What is gum recession?
There are generally two common causes of gum recession. Number one is what we call gum disease, or periodontitis. It's when you're losing bone around your teeth. As a result, the gum tissue can follow the bone, the gum tissue recedes, and you get root exposure.
Another cause of gum recession is when somebody has really thin gums and is brushing too aggressively. As a result of the trauma from toothbrushing, the gum tissue can recede.
What are the early signs of receding gums?
Early signs of receding gums include the teeth looking a little bit more yellowish near the gumline. You might suddenly see that the gum tissue is uneven compared with your adjacent teeth. You may also start seeing a yellowish part of the tooth, which is the root of the tooth. That's one of the first signs of gum recession.
Another sign is that you might be very sensitive to cold. If you eat ice cream, have a cold drink, or drink ice water, you might feel significant discomfort around the area. That sensitivity can occur when the root becomes exposed as the gums recede.
There are also specific situations where the position of the teeth can play a role in gum recession. If you have crowding or malpositioned teeth and go through orthodontic treatment, such as Invisalign clear aligner therapy, realigning the teeth may improve the position of the gum tissue in some cases.
Is gum recession a sign of gum disease, or can it happen without gum disease?
First, gum disease is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the gums and supporting structures around your teeth. As a result, you can lose bone supporting your teeth. When you lose that bone, the gum tissue can recede as well. In these cases, it can be very difficult to bring the gum tissue back to where it used to be, and the goal is to treat the gum disease.
Now, you can have gum recession without gum disease. You can have genetically very thin gums. Some people have thicker gums, and some people have thinner gums. If you brush too aggressively, for example, you can traumatize the gum tissue and contribute to recession.
The position and movement of the teeth can also be factors. Sometimes when you go through orthodontic treatment, which can include braces or Invisalign, certain tooth movements may contribute to gum recession. That's something that can be evaluated as part of your treatment.
When should you see a dentist or periodontist for gum recession?
Number one, if you're starting to become sensitive to cold, such as when you eat ice cream and have a lot of discomfort, you should definitely see your dentist. The discomfort could be from gum recession, or it could be from something else, such as tooth decay or a crack in the tooth. So seeing your dentist is very important.
If you see your gums really receding, you're concerned about how they look, or you're experiencing significant sensitivity, I would recommend that you see a periodontist like me. We can discuss the options available to treat the gum recession and determine what's appropriate for your situation.
What happens if gum recession is left untreated?
If your gum recession is significant, it can continue to progress over time, depending on what's causing it. As more of the root becomes exposed, you can develop discomfort or sensitivity to cold, and it can become more difficult to keep the area clean. That's why it's important to identify what's causing the recession and determine if treatment is needed.
Can gum recession be reversed without gum surgery?
Once your gums have receded significantly, the gum tissue generally doesn't grow back on its own. You should seek the advice of a dentist or periodontist so we can provide you with the options for treating the gum recession.
Gum grafting is one of the main procedures that we use to correct gum recession. There are different techniques and materials available, including using your own tissue or donor tissue. You need to seek the advice of a periodontist so we can tailor your treatment to your specific needs. In my practice, I generally prefer using your own tissue when it's appropriate for correcting gum recession.
How can you prevent gum recession from getting worse?
Number one, you may have to change your brushing habits. You want to be gentle on your gums while still removing the plaque and biofilm that accumulate around your teeth. You want to use enough pressure to clean the area without using excessive pressure around your gums.
You can review the proper way to brush your teeth with our hygienist. We still recommend an electric toothbrush, but you want to let the electric toothbrush work for you and avoid creating additional pressure with your hand. Good home care and proper brushing technique can help reduce one of the factors that may contribute to further gum recession.
Understanding your dental care options is an important part of protecting your oral health. Contact us at (310) 275-5325 or email [email protected] with any questions.