What is gum recession?
Receding gums, also known as, gingival recession, is a common dental problem among many people older than 65. Gum recession can start at an early age and it’s important to take preventive measures before the problem gets worse.
The main concern with receding gums is that the roots of your teeth become exposed leaving your teeth susceptible to decay, infection, and even loss. The good news is, you can stop gum recession with proper dental care.
Why are my gums receding?
Poor oral hygiene and periodontal disease are connected to gum recession. However, receding gums can happen to people who have good dental hygiene.
There are two common causes of gum recession:
- A wear of the gums
- Inflammation of gum tissue (a reaction of our immune system)
Some people are more prone to gum recession because of inherited factors such as tooth positioning and the thickness of their gums.
If you brush your teeth too aggressively or use a harder bristle brush, you can cause physical wear of the gums over time.
Plaque is a common enemy when dealing with recession. Plaque buildup causes gingivitis, which can later turn into periodontitis. Periodontitis results in an increase of space between your gums and teeth. This loss of connective fibers leads to receding gums.
Treatment options:
For mild gum recession, you do not require any treatment. Dentists may just advise you to brush with a soft bristle toothbrush and to
monitor your gums.
If you require treatment, these are some options available to you:
- The use of a desensitizing agent, varnish, or dentine boding agents.
- Composite restoration
- Composite or Pink Porcelain
- Gingival Veneers (removable)
- Orthodontics
- Surgery
For more information on this topic, visit our dental procedures page.