Gum Recession
While we are usually aware of the appearance and health of our teeth, our gums can often go unnoticed. Although our gums don’t have the starring role in our smile, they still play a significant part in keeping our smiles healthy and attractive. Gum recession can cause the roots of your teeth to become exposed as the gums recede or pull away from the teeth. If this happens, your body loses its natural defense against bacteria and trauma, putting you at risk for tooth loss. While this may sound frightening, don’t worry: gum recession can be reversed when caught and treated early.
What Is Gum Recession?
Your gums are made of thick, fibrous tissue designed to cover and protect the roots of your teeth. These protective tissues act as a natural barrier against bacteria, temperature sensitivity, and physical trauma. Gum recession occurs when this protective tissue gradually pulls away from the tooth, exposing more of the tooth root. This exposure may begin subtly—perhaps you notice a little more tooth surface than before, or increased sensitivity when drinking something cold. Over time, the recession can become more pronounced, leaving root surfaces vulnerable to damage.
Unlike enamel, the root surface of a tooth does not have a strong outer layer to shield it. Once exposed, bacteria, plaque, and tartar have direct access to the root, increasing the risk of infection and decay. Because the gums also help anchor the teeth in place, progressive recession can weaken the tooth’s support system, potentially leading to loose teeth or tooth loss if left untreated.
Gum recession often develops slowly, making it easy to overlook in its early stages. Some people do not experience pain or discomfort at first, while others may notice symptoms such as:
- Tooth sensitivity to cold or heat
- Teeth that appear longer than before
- Small notches or grooves near your gum line
- Mild inflammation or bleeding of your gums
- Your tooth appears darker yellow near the base (signaling an exposed root surface)
Early detection is key. With prompt evaluation and treatment, recession can often be halted or reversed, preventing more serious complications down the road. This is why professional dental exams and at-home gum monitoring are so important—even if your teeth feel fine.
What Causes Gum Recession?
The cause of gum recession isn’t just one thing; instead, it’s the result of a combination of several factors, such as your lifestyle habits, genetics, and underlying health conditions. In some cases, people with gum recession may have naturally thinner gum tissue, which makes them more susceptible to the condition. Others develop gum recession due to over-aggressive tooth brushing or chronic inflammation. Understanding the contributing factors behind gum recession can help you take steps to prevent further tissue loss. Some of the most common causes of gum recession include:
- Periodontal disease
- Poor oral hygiene
- Heredity
- Abnormal tooth positioning
- Overly vigorous tooth brushing
- Hormonal changes
- Abnormal tooth positioning
- Smoking
- Grinding your teeth
Periodontal disease—the infection of the gums and supporting bone—is the leading cause of gum recession. When the inflammation in your gums becomes chronic, the tissue begins to break down, creating pockets around your teeth. These pockets make it easy for bacteria to hide and thrive, which can speed up gum recession.
Poor oral hygiene habits and the way you brush your teeth also play a role. Failing to brush and floss as recommended can contribute to the development of periodontal disease. Brushing too hard or using a toothbrush with bristles that are too stiff may gradually wear away at your gum line. Clenching and grinding (a condition known as bruxism) create excess pressure on your gums, while misaligned teeth can place uneven tension on your gum tissue, causing it to recede.
Hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy or menopause, may increase your gum sensitivity and susceptibility to inflammation. Smoking and tobacco use reduce blood flow to your gums, impairing healing and making the breakdown of gum tissue more likely.
Understanding which lifestyle habits or other factors may be behind your gum recession is a vital element in developing an effective treatment plan with Dr. Salamati.
How Is Gum Recession Treated?
When it comes to treating gum recession, there are several options available, ranging from conservative changes you can make at home to more involved surgical procedures. When you come in for your appointment with Dr. Salamati, he will perform a comprehensive dental evaluation and recommend the gum recession treatment that’s right for you. Below, we explore the gum recession treatment options offered by Dr. Salamati, as well as a general idea of what you can expect from your recovery and results after the treatment.
Modification of Oral Health Care
For minor cases of gum recession or when the issue is primarily caused by over-brushing or inadequate dental hygiene, simple modifications to your daily routine may be enough to stop the progression.
Dr. Salamati will evaluate your brushing technique and recommend changes according to your needs. He may suggest switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush and brushing in gentle, circular motions rather than vigorous back-and-forth scrubbing. He may also recommend using an electric toothbrush with pressure sensors to help you avoid brushing too hard, or a desensitizing toothpaste to relieve tooth sensitivity while your gums heal. You may also benefit from using an antimicrobial mouth rinse to help reduce bacteria and inflammation in your mouth.
Expected Results
With consistent changes, many patients notice improved gum comfort within a few weeks. While existing gum recession will not be reversed, further loss of gum tissue can be prevented. When caught and addressed in the early stages of recession, healthier gum tissue may tighten around your teeth, restoring a slightly more even appearance to your gum line.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a deep-cleaning procedure designed to treat mild gum recession associated with inflammation or bacterial buildup beneath the gum line, commonly as a result of gum disease. During your appointment, Dr. Salamati uses specialized tools to carefully remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the gum pockets and surfaces of your teeth. This process (known as scaling) reaches below your gum line to areas that can’t be accessed during regular brushing or standard dental cleanings.
