While receding gums are often a sign of poor oral health, early treatment can enhance the appearance and promote oral functioning. Without proper treatment, gum recession can cause a variety of complications, oral and systemic. It is important to understand the signs that indicate the gums are receding, preventative measures to take, and possible treatments that may become necessary.
Treatment for receding gums is available at Oak Tree Dental in Poway and the surrounding area. We can help diagnose and treat receding gums, whether minor or severe, through various treatment methods. Call us today at (858) 748-2101 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Signs of receding gums
Receding gums are most evident when the tooth's roots are exposed. This happens when the gums have dissipated further and further back until there is no longer a secure gumline. Patients often go a long time before realizing that they have gum recession since physical signs may not appear during the initial stages.
Common symptoms of gum recession include a changing appearance (the tooth appears longer and the space between teeth increases), bad breath, bleeding gums, gum pain, red or swollen gums, loose teeth or tooth loss, and sensitivity to cold and heat due to exposed tooth roots. These symptoms are common in gum disease and periodontitis, while gum recession is often an early sign of gum disease. It is important to seek an examination and treatment as soon as any of these signs appear.
“Patients often go a long while before realizing that they have gum recession as physical signs may not appear in initial stages.”
Causes of gum recession
Several factors can cause a person's gums to recede, regardless of the state of their oral hygiene. These include aggressive toothbrushing, body piercing, clenching or grinding teeth, crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, hormonal changes, insufficient dental care, periodontal disease, and tobacco products. Genetics may also be a factor. For example, parents may pass down weak, thin gums to their children.
Some patients may also find that their gums are receding only on one side. Usually, this is due to plaque concentrating in one area of the mouth. This may be due to neglecting oral hygiene on one side of the mouth, as excess plaque and bacteria at the gum line may release toxic substances that destroy gum tissue. Alternatively, a misaligned bite may cause more wear and tear to one side of the mouth than the other. Gum recession may happen on only one tooth for similar reasons or some physical trauma.
“Several different factors can cause a person’s gums to recede, regardless of the state of their oral hygiene.”
Treating gum recession
Some cases of gum recession are mild enough that they do not need treatment. Still, several treatment options are available for those who need it. These include composite restoration; desensitizing agents, varnishes, and dentin bonding agents; orthodontics; pink porcelain or composite; removable gum veneers; and surgery. Composite restorations are natural-looking, tooth-colored composite resins that cover the surface of the tooth root. They may be used to close any black gaps between the teeth.
Desensitizing agents, varnishes, and dentin bonding agents may help reduce the exposed tooth root's sensitivity. By lessening the nerve symptoms, desensitizing agents may ease the brushing of sensitive teeth and promote oral hygiene. Orthodontics (or braces) are more of a long-term treatment that moves a tooth slowly over time. This repositioning can help correct the margin of the gum.
Pink porcelain or composite that matches the color of the gums can be applied to the "gaps" to reduce the appearance of receded gums. Similarly, removable gum veneers, which usually consist of acrylic or silicone, can be applied in the "gaps." Finally, more severe cases of gum recession may necessitate surgery, usually a gum graft.
“Some cases of gum recession are mild enough not to need treatment.”
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Following basic oral hygiene practices is usually enough to prevent gum recession. This includes brushing at least twice daily, flossing daily, rinsing after each meal, and visiting the dentist for routine dental checkups and cleanings twice yearly. However, individuals who are at higher risk for gum issues or notice early signs should exercise more precautions. We recommend avoiding plaque-building agents, such as acids and sugars, and visiting the dentist more frequently for deep cleanings to keep the gums clean and healthy.
Going without treatment
Receding gums cause thinning of gum tissue, a leading pathway for plaque buildup. Plaque is the single most common cause of infection or gum disease and, in advanced cases, periodontal disease. These diseases of the gums are responsible for edentulous, also known as tooth loss. Weakened gums also loosen the secure hold that gums have on the teeth, which can lead to jaw damage over time. It is crucial that patients seek treatment for gum recession immediately.
“Receding gums cause thinning of gum tissue, a leading pathway for plaque buildup.”
Questions answered on this page
Q. What can I do about receding gums?
Q. What are some common signs of receding gums?
Q. How can I prevent gum recession?
Q. Who is at risk of gum recession?
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Risk factors
Individuals with healthy pink firm gums should not worry about gum recession. However, if symptoms and signs appear, a thorough oral evaluation is recommended. It is also advisable to know the risk factors to better evaluate one's likelihood of acquiring gum recession.
Medical News Today lists the four most common risk factors of receding gums: age, tobacco, diabetes, and genetics. A study found that 88% of individuals 65 years and older have gum recession and 50 percent of people 18 to 64 years of age have one or more sites with recession. People who smoke, struggle with misalignment issues, or have diabetes, have a higher chance of acquiring gum recession.
“People who smoke, struggle with misalignment issues, or have diabetes, have a higher chance of acquiring gum recession.”
Frequently asked questions
Receded gums cannot grow back, so the condition is irreversible. However, practicing exceptional oral hygiene can prevent the progression of recession. Various treatment options are also available to alter the appearance of the gumline.
It is best to treat gum recession as soon as early signs appear or a dentist makes an evaluation. Going without treatment can cause plaque buildup, infection, and gum disease. These conditions, when severe, will likely lead to tooth loss or jaw damage.
All patients should exercise adequate oral hygiene habits, such as brushing, flossing, rinsing, and routinely visiting the dentist. Healthline suggests a variety of home remedies for caring for the gums at home. This should be done alongside the preventative measures listed above.
We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush as medium or hard toothbrushes can wear and tear surface enamel and irritate the gums, causing recession to occur. The ADA recommends soft-bristle toothbrushes with angled or multi-layer bristles and electric toothbrushes.
Gum recession is linked to oral health conditions such as gingivitis, gum disease, and periodontal disease. It is also linked to general health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. There are certain health conditions that make one more prone to receding gums and vice versa. It is important to mention all health conditions to both your doctor and dentist.
Gum disease terminology
Chronic periodontitis is the most common form of periodontitis, involving inflammation of the tissue surrounding the teeth and pockets forming as well.
Necrotizing periodontal disease is an infection that causes lesions to form on the face and other symptoms due to the necrosis of gingival tissues, periodontal ligaments and alveolar bone.
A periapical cyst is a pathological cavity, roots of the teeth, that typically has epithelium in the lining and contains fluid or soft matter.
Periodontal disease is a serious inflammation of the gingival tissues and the periodontal membrane of the teeth that causes pain and helps form deeper gingival sulcus.
Periodontal ligaments are a group of tissue fibers that help attach the tooth to the alveolar bone, which can sustain damage from gum disease or improper oral hygiene.
A periodontal pocket is a potential area of space, known as a gingival sulcus, which is deeper than normal and can contain bacteria that cause an infection.
Periodontal surgery is the treatment of extreme levels of periodontal disease that can involve multiple techniques to remove the inflamed tissue and infection before it spreads.
Call us today
Gum recession can be stressful to experience. We at Oak Tree Dental may be able to help. Call us today at 858-748-2101 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Individual results vary. How long a treatment lasts, and how it looks and feels, depends on each patient.