Gum recession is when your gum tissue pulls away from your teeth, exposing the roots underneath. It's caused by a number of factors, including aggressive brushing, smoking and even genetics. Treatments include antibiotics, antimicrobial mouth rinses and surgery.
You can have a perfectly healthy mouth – no infection, no periodontal (gum) disease and no active tooth decay – and you can be very conscientious about practicing good oral hygiene, but you may still experience gum recession.
Reasons for receding gums
Periodontal disease: This bacterial gum infection destroys gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth. It is the main cause of gum recession. Genetics: Some people are more susceptible to gum disease, regardless of how well they care for their teeth.
The simple answer is, no. If your gums are damaged by, for example periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease, it's not possible for receding gums to grow back. However, even though receding gums can't be reversed there are treatments that can help to stop the problem from getting worse.
In some cases, it may be too late for gum grafting to save the gums. If your gums are severely damaged, receding so far back that they expose the tooth's root, or if there is significant bone loss from advanced gum disease, gum grafting may not be able to restore them to their healthy state.
If you brush overly hard, this can lead to premature wear on the gums, increased sensitivity, or bleeding. Over time, brushing aggressively may also cause the gums to begin to recede. Some patients are especially vulnerable to this problem, as they have more delicate gum tissue due to genetics.
The answer depends on the underlying cause. For example, if you brush too hard, your gums may recede over time. However, if you have gum disease, your gums can recede quite quickly. In some cases, they may even recede within a matter of weeks or months.
Receding gums are an oral health concern when they get to the point where tooth roots are exposed. It leads to a higher risk of decay, infection, and loss. Therefore, if you suspect your gums are receding, or a dental professional has brought it up to you, it's time to seek treatment.
When you look in the mirror, do you see more of a tooth than you used to? This is one of the easiest ways to tell if you have gum recession. When gums recede, more of the tooth is visibly exposed. Look for lines or notches along the bottom of the teeth, as this typically indicates areas where the gums have receded.
Gum recession refers to the progressive loss of gum tissue, which can eventually result in tooth root exposure if left untreated. It is important to understand that bone loss has occured where gum recession is present.
Receding gums are common in older adults. This is when the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, exposing the base, or root, of the tooth. This makes it easy for bacteria to build up and cause inflammation and decay. A lifetime of brushing too hard can cause gums to recede.
Flossing Regularly
Flossing removes plaques containing harmful bacteria from tough-to-reach places your toothbrush can't get to. These bacteria can cause receding gums and other dental problems. Flossing at least twice daily is the easiest way to keep gum recession at bay.
Gum recession is often considered a normal part of aging. Even the expression “long in the tooth” stems from our gum line receding and exposing more of our teeth as we age. However, there is nothing normal about gum recession.
It can cause severe gum recession and an increased likeliness of periodontal disease. Long-term stress is proven to weaken the immune system. This lowers your body's ability to fight infections. As a result, you have an increased risk of several dental issues, like bleeding and inflamed gums.
What do Receding Gums Look Like? The way to identify receding gums is by looking at the gum tissue surrounding each individual tooth. If the height of the gum tissue varies or if you see that the gum tissue surrounding the teeth draws back and seems red or worn away, then you are looking at receding gums.
When you look in the mirror, do you see more of a tooth than you used to? This is one of the easiest ways to tell if you have gum recession. When gums recede, more of the tooth is visibly exposed. Look for lines or notches along the bottom of the teeth, as this typically indicates areas where the gums have receded.
Electric toothbrushes are generally considered safer for gums. In addition, soft bristles are recommended over hard bristles, regardless of toothbrush type. As aggressive brushing can lead to gum recession, an electric toothbrush with better, soft bristles can be superior for gum health.
Healthy gums should be pink and firm to the touch, but in the early stages of unhealthy gums or a worse gum disease (known as gingivitis), they can become red, swollen or, even painful.
The cost of gum grafting starts at $1200. There are other factors, like the severity, that may increase the cost. Remember, we have payment options available to suit your budget.
Gum recession is an all too common problem for millions of people that if left untreated could lead to tooth and bone loss. But the good news is not only can the process be stopped, much of the damage can also be repaired through periodontal plastic surgery.
The actual gum grafting procedure is painless. This is because a local anesthetic is used to numb the affected area. A periodontist, who is a dental specialist in gum disease and the gums, typically performs this procedure. You may instead feel some movement or pressure as your periodontist performs the procedure.
Therapeutic mouthwash helps prevent gum recession and disease, reduces the rate of tartar buildup, reduces the amount of plaque on your teeth, and removes food particles trapped between teeth and elsewhere in the mouth. While mouthwash is very effective, do not use it as a replacement for brushing and flossing.
One of the biggest causes of prematurely receding gums is brushing too hard. Of course we brush our teeth to try and improve our oral hygiene but unfortunately it's all too easy for us to get somewhat overzealous and the result is that we end up brushing away our gums.