Once scaling is complete, it’s time for the root planing portion of the procedure. Dr. Salamati smooths the tooth roots, creating a cleaner surface that allows your gum tissue to reattach more firmly and reduces the likelihood of future bacterial buildup.
Recovery
You may experience slight tenderness, mild swelling, or temporary sensitivity for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers and warm saltwater rinses will help soothe your irritated gums. You can typically resume normal eating and brushing immediately, though being gentle with your healing gums is essential.
Expected Results
As your gums heal, inflammation decreases, pockets shrink, and your gum line becomes healthier and stronger. Scaling and root planing procedures are excellent options to stop gum recession from progressing, and may even slightly improve your gum coverage as the tissues reattach.
Gum Grafting Procedures
Soft tissue grafts are commonly used to treat more advanced gum recession, particularly when the recession extends beyond your gums or when the protective barrier around your tooth is compromised. A gingival graft involves taking a small strip of tissue, either from the roof of your mouth or a nearby gum area, and suturing it over the exposed tooth root.
Other gum grafting techniques may include:
- Connective tissue grafts (from beneath the top layer of your palate)
- Pedicle grafts (using tissue from the gum next to the affected tooth)
Recovery
You will likely experience mild soreness at both the donor and graft sites for a few days after surgery. Over-the-counter medication, cold compresses, and a soft-food diet can help ease any discomfort you may experience. Your stitches will dissolve on their own or will be removed at a follow-up visit. Most gum graft patients are back to their regular routines within a week, though complete healing after the procedure takes 4–6 weeks.
Expected Results
Gum grafting restores lost tissue, protects the surface of the tooth root, reduces tooth sensitivity, and improves the appearance of your smile. The newly grafted gum tissue integrates seamlessly with your natural gum tissue, creating a stronger and more stable gum line that helps prevent future recession.
Guided Bone and Tissue Regeneration
In cases where gum recession has progressed enough to damage your jawbone, guided bone and tissue regeneration may be recommended. This regenerative procedure not only treats gum recession but also addresses the underlying bone loss that can compromise the long-term stability of your tooth.
During this treatment, Dr. Salamati gently opens the gum tissue to access the pocket and thoroughly removes bacteria and diseased gum tissue. A bone graft is then placed to rebuild the lost bone structure. Next, a specialized membrane is positioned between the soft tissue and the newly grafted bone. This membrane acts as a barrier, allowing the slower-growing bone time to regenerate without interference from the faster-growing gum tissue.
Recovery
After your guided bone and tissue regeneration procedure, you can expect to experience mild swelling or tenderness for several days. Dr. Salamati will provide you with aftercare instructions, which may include eating a soft diet during the initial healing period and gentle yet meticulous oral hygiene, without disturbing the surgical site. Complete healing after the treatment can take several months while the bone regenerates.
Expected Results
Guided regeneration helps restore the integrity of the affected tooth’s foundation, reduces pocket depth, and stabilizes your gum line. This procedure not only treats current gum recession but also significantly reduces the likelihood of additional bone loss or future tooth mobility.
What Happens If I Don’t Treat My Gum Recession?
Leaving your gum recession untreated can impact more than your appearance; it can also have serious consequences for your oral health. As your gums continue to pull away from your teeth, the roots become increasingly exposed and vulnerable. You may experience escalating sensitivity to temperature and pressure, which can interfere with daily eating and drinking.
Bacteria can accumulate more easily around exposed tooth roots, increasing your risk of tooth decay, cavities, and periodontal disease. As supporting bone and gum tissue deteriorate, pockets deepen, your teeth may begin to feel loose, and, in advanced cases, tooth loss is a possibility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Recession
How do I know if I have receding gums?
Gums often recede very slowly, and it may not be immediately apparent. The first sign of gum recession is often tooth sensitivity, especially to hot and cold foods. You should always be aware of your oral appearance and note any change in the visible lengths of your teeth.
What can happen if I don't treat my gum recession?
When left untreated, gum recession can worsen, leading to cavities, gum disease, and eventual tooth loss.
How can my gums recede if they are healthy?
The practice of aggressive tooth brushing often causes gum recession. Brushing your teeth hard will not clean them any better; instead, you are only putting yourself at risk for future complications. Dr. Salamati can provide you with tips for safely and effectively brushing your teeth to help prevent gum recession.
How can I prevent gum recession?
Your best defense against gum recession is proper oral hygiene and maintenance. Practice consistent brushing, flossing, and rinsing, and attend routine check-ups with Dr. Salamati.
Can I treat different areas of the mouth affected by gum recession at the same time?
Areas affected by gum recession that are too far apart cannot be treated simultaneously. This is because the area from which soft tissue is harvested and the area where it was grafted need to heal. However, if several teeth in a row need gum grafting, they may be treated simultaneously.
Can receding gums grow back?
Unfortunately, once the gum tissue has receded from the teeth, it will not grow back. Gum grafts can help regenerate the gum tissue around the teeth that was lost.
Are gum recession treatments painful?
While you may experience mild, temporary discomfort after your gum recession treatment, the procedures themselves are not painful. Dr. Salamati uses anesthesia when necessary and also offers sedation dentistry options to ensure your comfort.