Gum detachment, often referred to as gum recession or periodontal pocketing, describes the separation of gum tissue from the tooth’s surface. This process exposes the root structure beneath the gum line, creating open spaces called periodontal pockets where harmful bacteria can accumulate and thrive. The loss of this tight seal compromises the structures that hold the tooth in place. Because it indicates an infection or tissue loss that can lead to bone damage and eventual tooth loss, this condition requires prompt professional dental intervention.
Immediate Steps and Assessment
If you notice your gums pulling away from a tooth, or if a tooth appears visibly longer, schedule an appointment with a dental professional immediately. Until that appointment, manage minor symptoms at home with gentle care to keep the area clean and soothed. Rinsing your mouth several times a day with a warm saltwater solution can help flush out debris and reduce inflammation. You should only brush the area very gently using a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid further trauma to the already compromised tissue.
You should seek emergency dental care if you experience signs of an acute infection, such as severe, throbbing pain, visible pus near the gumline, or the formation of an abscess. During the professional assessment, the dentist will use a periodontal probe to gauge the depth of the separation around each tooth. Healthy gums have a shallow space, or sulcus, measuring between one and three millimeters. A measurement of four millimeters or greater indicates a periodontal pocket and signifies attachment loss that requires treatment.
Primary Causes of Gum Detachment
The most frequent cause of gum detachment is chronic periodontal disease, which is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue and supporting bone. When plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, is not adequately removed, it hardens into calculus or tartar, which then irritates the gums and causes inflammation. This chronic inflammation causes the inner lining of the gum to pull away from the tooth root, deepening the space and allowing the infection to progress below the gum line. The bacteria in these pockets then begin to destroy the underlying jawbone.
Other causes are related to physical wear rather than infection, such as overly aggressive brushing technique. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush or applying excessive force can physically wear away the delicate gum tissue over time. Tobacco use is another significant contributor, as the chemicals inhibit normal blood flow to the gums, impairing the tissue’s ability to heal and making it more susceptible to infection. Genetic predisposition also plays a role, with some individuals naturally having thinner gum tissue that is more vulnerable to recession.
Non-Surgical Treatment Pathways
For moderate gum detachment, the standard first-line treatment is Scaling and Root Planing (SRP). This non-surgical intervention thoroughly cleans the tooth surfaces far below the gum line, where regular brushing cannot reach. The scaling phase involves using specialized instruments to meticulously remove all plaque and calcified tartar from the crown and the root surface.
Following scaling, the root planing phase smooths the tooth root surfaces to eliminate microscopic irregularities where bacteria tend to accumulate. This smoothing process makes it more difficult for new bacterial biofilm to adhere to the root. The primary goal of SRP is to remove the source of infection, allowing the gum tissue to heal and reattach more tightly to the clean, smooth tooth surface, thereby reducing the depth of the periodontal pocket. A dentist may place tiny antibiotic gels or chips directly into the deepest pockets after the cleaning to deliver concentrated medication.
Advanced Surgical Interventions
When periodontal pockets remain five millimeters or deeper after non-surgical therapy, or if significant bone loss has occurred, surgical interventions become necessary. One common surgical approach is Flap Surgery, also known as pocket reduction surgery. This procedure involves making small incisions in the gum tissue to temporarily lift back a section, creating a flap that fully exposes the root and the bone.
With this direct access, the periodontist can completely remove the deep tartar deposits and diseased tissue and smooth any irregular surfaces of the damaged bone. The gum flap is then repositioned and sutured snugly around the tooth, creating a shallower pocket that is easier for the patient to keep clean.
For cases involving significant gum recession where the root is exposed, a Gum Graft may be performed to cover the area. This procedure involves taking a small piece of healthy tissue, often from the roof of the mouth in a connective tissue graft, or using donor tissue, and attaching it to the site of recession. The grafted tissue covers the exposed root, which reduces temperature sensitivity and protects against decay.
Preventing Further Detachment
Preventing the recurrence of gum detachment relies on establishing meticulous oral hygiene habits and consistent professional care. The most important daily practice is using a soft-bristled toothbrush with a gentle, circular motion, ensuring you clean thoroughly without scrubbing aggressively. Daily flossing or using an interdental cleaner is also necessary to disrupt the bacterial colonies that form between teeth and below the gum line.
Regular appointments with your dentist and hygienist are paramount for monitoring the health of your gums and professionally removing any plaque or tartar buildup. Depending on the initial severity of the detachment, this may mean professional cleanings every three or four months instead of the standard six-month interval. Lifestyle modifications, such as quitting tobacco use, can significantly improve gum health and the tissue’s ability to heal. Managing stress and seeking treatment for teeth grinding or clenching, often with a nightguard, will also reduce the trauma that contributes to gum recession.