Receding Gums Treatment and Causes

Gum recession occurs when the gum tissues surrounding and covering the teeth shrink away, exposing the tooth roots below. It makes the teeth appear longer and leads to tooth sensitivity and other dental problems. Gingival recession can be mild or severe and may affect one or more teeth. A localised recession affects a smaller gum area and fewer teeth, whereas a generalised one impacts a larger area and more teeth.

Receding of the gums often indicates an advanced form of gum disease. If not treated, the early stage of gum infection (gingivitis) can progress to more severe stages of gum disease, where the infected gums pull away from the teeth. However, gums can also recede for various reasons, including aggressive brushing, teeth grinding, and genetic factors.

Gums (gingiva) are the soft tissues that protect and support the teeth. The attached gingiva is the part of the gums that protects the connective tissues and bone holding the teeth. The gingival margin is the edge of the gum line that snugly surrounds each tooth’s base, protecting it. Gum recession occurs as the gingival margin pulls away from the tooth, exposing the underlying root of the tooth to injuries and infection.

While the hard enamel protects the teeth’ visible part (crown), the tooth root is covered by the weaker structure called cementum. Receding gums let the cementum decay or erode faster than the enamel. The exposed root surfaces cause a higher risk of decay, cavities, and tooth sensitivity. As gums recede, you may be susceptible to various oral health concerns that include:

• Longer teeth: Gingival recession makes your teeth appear unusually long and affects the overall appearance of your smile.
• Periodontal disease: Gums that shrink away from teeth often indicate an advanced gum infection and damage to the tissues surrounding the teeth.
• Tooth sensitivity: As gums recede, tooth roots are exposed to external stimuli of hot, cold, and sweet foods and drinks, causing sensitivity.
• Abscesses: Receding gums create deeper pockets between teeth and gums, where bacteria thrive and lead to pus-filled abscesses.
• Tooth loss: If the gums have receded severely, the exposed teeth may loosen and eventually fall out without a timely receding gums treatment.

Gums recede gradually; hence, most people may only notice a problem with their gums once it has developed into a severe stage. The most visible receding gums symptoms include sensitivity and teeth that appear unusually long. Gingival recession often accompanies various signs of gum disease, which include the following:

• Exposed tooth roots
• Sensitivity to cold, hot, and sweet foods and drinks
• Discomfort or pain near the gum line
• Bleeding gums while brushing and flossing
• Unusually longer and loose teeth
• Bad breath

As gums recede, they can lead to various dental health problems, including sensitivity. Hence, understanding the common culprits helps you adopt proactive care. Receding gums causes can vary; some are beyond your control, while others are avoidable. Different factors that cause the gums to recede include:

• Poor oral health: Plaque builds up between the teeth and gums and hardens to tartar without proper brushing and flossing. The bacteria thriving within cause infection and inflammation, making the gums recede.
• Aggressive brushing and flossing: Aggressive brushing and excessive flossing can damage your teeth and gums. 
• Genetics: If your family members have a history of gum disease and gum recession, you may be more likely to experience them despite good oral care.
• Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, such as those noticed during menopause or pregnancy, can affect gum health and cause the gums to recede.
• Abnormal tooth positioning: Misaligned teeth or an improper bite can apply excessive pressure in some areas of the gums, causing them to recede.
• Grinding and clenching teeth: Some people clench or grind their teeth while sleeping, also called bruxism. The excess force can stress the gums and cause them to recede over time.  Using a mouthguard helps prevent damage.
• Trauma: A severe injury or significant trauma to your gums or teeth surrounding it could cause it to recede.
• Tobacco use: Smoking and other tobacco products raise the risk of gum disease and reduce blood flow and your immunity to fight gum infections.

Though gums that recede do not grow back, dentistry offers various surgical and non-surgical gum recession treatments to prevent further damage and improve overall gum health. A dentist or periodontist (gum specialist) can diagnose the condition of your receding gums and determine the treatment that is right for you. Dentists offer non-surgical treatments for mild gum recession without significant bone damage or tissue loss. They include:

• Deep Cleaning: This technique is more than just an intensive dental cleaning; it consists of scaling and root planing on the affected area. Using special devices, your dentist removes the plaque and tartar build-up at the roots where your gums are receding and smoothens the root surfaces.
• Medication: Dentists may prescribe topical antibiotics to treat the underlying cause, such as periodontal disease.
  If your gums have receded severely, causing significant bone loss, non-surgical treatments may not suffice. In such cases, your periodontist may recommend various surgical procedures to restore your gums to good health.
• Gum contouring: The periodontist will reshape your gums using a laser or scalpel to reconstruct a newer, straighter gumline. It improves your smile’s line and helps keep the gum tissue healthy and easier to clean.
• Gum grafting: This surgical procedure involves removing tissue from the palate (roof of your mouth) or another site in the mouth and stitching it to the affected area. Recovery can take up to a week or more, as the tissue graft site needs healing time. It is ideal to avoid eating hard, chewy foods and brushing near the graft site during this period.
• Regeneration therapy: Regeneration is a modern approach and is usually a last resort when significant bone loss and gum tissue damage occur from periodontal disease. It involves pulling back the gum tissues and placing a bone graft or other regenerative material at the area of the bone damage.

Left untreated, receding gums can have serious implications for oral health. If insufficient dental care is the culprit, effective prevention often comes down to the basics of good oral hygiene. A dentist or periodontist can provide proper recommendations for receding gums. Here are the essential oral hygiene practices that help prevent your gums from receding:

• Brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. A proprietary toothpaste with antibacterial properties can help limit plaque and tartar buildup and bacteria. For example, consider the Colgate Total Advanced Health antibacterial toothpaste. Its dual zinc and arginine formula prevents eight dental problems, including gum diseases and plaque buildup.

• Floss once daily to remove the plaque hidden between the teeth.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid possible damage to the teeth and gums.
• Follow proper brushing and flossing techniques. The Indian Dental Association recommends brushing lightly, as aggressive brushing can injure or damage the gums, causing them to recede.
• Rinse the mouth using an antibacterial mouthwash to resist plaque buildup and bacteria.
• Ensure regular dental checkups and cleanings with your dentist.
• Adopt lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and tobacco use.

Gingival recession is a common dental problem with serious implications if left untreated. By understanding the symptoms and causes, you adopt measures to prevent it. Though receding gums cannot grow back, early diagnosis and treatment help prevent further damage and maintain healthy gums. Good oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and healthy lifestyle choices are essential for oral healthcare.

1. What causes your gums to recede?

Unlike healthy gums that snugly fit the base of the teeth, receding gums shrink away from teeth, exposing the roots. Receding gums causes can vary from one person to another. They include poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease, aggressive brushing, clenching, or grinding teeth, smoking, hormonal changes, and genetic factors.

2. How to stop receding gums?

If you notice any symptoms of gingival recession, consult a dentist for timely diagnosis and treatment. Though receding gums cannot grow back, timely treatment can prevent further damage and improve gum health. According to the severity of the recession, treatment may include non-surgical or surgical procedures.

3. How to fix gum recession at home?

Though there are no at-home remedies to reverse gum recession completely, you can prevent further damage with proper oral hygiene, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, and avoiding aggressive brushing. Brushing and flossing daily, using mouthwash, and regular dental check-ups are crucial to preventing gum recession caused by gum disease.

4. Can gums recover from receding?

While receding gums cannot naturally recover or grow back, early treatment can help prevent further damage and improve gum health. A dentist can recommend a suitable surgical or non-surgical treatment plan for your unique oral condition. The extent of recovery depends on the recession’s severity and the underlying cause.