Gum Recession: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions

Gum (periodontal) disease is one of the leading threats to your dental health! Already 47.2% of adults ages 30 and up have some form of gum disease. It increases with age (about 70% of adults ages 65 and up have periodontal disease).

Gum disease can cause your bones to deteriorate, eventually leading to tooth loss. If you have mild gum recession, seek treatment right away. 

What causes gum recession, and what gum health solutions are available? Read on to find out!

What Is Gum Recession?

Gum recession is a type of gum disease. Bacteria can cause the gum tissue to pull away from the teeth, exposing the teeth' roots underneath.

Recession can make your teeth more vulnerable to cavities. Cavities and gum disease can compromise your overall health if you don't seek treatment.

Gum recession can range from mild to severe. It can affect one or multiple teeth.

Gum recession affects patients of all ages. However, you're more likely to experience symptoms if you:

• Brush your teeth aggressively
• Have a tongue or lip piercing
• Use chewing tobacco
• Had orthodontic treatment (braces, Invisalign, etc.)
• Have periodontal disease

This is a common oral health issue. Severe periodontal disease affects about 19% of the global population (over 1 billion cases).

Symptoms

Common symptoms of gum recession include:

• Sensitivity during dental cleanings
• Pain or discomfort
• Pain or discomfort when brushing or flossing
• Sensitivity to hot or cold food and beverages
• Sensitivity to sweets
• Tooth root exposure

When left untreated, you could experience bone loss. This will cause your teeth to shift or start wiggling. If you think a tooth is loose, consult your dentist right away.

As your jawbone continues deteriorating, you may start losing teeth. Your dentist may recommend dental implants. Already, three million people in the US have implants.

One lost tooth can cause oral and overall health issues. You may notice changes in your bite, speed, and appearance.

If these symptoms sound familiar, visit your dentist right away. Immediate gum disease treatment could stop the recession from progressing further.

Causes of Gum Recession

Your oral hygiene regimen and lifestyle factors can contribute to your gum recession. Common causes of gum recession include:

• Brushing too hard/aggressively
• Teeth misalignments
• Lip and tongue piercings
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Trauma or injury to the gums
• Periodontal disease
• Plaque or tartar buildup

Some patients have a genetic predisposition to thin gum tissues. Consider scheduling routine appointments with a dentist or periodontist. They can assess your routine and oral health to determine if you're at risk. 

Gum Recession Treatment

Your dentist will diagnose your gum recession during a visual examination. They'll use a periodontal probe to measure the amount of recession per tooth.

You may experience bone loss in areas of gum recession. Your dentist may need to measure each tooth's periodontal pockets - a healthy pocket measures between one and three millimeters.

If you have gingivitis, your pockets will measure four millimeters. If you have periodontal disease, they may reach five millimeters or higher.

Your gums won't grow back after receding. Focus on preventing gum recession by prioritizing your oral hygiene.

You may need to visit a periodontist to discuss gum recession treatment options. They'll consider the severity of your case. You may need non-surgical or surgical treatment.

Non-Surgical Treatment

The dentist may recommend scaling and root planing. They'll complete this dental deep cleaning to remove harmful bacteria from under your gum line.

Dentists use tooth-colored composite resin to camouflage areas of recession. This will cover the exposed tooth root. 

A crooked tooth can contribute to gum recession. Your dentist may recommend braces or Invisalign. Orthodontic treatment will ensure the tooth is in proper alignment. 

A periodontist in Rochester may recommend inserting antibiotics directly into your gums. Topical antibiotics can help treat your periodontal disease. 

Before the end of your appointment, talk to your dentist about your at-home oral hygiene habits. They can make recommendations to reduce your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. 

Surgical Gum Health Solutions

As a long-lasting treatment option, your periodontist may recommend gum graft surgery. During the procedure, they'll use a gum graft to replace lost gum tissue. The graft will be taken from the roof of your mouth.

The surgeon will stitch the gum graft into position. This treatment is minimally invasive. 

Reducing Sensitivity

Gum recession may cause pain or sensitivity. It occurs when tooth enamel no longer protects tooth roots.

Your dentist may apply a fluoride varnish to the area. A hygienist may use numbing agents during routine cleanings to help with the sensitivity. 

Consider using a desensitizing toothpaste at home. Your dentist can recommend products for sensitive teeth. Look for ingredients like strontium chloride, arginine, stannous fluoride, and potassium nitrate. 

Preventing Gum Recession

You can reduce your risk of gum recession with proper at-home teeth and gum care.

Brush your teeth twice a day to remove plaque before it hardens into tartar. Tartar can release acid, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid aggressive brushing. 

Floss your teeth once a day. This will remove food particles, bacteria, and plaque between your teeth. This can reduce your risk of gum disease.

Consider using an antimicrobial mouthwash twice a day. Your dentist can recommend products.

Don't smoke or use chewing tobacco. Remember, both can increase your risk of gum recession.

Follow your dentist's instructions to properly care for your teeth. Schedule routine dental cleanings twice a year.

During these appointments, your dentist will assess your teeth. They can make recommendations based on your needs. 

Treat Your Mild Gum Recession Today

Don't let your mild gum recession progress further. Instead, visit your dentist in Rochester. They can recommend gum health solutions to protect your gums and smile.

Our team at Beach Perio, Implants & Medspa offers a range of dental and med-spa services. We can improve your dental function and rejuvenate your appearance.

We'll go above and beyond to achieve your desired results. We're dedicated to your comfort and satisfaction! Schedule an appointment today to protect your teeth from gum recession.