Stop Receding Gums from Getting Worse
Receding gums is a common condition particularly in adults over 40 years of age. The condition occurs when the gum tissue around the teeth pull back, exposing more of the tooth surface and roots. Gaps can develop between the teeth and gums where damaging bacteria can accumulate. If not addressed, gum recession can progress leading to eventual tooth loss.
Receding Gums Red Flags
The condition progresses gradually over time so in its early stages, patients may not notice any signs or symptoms of gum recession. As recession progresses and the gum tissue pulls away from the surface of the teeth, the door is opened for bacterial plaque to thrive in the gaps created. Because gum recession happens slowly over the years, people are often unaware of the condition until significant, and largely irreversible, damage has occurred.
As the gum tissue further recedes, the teeth will appear visibly longer than they normally did. Additionally, patients may notice the following symptoms commonly associated with gum recession and periodontal problems:
- Bleeding when flossing or brushing
- Swelling and redness in the gums
- Bad breath
- Pain or tenderness at the gumline
- Sensitivity due to exposed tooth roots
- Loose teeth
- Eventual tooth loss
Causes of Gum Recession
Gum recession can be attributed to several causes including:
- Gum disease (gingivitis) due to poor oral hygiene
- Tartar buildup (hardened plaque)
- Family history of periodontal disease and weakness
- Grinding or clenching the teeth (bruxism)
- Misaligned teeth
- Smoking or using tobacco
- Diabetes
- Medications that cause dry mouth (insufficient saliva leaves tissues in the mouth susceptible to bacterial infections)
How to Stop Gum Recession
If gum recession is suspected, patients should consult a dentist or periodontist as soon as possible. These professionals are fully trained to diagnose gum issues and recommend the best course of action. If addressed in its earliest stages, gum recession could be slowed or stopped so promptly seeking professional intervention is always advisable.
To assess gum recession, a dentist may first take measurements of the gum pocket depths. Pockets measuring more than 3 millimeters are indicative of periodontal disease. If recession is mild, the first course of action could be a deep cleaning procedure. Called tooth scaling and root planing, this deep cleaning procedure, performed in office, helps remove plaque and tartar buildup below the gumline. The root surfaces are also smoothed out to make it harder for future plaque to stick.
Should gum recession be more advanced, the periodontist may recommend more aggressive treatments. In worst case scenarios, the primary options for gum recession are grafting and flap surgery.
- Grafting: Grafting strives to revive gum tissue or bone by placing synthetic materials or tissue harvested from other areas of the mouth to the affected areas. This stimulates the regrowth of bone or tissue but should be noted that the procedure will not have long-term success without a proper oral hygiene regimen.
- Flap Surgery: A more-involved deep cleaning, flap surgery involves surgically lifting the gums to remove bacteria and tartar from underneath. After removing the tartar and bacteria, the gums are then secured back in place.