Gum recession is the gradual process where the gum tissue surrounding the teeth pulls back or wears away, exposing more of the tooth’s surface, including the root. This exposure leaves the unprotected tooth root vulnerable to decay and heightens sensitivity to temperature changes. Addressing gum recession immediately is important to halt the progression of tissue loss and protect the underlying bone structure, which can ultimately lead to tooth instability and loss.
Understanding the Root Causes of Gum Recession
The most frequent cause of receding gums is periodontal disease, a bacterial infection that begins as gingivitis and progresses to periodontitis. Chronic inflammation, driven by plaque and tartar buildup, destroys the soft tissue and the supporting bone around the teeth, causing the gums to detach and recede.
Mechanical trauma from an aggressive or incorrect brushing technique is another significant factor. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush or scrubbing horizontally with excessive force physically wears away the delicate gum tissue over time, causing the gum margin to pull back from the tooth surface.
Other factors contribute to susceptibility. Studies indicate that up to 30% of the population may have a genetic predisposition, making them more prone to gum disease. Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as those occurring during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, can also increase gum sensitivity and vulnerability to recession.
The use of tobacco products significantly raises the risk of gum recession. Tobacco constricts blood vessels, impairing the gums’ ability to receive nutrients and heal, while also promoting the formation of sticky, hard-to-remove plaque and tartar. Misaligned teeth or teeth grinding (bruxism) can also place excessive force on the gums and bone, slowly wearing the tissue away.
Effective At-Home Strategies to Halt Progression
The most immediate step for halting recession is correcting the mechanical trauma caused by improper brushing. Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush equipped with a pressure sensor. Hard bristles are too abrasive and will continue to wear away the gum tissue.
The correct technique involves holding the brush at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline. This angle allows the bristles to gently clean beneath the gum margin where plaque accumulates. Use a gentle, circular, or massaging motion over the tooth surface, working slowly across the entire mouth.
Avoid vigorous horizontal scrubbing motions, which are a primary cause of tissue erosion. This change in technique prevents further physical wear on the gum tissue.
Daily interdental cleaning, typically with floss or interdental brushes, is equally important to remove plaque from between the teeth. Brushing alone cannot reach these tight spaces, allowing bacteria to thrive and cause localized inflammation. Consistent flossing helps reduce the bacterial load that contributes to periodontitis.
Using a therapeutic antimicrobial mouthwash can further reduce plaque and bacteria levels. This supports the mechanical cleaning efforts by reaching areas the brush and floss might miss. Reducing the intake of highly acidic and sugary foods also helps by minimizing the risk of decay on the newly exposed tooth roots.
Professional Dental Interventions for Treatment
When gum recession is caused by an underlying infection, a dental professional will first perform a deep cleaning procedure known as Scaling and Root Planing. This non-surgical treatment cleans below the gumline to remove hardened plaque (calculus) and smooth the root surfaces. Smoothing the roots removes bacterial toxins and makes it more difficult for new plaque to adhere, allowing the gums to potentially reattach.
If the recession is moderate to severe, surgical intervention is often recommended to cover the exposed root surfaces and prevent further damage. The most common procedure is a gum graft, typically performed by a periodontist. Grafting protects the tooth, reduces sensitivity, and improves the appearance of the gumline.
There are several types of gum grafts:
- Connective tissue graft: This involves taking tissue from beneath a small flap on the roof of the mouth and stitching it over the recessed area.
- Free gingival graft: This uses tissue taken directly from the palate’s surface and is often used to thicken very thin gum tissue.
- Pedicle graft: This involves creating a flap of gum tissue adjacent to the recession site, stretching it over the exposed root, and stitching it into place. This method requires sufficient healthy gum tissue nearby and allows for quicker healing because the tissue maintains its original blood supply.
In cases where tooth misalignment is the primary cause of recession, orthodontic treatment may be necessary to reposition the teeth and relieve the excessive pressure on the gums.
Maintaining Gum Health and Preventing Recurrence
Long-term success in stopping gum recession relies on consistent professional monitoring and maintenance. Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings, typically every six months, are necessary to remove any calculus buildup that at-home care cannot address. More frequent maintenance visits may be recommended depending on the severity of the initial recession or periodontitis.
Addressing secondary factors that cause trauma is important for preventing recurrence. Individuals who grind or clench their teeth (bruxism) may be fitted with a custom-made night guard. This appliance absorbs the forces generated during grinding, protecting the teeth and gum tissue from mechanical stress.
For individuals who use tobacco, cessation is a significant step toward ensuring the health of the gums and the success of any professional treatment. Tobacco use impairs healing and compromises the immune response in the oral tissues.