Receding Gums: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Quick answer: Gum recession occurs when the margin of the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth wears away or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth or the tooth’s root. This can be caused by various factors, including periodontal disease, aggressive brushing, or genetics, and requires professional attention to prevent further loss.
What is gum recession and why does it matter?
Gum recession is a condition where the soft tissue that lines your teeth and covers the roots begins to migrate towards the root of the tooth. This process can happen slowly over many years, or it can occur more rapidly due to specific dental issues or lifestyle factors. When the gums recede, the part of the tooth that was previously protected by the gum line becomes visible.
This change is not merely a cosmetic concern. The roots of your teeth do not have the same protective enamel as the crowns. When the roots are exposed, they are more vulnerable to decay and damage. Furthermore, the loss of gum tissue can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, particularly when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. As the recession progresses, the teeth may begin to look longer, which can affect your smile’s appearance. If left unaddressed, severe recession can eventually lead to tooth mobility or even tooth loss, as the supporting structure of the tooth is compromised.
Common causes of receding gums
Understanding why your gums are receding is the first step in managing the condition. Several factors can contribute to the loss of gum tissue:
- Periodontal disease: This is a common cause of gum recession. Bacterial infections can damage the gums and the supporting bone that holds your teeth in place. As the infection progresses, the gums pull away from the teeth.
- Aggressive brushing: While brushing is essential for oral hygiene, using a hard-bristled toothbrush or applying too much pressure can physically wear away the delicate gum tissue over time.
- Teeth grinding (Bruxism): Constant pressure from grinding or clenching your teeth can put undue stress on the gums and the underlying bone, contributing to recession.
- Genetics: Some individuals are predisposed to gum recession due to their hereditary dental structure or gum thickness.
- Smoking and tobacco use: Tobacco products can impair the blood supply to the gums and interfere with the body’s ability to heal, making the gums more susceptible to disease and recession.
- Misaligned teeth: Teeth that are crowded or out of position can cause uneven pressure on the gums and bone, leading to localized recession.
Can receded gums grow back?
It is important to have a realistic expectation of what can be achieved through dental care. The short answer is that gum tissue that has already receded does not naturally grow back on its own. Once the tissue is lost, the body does not regenerate the gum line to its original position.
However, while you cannot regrow the tissue, the primary goal of dental treatment is to stop the recession from progressing further. By addressing the underlying cause, we can stabilise the gum line and prevent the loss of more tissue. In some specific cases, surgical procedures can be used to cover the exposed roots, but this is a medical intervention rather than a natural regrowth process.
Treatment options for receding gums
The approach to treating receding gums depends on the severity of the recession and the underlying cause. At Neo Smiles Dental Studio, we have branches in Bedok, Bishan, and Serangoon to serve our community. Treatment typically follows a tiered approach:
- Addressing the root cause: The first step is always to identify and manage the cause. If the recession is due to periodontal disease, we will focus on managing the infection. If it is due to grinding, we may discuss the use of a night guard.
- Professional cleaning and periodontal care: For patients with gum disease, deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is often necessary. This process involves removing plaque and tartar from below the gum line to allow the gums to reattach more firmly to the teeth.
- Desensitising treatments: If the main concern is sensitivity caused by exposed roots, we can apply desensitising agents to the affected areas to help reduce discomfort.
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Related reading: gum disease treatment at Neo Smiles and scaling and polishing.
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Written by Dr Pramilah Streram, General Dentist.
Related treatment pages: gum disease treatment · scaling and polishing
