Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications
Are you experiencing red, swollen, shrinking gums or pain while brushing and flossing your teeth? This could be gum recession. Gum recession occurs for several reasons – from using too much pressure while brushing to gum disease. Oral care habits and genetics are some potential factors of as well.
Gum recession can lead to tooth sensitivity and affect your smile. And while receding gums can't grow back, there are ways to catch gum recession early and prevent it from getting worse.
While your teeth are your mouth's main showstopper (who doesn't love a good set of pearly whites?), your gums (or gingiva) are critical in protecting them and keeping them snug in place. If the gums begin to pull away, bacteria can enter these pockets, exposing the roots and making them susceptible to decay, and eventually, tooth loss.
Gum recession can occur without any symptoms, so attending routine dental appointments is critical, as your hygienist and dentist will be able to notice its early signs. The most common symptoms of gum recession that you may see on your own include:
Once gum tissue has pulled back and away from your teeth, it's gone for good. However, there are options for treating gum recession! See your dental professional for an evaluation to determine the cause of your gum recession. After an assessment, they will recommend the best course of treatment for your needs.
A dental professional may be able to treat early signs of gum disease by performing a deep cleaning, also called root planing and scaling. This procedure cleans out bacteria from the pockets between the gums and teeth, removing infection and giving the gums the chance to heal.
If there's a progressive, noticeable recession, you're experiencing sensitivity, or you're not happy with the appearance, a dental professional may recommend a gum graft to replace the lost tissue. Gum grafting is a surgical procedure that usually involves taking a small amount of tissue from one area, such as the roof of the mouth, then transferring it to the gum area in need.
Your dentist and dental hygienist will also teach you how to best prevent further gum recession. They could recommend mitigation strategies, like adopting new oral care habits, quitting smoking, or wearing a mouthguard at night to protect your teeth when you grind or clench.
Good oral care habits can also prevent gingival recession. Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush and proper brushing technique to help protect your enamel and gums. This won't correct the current recession but is part of an oral hygiene program that can mitigate the chances of it worsening. If receding gums are due to other concerns, such as crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, talk to your dental professional about solving the initial issue to help slow or even stop the recession. If your teeth are out of alignment, orthodontics could be the solution.
We know that gum sensitivity or finding blood in the sink after brushing your teeth can be alarming. That's normal! No one likes to discover an oral health issue that has snuck up on them. But don't wait to see a dental professional for advice and treatment for your gum recession. While you can't reverse it, there are plenty of ways to treat gum recession that will depend on a dental professional's opinion of its root cause. Keep up with your excellent oral care routine, speak with your dental professional about your gum recession concerns, and before you know it, your gum recession will be a thing of the past!
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
