When you notice your gums seemingly moving up the surface of your teeth, you are likely observing a common dental condition known as gingival recession. This occurs when the margin of the gum tissue that surrounds the tooth wears away or pulls back, making more of the tooth surface visible. Gum tissue serves as a protective seal around the tooth root, so recession is a significant concern. Understanding why this happens is the first step toward protecting your oral health and preventing further tissue loss.
What Gum Recession Means
Gum recession is a gradual process where the soft tissue covering the root surface begins to migrate away from the crown of the tooth. Healthy gum tissue normally covers the cementoenamel junction (CEJ), which is the line where the tooth’s enamel meets the cementum covering the root. When recession occurs, this junction becomes exposed, and the much softer root surface is revealed to the oral environment.
Dental professionals measure the extent of this tissue loss using a periodontal probe, recording the distance in millimeters from the gingival margin to the CEJ. Visually, this process makes the affected teeth appear longer than their neighbors, a primary indicator for many people. It may also manifest as a small indentation or notch that can be felt at the gum line where the tissue has pulled away. This condition is not merely cosmetic; it signals a breakdown in the crucial supportive structures of the tooth.
Key Factors Causing the Gum Line to Change
Gum recession typically results from two categories of causes: bacterial disease and mechanical trauma. Periodontal disease, which begins as gingivitis, is a primary biological driver of tissue loss. This bacterial infection causes chronic inflammation that destroys the supporting gum tissue and underlying alveolar bone, ultimately leading to the gums pulling away from the tooth root.
Mechanical factors often involve the way teeth are cleaned or problems with bite alignment. Aggressive brushing, which involves using excessive force or a hard-bristled toothbrush, can physically wear down the delicate gum tissue over time. Similarly, a misaligned bite or tooth grinding and clenching can place undue pressure on specific teeth, accelerating the destruction of supporting bone and tissue.
Other predisposing factors can make an individual more susceptible to recession, even with good hygiene habits. Genetics play a role, as some people naturally have thinner gum tissue that is more easily damaged or worn away. Tobacco use, whether smoking or chewing, introduces toxins that compromise gum health and promote the accumulation of plaque and tartar, further exacerbating tissue destruction.
Risks of Leaving Gum Recession Untreated
Ignoring receding gums can lead to several progressive health issues because the natural defense mechanism of the tooth is compromised. The most common consequence is increased tooth sensitivity, especially to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli. This occurs because the exposed root surface, covered only by soft cementum rather than hard enamel, contains thousands of tiny tubules leading directly to the tooth’s nerve.
The exposed root is more vulnerable to decay. Cementum is softer than enamel, making it easier for bacteria and acids to penetrate and cause root cavities.
If the underlying cause is periodontitis, the continued loss of gum tissue is often accompanied by the progressive loss of the jawbone. In advanced stages, this loss of support can lead to the tooth becoming mobile or loose, potentially resulting in tooth loss.
Treatment Options and Stopping Further Recession
Addressing gum recession begins with treating the underlying cause, which often involves professional interventions. For recession caused by disease, a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing is performed to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the tooth and root surfaces below the gum line. This helps eliminate the bacterial infection and allows the remaining gum tissue to heal and reattach.
When recession is moderate to severe, surgical options like gum grafting may be necessary to restore lost tissue and protect the exposed root. The Connective Tissue Graft is common, where tissue is harvested from the roof of the mouth and used to cover the exposed root surface. A Free Gingival Graft uses tissue taken directly from the palate, and is often employed to thicken thin gum tissue and prevent future recession.
To stop further recession at home, a patient must modify their oral hygiene habits. Switching to a soft or extra-soft bristled toothbrush is essential to minimize traumatic wear on the gums. Electric toothbrushes with built-in pressure sensors are highly effective, as they automatically alert the user when too much force is applied. The proper technique involves holding the brush at a 45-degree angle toward the gum line and using small, gentle circular or massaging motions rather than aggressive horizontal scrubbing. Regular check-ups with a dental professional allow for monitoring of gum health and early intervention.