Gingival (Gum) Recession
Gingival recession, better known as receding gums, refers to the progressive loss of gum tissue. Gingival recession can be caused by pressing too firmly when brushing teeth, or can be a result of gum disease such as gingivitis, gum recession, and periodontitis. As gum recession progresses, it can lead to severe gingival recession, resulting in exposure of the tooth’s root and making teeth susceptible to hot and cold sensitivity. Regular dental check-ups will help to prevent gum recession, identify signs of severe gingival recession, and assess risk factors.
When learning what is gingival recession, many people are surprised to discover that the condition often develops gradually. Regular dental examinations can help detect changes before they become more advanced.
Signs of gingival recession:
Sensitive teeth – Excessive gingival recession causes the cementum which protects the tooth’s root to become exposed and the dentin tubules are left vulnerable to external stimuli from hot and cold.
Visible roots – Severe gingival recession can expose the tooth’s root which allows bacteria to invade below the gum line.
Longer-looking teeth – Individuals experiencing severe gingival recession often have teeth that appear longer than normal; however, the length of the teeth is perfectly normal, they just appear longer because so much gum tissue has been lost.
Bleeding, inflammation and halitosis – These symptoms are indicators of gingivitis gum recession or periodontal disease. Bacterial infection causes the gums to become red and inflamed and eventually recede from the teeth. If left untreated tooth loss may result. When gingivitis and periodontitis remains untreated, bad breath, known as halitosis, occurs.
Causes of Severe Gingival Recession
Gingival recession is a common issue for many adult and elderly patients. Gum recession can be corrected with surgical and non-surgical interventions performed to slow the progress of the recession, and prevent it from recurring in the future.
The most common causes of gingival recession are:
Aggressive tooth brushing – Brushing your teeth too rigorously with a hard-bristled toothbrush can erode the tooth enamel at the gumline, and irritate or inflame gum tissue and cause bleeding.
Poor oral hygiene – When dental plaque is not removed adequately during regular brushing and flossing, bacteria builds up and begins to affect the gum tissue. The bacterial toxins in plaque promote infection and erode the underlying jawbone.
Periodontal disease – Periodontal disease or gingivitis gum recession is usually the result of improper oral hygiene but can be a result of systemic diseases such as diabetes. Excess sugars in the mouth and narrowed blood vessels caused by diabetes create an ideal environment for oral bacteria to thrive. The bacterium causes an infection which progresses below the gum line and deep into the bone that supports the teeth, eventually resulting in tooth loss. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to severe gingival recession and other serious oral health complications
