Gum recession occurs when gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, exposing the tooth’s root. Addressing this common condition early can help prevent further complications. Understanding how gum recession is identified and measured provides insight into maintaining oral health.
Understanding Gum Recession
Several factors can contribute to gum recession. Aggressive brushing can wear away gum tissue. Periodontal disease, a gum infection, is another common cause, as bacteria can destroy gum and bone tissue. Genetic predisposition, misaligned teeth, and teeth grinding can also contribute to the condition.
Exposed root surfaces can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, especially to hot or cold temperatures, and may also raise the risk of root decay. If left unaddressed, significant gum recession can lead to aesthetic concerns and potentially result in tooth loss.
Professional Measurement Techniques
Dental professionals measure gum recession using specific methods. A primary tool is the periodontal probe, a thin, blunt, millimeter-marked instrument. The dentist or hygienist inserts this probe into the sulcus, the shallow space between the tooth and the gum, to measure its depth. Measurements are taken at six sites around each tooth, and healthy pocket depths range from 1 to 3 millimeters.
A more comprehensive indicator of gum health is the Clinical Attachment Level (CAL). CAL measures the loss of gum and bone attachment to the tooth, providing a more accurate picture than pocket depth alone, especially with recession. It combines the probing pocket depth with the distance from the gum margin to the cementoenamel junction (CEJ), the visible line where the tooth enamel meets the root’s cementum. If the gum has receded, exposing the root, this distance is added to the pocket depth to determine the CAL.
Beyond probing, visual inspection is also part of the assessment. Dental professionals look for visible signs of exposed roots and changes in the gum line. X-rays complement these measurements by revealing underlying bone loss, which often accompanies advanced gum recession and periodontal disease.
Recognizing Signs at Home
While precise measurement requires a dental professional, individuals can observe several signs at home that may indicate gum recession. One common visual cue is teeth appearing longer than usual, as more of the tooth surface becomes exposed. You might also notice the visible roots of your teeth or feel a notch or indentation at the gum line.
Increased tooth sensitivity, particularly to hot, cold, or sweet foods, is another frequent symptom. Changes in tooth color near the gum line, often due to the differing appearance of the root surface compared to enamel, can also be a sign. Bleeding gums, especially during brushing or flossing, and persistent bad breath are often associated with underlying gum disease, which commonly leads to recession. If any of these signs are present, a professional dental check-up is recommended for proper diagnosis and assessment.
Interpreting and Addressing Measurements
The measurements obtained by a dental professional provide information about the state of your gums. Healthy gum tissue results in probing depths of 1 to 3 millimeters. Measurements of 4 millimeters or deeper, especially when accompanied by bleeding, suggest the presence of gum disease and indicate that the gum tissue may be detaching from the tooth.
Positive numbers for recession, indicating the gum line is below the cementoenamel junction, signify that the root is exposed, with higher numbers representing a greater degree of recession. The combination of pocket depth and recession measurements helps determine the Clinical Attachment Level, which is used to classify the severity of gum recession as mild, moderate, or severe. While receding gums cannot grow back naturally, early detection allows for interventions to prevent further progression.
Based on these measurements, a dentist can recommend appropriate next steps. These may include improving oral hygiene practices, using desensitizing agents for sensitivity, or fluoride treatments to protect exposed root surfaces. For more significant recession, various periodontal procedures, such as deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) to remove bacteria below the gum line, or different types of gum grafting surgery, may be considered to cover exposed roots and prevent further damage.