Receding Gums Symptoms
Gum recession is considered the earliest stage of periodontal disease, the medical term for gum disease. The condition occurs when your gums recede, or shrink away, from your teeth, exposing the surfaces of your tooth roots. Without enough gum tissue to hold your teeth in place in your jawbone, you are vulnerable to tooth loss.
Gum disease can develop into an infection in your gum tissue and surrounding jawbone. The gum disease called gingivitis affects only the gums, while a more severe form of gum disease called periodontitis affects both the gums and the bones that support your teeth.
Early symptoms include sensitive, irritated, and bleeding gums after brushing or flossing. Advanced symptoms include pain while chewing, loose teeth, or teeth that have moved in your mouth.
Gum Recession Causes
Gum recession is a serious consequence of poor dental hygiene. Over time, bacteria from plaque accumulate on your teeth and gumline, damaging your gums and causing them to recede from your teeth. In advanced cases, pockets can form between your teeth and gums, which allows even more harmful bacteria and plaque to form in your mouth.
Gum recession can be caused by the following factors:
- Plaque buildup, especially plaque that hardens over time into tartar
- Smoking or other tobacco use
- Normal aging
- Hormonal changes in women
- Family history of gum disease
- Diabetes
- HIV
Medications that can cause dry mouth increase your risk for receding gums. Dry mouth means you produce less saliva in your mouth. Without adequate saliva, the tissues in your mouth can become vulnerable to gum recession and bacterial infection.
Additionally, overly aggressive brushing can further gum recession over time. Brush gently in a circular motion using a soft-bristled toothbrush. It is essential that you effectively clean your teeth but avoid irritating your gums. Brush twice daily for at least two minutes, floss at least once daily, and use an antimicrobial mouthwash.
Gum Recession Treatments
Your dentist or periodontist, a gum specialist, can determine the best treatment for you based on your individual circumstances. For an infection in your gums, antibiotics are often prescribed, although other medications can also be effective for gum recession, including topical antibiotic gel, antiseptic chips, antimicrobial mouthwash, and enzyme suppressants.
For serious cases of receding gums, two surgery options are typically available:
- Flap surgery is a deep tissue cleaning used if other treatments fail. Your dentist or periodontist makes an incision to lift your gums away from your teeth, cleans the bacteria and tartar buildup, and then stitches your gums back into place.
- Grafting is a procedure intended to rejuvenate your gum tissue or jawbone. Your periodontist surgically places either a synthetic particle or a piece of bone or tissue to provide a foundation for your gums. If you choose grafting, you must practice proper oral health care long term for the procedure to be successful.
Preventing Gum Recession
Periodontal issues such as receding gums are a common problem responsible for an estimated 70 percent of adult tooth loss. The best way to prevent gum recession is to see your dentist for regular checkups and professional cleaning, preferably every six months. Even without any symptoms of gum recession, your dentist can identify early problem signs.
You can also help prevent gum recession with diligent oral health habits. Brush and floss daily and use mouthwash to remove food particles and bacteria-filled plaque from your teeth, gumline, and your entire mouth.
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