Gum recession is the medical term describing when the margin of gum tissue surrounding the tooth pulls back, exposing more of the tooth, or its root. Receding gums can produce noticeable gaps, making it easy for disease-causing bacteria to build up.
If left untreated, the supporting tissue and bone structures of the teeth can be severely damaged, and may ultimately result in tooth loss.
Receding gums is a common dental problem because of its subtle onset. In fact, most people don’t know they have gum recession because it occurs so gradually. Generally, the first sign of gum recession is usually tooth sensitivity. Alternatively, one may notice a tooth appears longer than surrounding teeth. A little bump or ‘notch’ may be felt near the gum line.
The first sign of receding gums may be teeth feeling more sensitive than before, and teeth looking longer.
A dentist will look for signs of receding gums and may make recommendations for treatment or extra oral health hygiene measures to help stop the recession.
The English NHS says most adults have some degree of gum disease and this can lead to receding gums over time
Effects
Many people with receding gums have no concern about them early on. Many others are unaware that they have recession.
For some, though, the concern may be about:
• Appearance
• Fear of tooth loss
• Sensitivity due to exposed tooth roots
Assessing concerns about the way gums look may include checking how much of the gums are on show.
For some people, the gums show when talking and smiling. Others have a different lip line that does not expose the gums to view.
Why Do Gums Recede?
There are many explanations as to why gums may start to recede; these include:
Genetic predisposition: Genetics account for many of the health conditions to which human beings are suspect – and dental health is no different. Studies show that more than 30 percent of the population is at risk for gum disease strictly because of their genetic makeup.
Harsh tooth brushing: Brushing your teeth too hard may cause the enamel of your teeth to wear away, leading to receding gums.
Inadequate dental care: Irregular brushing, flossing, and rinsing, in essence, invite bacteria to reside in your mouth. Accumulation of bacteria leads to tartar – a hardened substance that can only be removed via teeth cleaning.
Hormonal transitions: Fluctuations in female hormone levels throughout a woman’s lifetime, including menopause, pregnancy, and puberty, may cause the gums to become more sensitive; which then may lead to gum recession.
Periodontal diseases: Bacterial gum infections destroy gum tissue and the bone that surrounds the tissue. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is the leading cause of gum recession.
Natural gum recession: Gums may shrink naturally over time despite good oral hygiene measures. The phrase ‘long in the tooth’ to describe being older came from gum recession, although originally this was about horses
Other factors include
• Hard toothbrush: Having bristles that are too firm can damage the gums.
• Tooth grinding: This and clenching teeth, often due to stress, can put extra pressure on the gums.
• Misaligned bite: Teeth not aligning properly can cause too much pressure on gums leading to recession.
• Smoking and tobacco products: This habit damages oral health as well as the lungs. Habitual users have increased amounts of tooth plaque which can cause recession.
• Diabetes: Having diabetes that is not well managed affects gum health.
• Oral piercing: Lip or tongue piercings can irritate and wear away gum tissue.
Signs And Symptoms
Receding gums can really sneak up on you if you are not careful. Typically gum recession is a very slow process that may not be noticeable at first, until you begin to see the roots of the teeth. Your dentist measures gum recession in millimeters and even two millimeters of attachment loss is significant. Here are some typical signs that you may be suffering from receded gums
Sensitivity
When you have receded gums, a portion of the root is exposed to outside elements. They were not meant to be exposed and often respond with hypersensitivity. Even simple toothbrushing along the gumlines can cause an intense pain that feels as if the nerve has been exposed.
Sensitivity is due to the exposed pores on the root surfaces. These pores have nerve endings that extend from inside of the tooth to the outside of the tooth. When gums recede, stimulation can reach the pores and send jolting signals toward the nerve.
Exposed Root Surfaces
The portion of tooth anatomy that is under enamel is called dentin. Dentin appears yellow next to the white tooth enamel and is exposed when the gums recede. When you see this yellow area