Gum recession occurs when gum tissue wears away or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth surface or the tooth root. This exposure can lead to increased sensitivity, root decay, and eventual loss of the supporting bone structure. Halting this progression is important, as lost gum tissue does not naturally regenerate, making intervention necessary to protect the underlying root surface. Stopping gum recession from getting worse involves a combination of immediate, sustained changes to daily habits and professional treatment to address underlying mechanical or biological issues.
Immediate Daily Adjustments to Prevent Further Loss
Improving daily oral hygiene technique, especially brushing, is the most controllable factor in preventing continued gum loss. Aggressive or improper brushing is a common mechanical cause of tissue wear, which can be mitigated by switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline to gently clean the delicate sulcus area where the tooth and gum meet. Use gentle, small circular or vertical motions rather than a harsh, horizontal scrubbing action that wears away tissue and enamel.
Flossing must also be performed gently to avoid causing trauma to the gum tissue. Instead of snapping the floss down forcefully, guide it carefully between the teeth and curve it into a “C” shape against the side of each tooth, sliding it softly below the gumline. This technique effectively removes plaque without lacerating the tissue attachment.
The type of toothpaste used can also affect the rate of tissue wear, as highly abrasive formulas can accelerate the loss of both gum tissue and enamel. Look for non-abrasive toothpastes that contain ingredients aimed at gum health and sensitivity, such as stannous fluoride or potassium nitrate. Choosing an option that avoids irritating foaming agents like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) may also help reduce irritation to sensitive gums.
Addressing Systemic and Contributing Factors
Beyond hygiene habits, several mechanical and biological factors can place stress on the gum tissue, requiring specific management to halt recession. One significant cause is bruxism, the habit of teeth grinding or clenching, which applies excessive, chronic force to the teeth and their supporting structures. This microtrauma causes stress and inflammation along the gumline.
For individuals with bruxism, a custom-fitted nightguard is recommended. This appliance acts as a physical barrier that absorbs and distributes the intense pressure evenly across the dental arch, reducing the total force applied to the teeth and protecting the gums from stress. However, the nightguard must fit correctly, as an ill-fitting or dirty appliance can cause irritation or inflammation that may worsen gum problems.
Misaligned teeth can contribute to recession by causing an uneven distribution of biting and chewing forces. When teeth are crooked or crowded, certain areas of the gum tissue receive excessive pressure. Furthermore, misaligned teeth create tight, hard-to-clean spaces where plaque accumulation is accelerated, increasing the risk of inflammation and periodontal disease. Addressing this with orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners, can realign the teeth to balance the bite forces and make proper cleaning more effective.
Tobacco Use
Tobacco use is a major biological factor, as the toxins damage periodontal cells, reduce blood flow, interfere with the immune response, and encourage plaque buildup, leading to inflammation and accelerated tissue destruction. Complete cessation of all tobacco products is the most effective single step to stop recession in users, allowing the oral tissues to regain better circulation and immune function.
Oral Piercings
Oral piercings, particularly those in the tongue or lip, can cause direct mechanical trauma by constantly rubbing or hitting the gumline. Removing the piercing is the primary way to eliminate this chronic source of irritation and prevent further tissue loss.
Clinical Strategies for Stabilization and Repair
When recession is caused by active periodontal disease, professional deep cleaning is required to stabilize the gums. This procedure, called scaling and root planing, is more extensive than a routine cleaning and involves removing plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins from deep below the gumline. The root planing portion smooths the exposed root surfaces, which discourages bacteria from reattaching and encourages the gum tissue to reattach more firmly.
For existing recession that has left the tooth root exposed, specialized dental bonding can be used as a non-surgical option. The dentist applies a tooth-colored composite resin directly to the exposed root surface, which acts as a protective shield. This intervention helps reduce sensitivity and lowers the risk of root decay, though it does not replace the lost gum tissue.
Gum Grafting Techniques
Surgical intervention in the form of gum grafting is used to repair existing damage and cover the exposed roots. The goal is to physically place new tissue over the area of recession, providing a new layer of protection and improving the gum contour. The most common technique is the connective tissue graft, where a small piece of tissue is taken from under the surface of the palate and placed over the exposed root.
Alternative grafting methods include the free gingival graft, which uses tissue taken directly from the palate surface to increase the thickness of thin gum tissue. The pedicle graft involves partially detaching gum tissue adjacent to the recession site and rotating it over the exposed root, which is advantageous because it maintains its original blood supply. In some cases, medically processed donor tissue, an allograft, is used instead of harvesting from the patient’s palate, removing the need for a second surgical site.