Gum recession is when the gum tissue that surrounds your teeth pulls away or wears down leaving the roots exposed. This can cause tooth sensitivity and affect the appearance of your smile.

It also makes your teeth more vulnerable to infection and damage from harmful bacteria that can destroy the connection between the tooth and gums.

Causes

Many factors contribute to gum recession. Often it’s the result of periodontal disease where bacteria build up along the gum line and irritate it causing it to recede. Other causes include poor oral hygiene, where people don’t brush or floss or use a poor technique. Aggressive brushing can also cause gum recession by eroding the tooth enamel or damaging it with hard-bristled brushes and abrasive toothpastes. Hormonal fluctuations can also affect gum tissue, especially during times like puberty, pregnancy or menopause.

Trauma to the mouth can also lead to recession, such as injuries from sports or accidents or even from biting down too hard on foods. Oral piercings can rub against the gum tissue and cause it to recede, as can smoking or chewing tobacco products. Other contributing causes are certain medications that can affect the blood flow to the gums, or genetic factors such as a thinner gum structure. Whatever the underlying issue, a variety of surgical and non-surgical procedures can help restore gum tissue and prevent further loss of the bone.

Symptoms

Gum recession is the wearing away or retraction of gum tissue, leaving areas of the tooth that are normally protected exposed. This can lead to tooth and bone damage, and should be treated as soon as it is noticed.

Symptoms of gum recession include:

Bleeding gums – Receding gums make brushing more difficult, and often bleed when they are brushed against. Regular bleeding is a sign that the patient should visit a dental professional.

Tooth sensitivity – Exposed tooth roots are more sensitive to hot, cold, sweet, and acidic foods and drinks that come into contact with them. The reason is that the root of a tooth contains tubules that connect directly to nerves, and when these are uncovered by receding gums they are more easily irritated and can trigger painful sensations.

Discolored teeth – As gums recede, the layer of cementum that covers the roots becomes exposed. This is darker in color than enamel and can cause teeth to appear discolored.

Treatment

In early stages of gum recession, a dental professional may be able to treat the problem with a deep cleaning. This procedure will flush out any bacteria hiding within gapped or pocketed areas and will help reposition the gum tissue.

For more advanced problems, a gum specialist can perform gum surgery that covers exposed roots. The most common treatment involves a gum graft, in which tissue is removed from the roof of the mouth or sterilized donor tissue and placed on the affected area to cover roots and improve cosmetic appearance.

Other treatments can include rinsing with chlorhexidine gluconate or other antibacterial rinses to kill bacteria that cause infection. Also, some people with clenching and grinding habits can benefit from a custom mouth guard that reduces the pressure on teeth and jaw. Changing brushing techniques with a soft-bristled toothbrush can also relieve discomfort and prevent further recession.

Prevention

Keeping your mouth healthy is the best way to avoid gum recession and other oral health problems. Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing are essential, as is rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash to control plaque (a filmlike substance made up of primarily bacteria) buildup, which leads to periodontal disease (gum disease), bone loss and tooth sensitivity.

If you notice a change in your gum line, see your dentist for an evaluation as soon as possible. Early intervention can prevent gums from receding further, such as changing to a softer toothbrush, or adjusting your teeth or partials so they fit better.

In cases of moderate to severe recession, treatment options include a deep dental cleaning called scaling and root planing to remove built-up tartar from above and below the gum line; antibiotics to fight infection; and tissue grafts to cover sensitive roots. Your biomimetic dentist can advise you on a treatment option that’s right for you.