I Think My Gums Are RecedingLos Angeles, CA

Causes of Gum Recession

Several factors can cause a person's gums to recede, regardless of the state of their oral hygiene. These include aggressive toothbrushing, body piercing, clenching or grinding teeth, crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, hormonal changes, insufficient dental care, periodontal disease, and tobacco products. Genetics may also be a factor. For example, parents may pass down weak, thin gums to their children.

Some patients may also find that their gums are receding only on one side. Usually, this is due to plaque concentrating in one area of the mouth. This may be due to neglecting oral hygiene on one side of the mouth, as excess plaque and bacteria at the gum line may release toxic substances that destroy gum tissue. Alternatively, a misaligned bite may cause more wear and tear to one side of the mouth than the other. Gum recession may happen on only one tooth for similar reasons or some physical trauma.

Treatments for Gum Recession

Mild gum recession is often treatable through a scale and planing procedure, also known as a deep cleaning. This treatment involves professional cleaning and removing plaque from the surfaces of teeth and beneath the gum pockets. This also removes or prevents infection that may arise from plaque buildup.

More severe gum recession will require a surgical procedure to treat effectively. Common surgeries for the treatment of gum recession include:

• Open flap scaling and root planing: The medical professional folds back the affected gum tissue, removes the harmful bacteria from the pockets, and then secures the gum tissue in place over the tooth root, thus eliminating the pockets or reducing their size.
• Regeneration: If the bone supporting the teeth has been destroyed as a result of gum recession, a procedure to regenerate lost bone and tissue may be recommended. The professional will fold back the gum tissue and remove the bacteria. A regenerative material, such as a membrane, graft tissue, or tissue-stimulating protein, will then be applied to encourage the body to regenerate bone and tissue in that area naturally. After the regenerative material is put in place, the gum tissue is secured over the root of the tooth or teeth.
• Connective tissue graft: In this soft tissue graft procedure, a flap of skin is cut at the roof of the mouth (palate) and tissue from under the flap, called subepithelial connective tissue, is removed and then stitched to the gum tissue surrounding the exposed root. After the connective tissue -- the graft -- has been removed from under the flap, the flap is stitched back down.
• Free gingival graft: Tissue is taken directly from the roof of the mouth instead of under the skin.
• Pedicle graft: If there is enough gum tissue surrounding the affected teeth, then it is possible to graft gum from near the tooth instead of removing tissue from the palate.

The type of surgery will depend on the patient's case, age, risk factors, medical or oral health conditions, and the severity of evident gum recession.

Prevention

Following basic oral hygiene practices is usually enough to prevent gum recession. This includes brushing at least twice daily, flossing daily, rinsing after each meal, and visiting the dentist for routine dental checkups and cleanings twice yearly. However, individuals who are at higher risk for gum issues or notice early signs should exercise more precautions. We recommend avoiding plaque-building agents, such as acids and sugars, and visiting the dentist more frequently for deep cleanings to keep the gums clean and healthy.

Going Without Treatment

Receding gums cause thinning of gum tissue, a leading pathway for plaque buildup. Plaque is the single most common cause of infection or gum disease and, in advanced cases, periodontal disease. These diseases of the gums are responsible for edentulous, also known as tooth loss. Weakened gums also loosen the secure hold that gums have on the teeth, which can lead to jaw damage over time. It is crucial that patients seek treatment for gum recession immediately.

Risk Factors

Individuals with healthy pink firm gums should not worry about gum recession. However, if symptoms and signs appear, a thorough oral evaluation is recommended. It is also advisable to know the risk factors to better evaluate one's likelihood of acquiring gum recession.

Medical News Today lists the four most common risk factors of receding gums: age, tobacco, diabetes, and genetics. A study found that 88% of individuals 65 years and older have gum recession and 50 percent of people 18 to 64 years of age have one or more sites with recession. People who smoke, struggle with misalignment issues, or have diabetes, have a higher chance of acquiring gum recession.