Gum recession is the process where the margin of the gum tissue pulls back, exposing more of the tooth’s surface and often the root. Flossing cannot reverse existing gum recession, but it is a fundamental practice for preventing the most common cause: periodontal disease. By managing the bacterial film known as plaque, regular flossing helps maintain the health of the gum tissue and supporting bone, preventing further recession from disease.
Understanding Gum Recession
Gum recession exposes the sensitive root surface of the tooth, often leading to increased sensitivity and a higher risk of root decay. This condition is caused by a combination of issues that compromise the stability of the gum tissue.
The primary cause is periodontal disease, where bacterial plaque accumulation triggers a chronic inflammatory response that destroys the gum tissue and supporting bone structure. Aggressive or incorrect brushing habits, particularly using a hard-bristled toothbrush or applying excessive force, can also physically wear away the delicate gum tissue.
Other contributing factors include genetic predisposition. Misaligned teeth or teeth grinding (bruxism) can place undue mechanical stress on the gums, leading to tissue breakdown. Tobacco use, whether smoking or chewing, reduces blood flow to the gums and compromises the immune system, making the tissues more susceptible to disease and recession.
The Direct Role of Flossing in Preventing Gum Disease
Flossing plays a distinct role in oral hygiene by mechanically removing plaque from surfaces a toothbrush cannot effectively reach. While the toothbrush cleans the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces, it misses the interdental spaces and the area slightly below the gum line.
These tight spaces are where bacterial colonies thrive and organize into a sticky film called plaque. If plaque is left undisturbed for 24 to 36 hours, it hardens into calculus or tartar. Daily flossing disrupts this process, preventing the formation of tartar.
The removal of interdental plaque interrupts the inflammatory cycle that begins with gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If gingivitis is not addressed, the inflammation progresses to periodontitis, which involves the loss of the bone that anchors the tooth. Since bone loss drives recession, consistent flossing serves as preventative maintenance against disease-related gum recession.
Flossing Technique and Avoiding Damage
While flossing is a powerful tool against disease, improper technique can inadvertently contribute to recession by causing physical trauma to the gums. Snapping the floss quickly and forcefully into the gum tissue can injure the delicate margin, leading to irritation and eventual tissue loss. Similarly, using a sawing motion back and forth or applying too much pressure can physically wear away the gums.
To prevent damage, a gentle, controlled technique is necessary. Approximately 18 inches of floss should be used, with most wrapped around one middle finger and a small amount around the other to collect used sections.
The floss should be gently guided between the teeth, avoiding the forceful snapping motion. Once the floss reaches the gum line, it should be curved into a “C” shape, wrapping around the side of one tooth. The floss is then gently slid into the space between the gum and the tooth, moving up and down the tooth surface two or three times to scrape off the plaque. Using a clean section of floss for each tooth ensures bacteria are not simply transferred from one area to another.
Professional Treatments for Correcting Recession
When gum recession has already occurred, flossing cannot restore the lost tissue; professional intervention is required to manage the condition and prevent it from worsening. For cases caused by periodontal disease, the first step is often scaling and root planing, or deep cleaning. This procedure involves removing plaque and hardened tartar from both above and below the gum line and smoothing the exposed root surfaces to encourage gum reattachment.
For more significant recession, surgical options are often necessary to cover the exposed tooth roots and prevent further bone loss. The most common surgical intervention is a gum graft, which involves taking healthy tissue from the roof of the mouth (palate) or using donor tissue. Connective tissue grafts are frequently used because they tend to yield the most natural-looking and successful results.
Minimally invasive techniques, such as the Pinhole Surgical Technique, involve making a tiny hole in the gum tissue and using specialized instruments to gently loosen and reposition the existing tissue to cover the recession. These procedures are performed by a periodontist, a dental specialist focused on the gums and supporting structures, and they are essential for protecting the tooth roots from decay and hypersensitivity.