Recession
Major signs include exposed tooth roots. Yellow-rooted teeth may grow longer when gum tissue recedes.
Recessing gums expose dentin and root surfaces, making teeth more sensitive to hot, cold, sweet, and acidic foods and drinks.
Gumline notches, or “abfraction lesions,” show gum recession. Gum tissue loss may cause indentations.
Even if bleeding gums indicate gum disease, exposed roots or increased sensitivity may indicate gum recession.
Gum recession alters tooth shape. Teeth may lengthen or alter shape when gums recede.
Causes of Gum Recession
Bad oral hygiene: Gum recession may be caused by firm toothbrushes. Gum recession may result from impertinence in flossing.
Inflammation of the gum tissue and a bacterial infection are the causes of gum recession. periodontal and bone erosion caused by untreated periodontal disease results in recession.
Even with proper oral hygiene, genetics can contribute to gingival thinning and recession.
Gum recession may result from the cumulative force of teeth and gums caused by dental bruxism (clenching or grinding). Under constant pressure, canines recede.
Tobacco use exacerbates periodontal disease and recession. As smoking impairs gum tissue regeneration and erodes the immune system, the risk of gum recession increases.
Treating Gum Recession
Dentists and periodontists find gingival recession. Treatment for recession depends on intensity and cause.
For moderate gingival recession caused by early-stage periodontal disease, including gingivitis, the dentist may recommend scaling and root planing. A thorough cleaning removes tartar and plaque from teeth and roots to renew gingival tissue and prevent recession.
Gum grafting may be needed for extensive gingival recession. To mend gingiva and cover roots, palatal or donor tissue is attached.
Pinhole surgery Technique (PST) conceals roots with small gum tissue incisions and accurate repositioning. It speeds non-graft wound healing.
Checkups, flossing, brushing, and dentist post-op instructions avoid recession and speed recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is gum recession correlated with bone loss?
A. Yes. The bone around the tooth dissolves when the gum recedes. It is crucial to address gum recession right away to prevent further bone loss.
Q. Will gum grafting cover all my exposed tooth roots?
A. Some teeth are easier to treat with gum grafting than others. Teeth with long, exposed roots, fillings, or notches can be difficult to cover, as can teeth with lost bone between the teeth. Early treatment is key for optimum results. Our team can help go over the options with you.
Q. Can poor-fitting partial dentures cause gum recession?
A. Anything that causes excess wear and tear on the gums and jaw can contribute to gum recession. Contact us if you are unsure if your dentures are fitting correctly.
Q. How is gum recession diagnosed?
A. Our team will start with reviewing your medical history to identify any factors that could be causing or aggravating your symptoms. Then, you will undergo an examination to look for any plaque and tartar buildup, along with any easy bleeding. The dentist will then measure the pocket depth of the groove between your gums and teeth. If necessary, our team will take X-rays to check for any bone loss.
Q. Can gum recession cause me to lose teeth?
A. Yes. Gum recession involves the loss of attached tissue, which protects the tooth and gums from any foreign materials that can infect the bone. Losing the attached tissue leads to a significant loss of bone support for the tooth.
Gum Disease Terminology
Necrotizing Periodontal Disease
Periapical Cyst
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal Ligament
Periodontal Pocket
An iTero Element® scanner allows professionals to create a 3D image of the patient’s teeth in minutes and predict what it will take to move the teeth into proper alignment.
Periodontal Surgery
Scaling and Root Planing
Tartar
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Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2023
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2023
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2023
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