What is Gum Recession and How Can You Treat and/or Prevent It?

Gum recession is a condition in which gum tissue that surrounds your teeth wears away or pulls back. This can cause gaps (also known as pockets) to form between your teeth and gum line.

What Are the Effects of Gum Recession?

Gum recession can cause:

  • The buildup of bacteria in the gaps, which can cause tooth decay
  • Damage to the bones and tissue that support your teeth, which may lead to tooth loss
  • Exposed tooth roots, which can cause pain when you
    re eating hot, cold, or acidic foods

gum recession

What Causes Gums to Recede?

Some people are more likely to have receding gums than others. Part of the reason is genetic, but most of the causes are within your control. Addressing the following issues will help lessen your chances of developing receding gums.

  • Gum disease
    This is the main cause of receding gums
  • Brushing too hard
    Brushing too vigorously can cause tooth enamel to wear away and make your gums recede
  • Improper dental care
    Failing to brush, floss, and receive regular dental care can increase your chances of developing gum disease, which can cause your gums to recede
  • Tobacco
     Cigarettes and smokeless tobacco can cause plaque and receding gums
  • Hormonal changes
    Changes in hormones during pregnancy, puberty, and menopause can make your gums more likely to recede
  • Teeth grinding
    This habit puts excess force on your teeth and can lead to gum recession

What Treatments Are Available?

  • Scaling and root planing
    This procedure scrapes away plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line (scaling) and smooths out rough spots on your teeth (planing). Planing removes bacteria and provides a smooth surface for your gums to reattach to your teeth.

Scaling and planing is usually the first step in treating gum recession. In cases that can
t be corrected with scaling and planing, procedures that include the following may be recommended.

  • Pocket depth reduction
    Your gum tissue will be folded back and bacteria will be removed. The tissue is then secured over the tooth root.
  • Gum grafts
    A thin piece of tissue is taken from another place in your mouth and attached where your gums have receded.
  • Regeneration
    If you
    ve lost bone due to gum recession, regeneration may be performed along with pocket depth reduction. A regenerative material will be applied to encourage the regrowth of bone and tissue.

Gum recession is a very common dental problem, and the sooner you receive appropriate treatment, the better. Contact Central Florida Periodontics & Implantology today for a consultation to take the first step toward better dental health!