Receding gums occur when the gum tissue surrounding a tooth pulls back, exposing more of the tooth’s surface. While this condition is more frequently associated with adults, children can also experience it, often near the lower front teeth. Recession exposes the tooth’s root surface, which lacks protective enamel and can lead to increased sensitivity and a higher risk of decay. Since this issue is less common in young patients, early detection by a pediatric dentist is important for a positive outcome.
Specific Reasons for Recession in Young Gums
Mechanical forces are a common reason for the gumline to pull away from the teeth in children. The most frequent cause is overly aggressive brushing, using too much force or a toothbrush with bristles that are too firm. This chronic scrubbing action wears away the gum tissue. Physical trauma also contributes, such as an injury from a fall, a sports accident, or harmful habits like chronic nail-biting or pencil-chewing.
Structural factors related to mouth development can create conditions for recession. Teeth that are misaligned, crowded, or erupt outside the dental arch put abnormal pressure on the surrounding gum tissue. When a tooth is positioned too far toward the lip or cheek, the overlying gum tissue may be thinner, making it more vulnerable to wear. Orthodontic treatment, while corrective, can sometimes contribute to recession if teeth are moved too rapidly or push through a thin layer of bone.
Biological and infectious processes can also lead to the loss of gum tissue. Poor oral hygiene allows plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, to build up, which hardens into tartar and irritates the gums. This irritation causes inflammation (gingivitis), which can progress and cause the gums to detach and recede. Although rare, advanced gum disease (periodontitis) can occur in children, causing inflammation and destruction of supporting tissues. Systemic factors, such as genetic predispositions, uncontrolled diabetes, or autoimmune disorders, can increase a child’s susceptibility to gum disease and recession.
Professional Treatment and Management Approaches
Addressing the underlying cause is essential for managing recession. If plaque and tartar buildup are contributing factors, a professional cleaning, sometimes involving scaling and root planing, removes deposits below the gumline and reduces inflammation. When aggressive brushing is the cause, the dentist provides guidance to the child and parent on switching to a soft-bristled brush and adopting a gentler technique.
When a structural issue like misaligned teeth is the culprit, the dentist works with an orthodontist to plan corrective treatment. Adjusting the position of crowded teeth through braces or aligners can alleviate the undue pressure on the gums and prevent further tissue loss. In some younger patients with mild recession, a “watch and see” approach may be used while monitoring the eruption of permanent teeth.
For advanced cases where tissue loss has occurred, a referral to a pediatric periodontist may be necessary for surgical intervention. Gum grafting involves taking healthy gum tissue, often from the roof of the mouth, and attaching it to the area of recession to cover the exposed root surface. This surgical option is reserved for severe recession to prevent sensitivity, decay, and potential bone loss.
Prevention Strategies and Home Care
Parents can minimize the risk of gum recession by correcting their child’s daily oral hygiene habits. Shifting from a hard or medium-bristled toothbrush to a soft-bristled brush is important. The child must use gentle, circular motions instead of a harsh back-and-forth scrubbing technique. Parents should supervise brushing to ensure adequate but gentle pressure is applied along the gumline.
Routine dental check-ups every six months are effective for early detection and intervention. During these visits, the dental team can spot subtle signs of recession and offer immediate advice or treatment before the condition worsens. Children who participate in contact sports should also wear a protective mouthguard during activities to shield their teeth and gums from traumatic injury.
For children who grind or clench their teeth, a custom-fitted nightguard can be worn while sleeping to protect the gums from excessive force. Ensuring a balanced diet and limiting sugary or acidic foods also supports gum tissue health by reducing the risk of inflammation. These consistent home care measures maintain a healthy gumline throughout childhood and adolescence.