Localized gingival recession occurs when the gum margin pulls back on a single tooth, exposing a portion of the root surface. While a receding gum line is a common finding, when it is confined to one tooth, it typically points to a specific, localized issue rather than a generalized disease. Recognizing this symptom is important, as the exposed root is vulnerable to decay, abrasion, and sensitivity to temperature changes. A dental professional’s evaluation is necessary to determine the precise cause and the most appropriate course of action.
Habitual and Mechanical Causes of Gum Recession
Repeated physical trauma from a person’s daily habits is a frequent cause of localized gum recession. Aggressive or improper toothbrushing is the most common mechanical factor. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush, applying too much force, or employing a horizontal scrubbing motion physically abrades the delicate gum margin. This mechanical wear is often seen on the tooth that receives the greatest brushing force, leading to localized erosion.
Switching to a soft-bristled brush and adopting a gentle, circular motion can prevent this destructive process from continuing. External trauma and habitual behaviors also contribute to localized recession, including injury from biting foreign objects, incorrect flossing, or chronic irritation from a misplaced oral piercing. Furthermore, excessive forces like teeth grinding can cause an abfraction (a non-carious cervical lesion) near the gum line, which may be accompanied by localized recession.
Anatomical and Dental Alignment Factors
Beyond external mechanical forces, the structure of the mouth and the position of the teeth can predispose an individual to single-tooth recession. A thin gingival biotype refers to naturally thin and delicate gum tissue that is more vulnerable to recession when subjected to inflammation or routine brushing. In individuals with this thin biotype, the underlying bone plate is often also thin, making the gum easier to recede when stressed.
Localized periodontitis is another common cause, where inflammation and bone loss associated with gum disease is concentrated around a single tooth. Bacterial plaque and tartar buildup trigger a localized inflammatory response that destroys the supporting bone and tissue, causing the gum to pull away.
The position of a tooth within the dental arch plays a significant role, particularly if the tooth is misaligned or rotated. A tooth positioned too far toward the lip or cheek may have a naturally thinner layer of supporting bone, making it highly susceptible to recession. Additionally, a high or tight frenum attachment can pull on the gum margin, causing localized recession. Finally, excessive or misdirected chewing forces on a misaligned tooth, referred to as occlusal trauma, can accelerate tissue loss around that specific tooth.
Self-Assessment of Severity and Urgency
To gauge the severity of the recession on one tooth, look for specific accompanying symptoms. Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods indicates the root surface, which lacks protective enamel, has become exposed. Visually, the affected tooth may appear noticeably longer than its neighbors, and the exposed root area can look yellowish or darker.
Assess the rate of progression; a change that appears to be happening quickly warrants a more urgent dental visit. Urgency is heightened if you notice persistent pain, bleeding, or if the tooth feels loose. A dentist will use a periodontal probe to accurately measure the recession defect.
Professional Treatments for Gum Line Correction
Once the precise cause of the localized recession has been identified, treatment focuses on stabilizing the area and, where appropriate, restoring the lost tissue. Non-surgical management is often the first step, especially if the cause is bacterial or mechanical. This may involve scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning procedure that removes hardened plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smooths the root surface to encourage gum reattachment.
If the recession is partly due to excessive biting forces, a custom night guard may be prescribed to manage clenching or grinding, reducing occlusal trauma on the affected tooth. In cases of severe recession, surgical correction, known as gum grafting, may be recommended to cover the exposed root and reinforce the gum tissue.
Common grafting techniques include the connective tissue graft, which uses tissue harvested from the roof of the mouth for predictable root coverage, and the pedicle graft, which utilizes adjacent gum tissue. Orthodontic intervention may also be necessary if the tooth’s misalignment is the primary driver of the recession. Moving the tooth into a more favorable position within the bone relieves pressure on the gum tissue, sometimes eliminating the need for grafting or improving the outcome of a subsequent surgical procedure. In all cases, the primary goal of professional treatment is to halt the progression of tissue loss and protect the vulnerable root surface.