Receding Gums: Causes & Treatments

Receding gums, or gum recession, is a condition where the gum tissue surrounding the teeth gradually wears away or pulls back, revealing more of the tooth structure or the tooth's root.

When gums recede, spaces (pockets) can form between the gum and the tooth, allowing disease-causing bacteria to accumulate. If left untreated, these bacteria can damage the surrounding gum tissue and bone structures supporting the teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss.

Receding gums is a widespread dental condition that typically progresses gradually.

Distinguishing between receding gums and normal gums can be challenging, especially in the early stages. Here’s a quick comparison to help you identify potential symptoms of receding gums.

Normal gums:

• Are typically pink in color.

• Fit snugly around your teeth.

• Are relatively consistent and even across both sides of your jaw.

• Cover the root of your teeth.

Receding Gums:

• Appear red (or discolored).

• Are sometimes inflamed.

• Appear to be pulling away from your teeth, making the teeth look longer than usual.

• Create a noticeable "notch" or indentation where the gum meets the tooth.

• Are uneven from one side of your jaw to the other.

• Have receded sufficiently to reveal the root of the tooth (exposed roots).
  Regardless of how rapidly they develop, consult your dentist immediately to prevent the issue from escalating.

Numerous factors can contribute to receding gums causes, including:

Periodontal Diseases These bacterial gum infections destroy gum tissue and the bone that holds your teeth in place. Periodontitis, the more advanced form of gum disease, is a primary cause of gum recession.

Early gum disease is often painless, so gingivitis symptoms often go unnoticed. However, if left untreated, these early symptoms can progress to periodontitis—a serious gum tissue infection.

Early stages of gum disease can manifest with minor symptoms, including:

• Red, swollen, or purple gums.

• Gums that feel tender to the touch.

• Bleeding gums.

• Chronic bad breath.

Genetics Some individuals possess a genetic predisposition to periodontal disease. Studies indicate that up to 30% of the population may be inherently susceptible to gum disease, even with diligent oral care.

Brushing Too Hard Brushing your teeth too aggressively or with improper technique can cause the gum tissue to wear away, leading to gum recession. Once the gums have receded, the tooth’s root surface (cementum) becomes exposed, and abrasive brushing can then erode this surface and the enamel.

Poor Dental Care Inadequate brushing, flossing, and rinsing can readily allow plaque to harden into tartar, a resilient substance that forms on and between your teeth. Tartar can only be removed through a professional dental cleaning.

If tartar has accumulated below the gumline and instigated gum disease, your dental professional may perform scaling and root planing—a procedure that removes tartar from both above and below the gumline. This differs from a standard professional cleaning.

Hormone Levels Fluctuations in estrogen levels throughout a woman's life—such as during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause—can render gums increasingly sensitive and vulnerable to gum recession.

Hormones increase blood flow to your gums, causing them to overreact to various factors. High levels of estrogen and progesterone make women more sensitive to the presence of plaque.

Tobacco Products Smokers and other tobacco users are more likely to develop sticky plaque, which can result in gum disease. Smoking leads to a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, hindering the healing of infected gums. This can eventually contribute to receding gums.

Grinding and Clenching Your Teeth Grinding or clenching your teeth places excessive force on them, which can contribute to gum recession.

Crooked Teeth or Misaligned Bite When teeth do not align evenly, excessive force can be exerted on the gums and surrounding bone, allowing damage to the gum tissue to occur.

As receding gums progress over time, you might observe the following receding gums symptoms:

Long Teeth One symptom is the visible lengthening of your teeth. When gums recede due to gum disease, teeth appear much longer than normal. Pockets can form from gum recession, making you more susceptible to infections.

Exposed Roots Exposed roots represent another symptom of receding gums that can be extremely sensitive and uncomfortable. Root exposure typically occurs due to gum disease or aggressive brushing, often attributed to incorrect brushing technique, hard bristles, or excessive pressure.

Loose Teeth If you have receding gums, you might notice loose teeth resulting from gum disease caused by bacterial accumulation beneath the gums around your teeth. As receding gums worsen, the gum pockets deepen.

Mild gum recession can often be managed by addressing the underlying cause, such as with a professional deep cleaning in the affected area. During this deep cleaning, known as scaling and root planing, plaque and tartar are removed, and the exposed root area is smoothed, making it more difficult for bacteria to accumulate.

To treat advanced receding gums associated with periodontitis, a dental professional may recommend receding gums treatment with antibiotics in addition to scaling and root planing.

If a deep cleaning proves insufficient to treat the condition due to excessive bone loss and deep pockets, gum graft surgery (receding gums surgery) may be required.

This gum graft surgery, involving a tissue graft, might sound intimidating, but there's no need to panic. During the procedure, root exposure is addressed using graft tissue sourced from your palate or another area of your mouth.

However, gum surgery is not always necessary. Sometimes, tissue-simulating proteins suffice to encourage your body to generate bone and tissue, thus obviating the need for a gum graft.

To prevent receding gums, you should adhere to a robust oral hygiene routine of brushing at least twice daily and flossing once a day.

Additional strategies to prevent receding gums include:

• Quitting the use of tobacco products.

• Consuming a healthy, well-balanced diet.

• Monitoring for possible changes in your mouth.

• Visiting your dental professional at least twice a year for professional cleanings and check-ups.
  
  Oral Health Issues Like Receding Gums and How to Keep Ahead of Them Cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and tartar all stem from plaque a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. If neglected, these conditions can lead to tooth loss and may even impact overall health.

• Crest Gum Detoxify is a stannous fluoride toothpaste whose activated foam helps neutralize harmful plaque bacteria even in hard-to-reach areas when used as part of your daily routine. It is clinically proven to promote healthier gums.

• Oral-B iO electric toothbrushes help protect against tooth and gum problems. For existing gum issues, they have been shown to be more effective than a manual toothbrush and certain sonic toothbrushes. When paired with the brush tracking app, the Oral-B iO can help you manage even advanced gum concerns more effectively.

• Oral-B iO Gentle Care replacement brush head features more than 4,000 thin, high density bristles that adapt to tooth contours for a gentle yet effective clean. Used with the iO toothbrush, it delivers superior cleaning along the gumline compared with a regular manual brush.

• Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection Mouthwash is clinically proven to provide 24hour protection against plaque and gingivitis when used twice daily.

• Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Deep Clean Floss uses microtextured fiber to remove plaque and help prevent gingivitis as part of a comprehensive dental care plan.

By following these simple steps and using products designed for optimal oral care, you can help reduce cavities, prevent gum disease, control tartar, and protect your teeth for years to come.