Gum recession explained

Gum recession is a condition where the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth wears away or recedes, exposing more of the tooth or its root. It is a type of gum disease that is completely treatable by your nib Dental practitioner, however prevention is always better than treatment.

Symptoms include sensitive teeth, ridges at the gum line, discomfort when brushing and teeth looking longer than normal (revealing more of the gum).

What causes gum recession?

Gingival recession, also known as gum recession, can be caused by a multitude of factors and treatment by your dentist depends on the underlying cause of the problem. What causes this type of gum disease? Great question.

Let’s start with the ones that you have had no control over, like abnormal positioning of your teeth, hormonal changes during menopause, and genetics. You can blame your parents for passing down to you a dodgy knee, a receding hairline, and a receding gum line, too.

You can prevent gum recession by maintaining proper oral hygiene and staying up to date with dental checkups. These factors can contribute to gum recession:

Poor oral hygiene
Smoking
Bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching)
Aggressive tooth brushing

On the last point, always use a ‘soft’ toothbrush and avoid applying excessive pressure with your electric toothbrush.

What are the treatment options for gum recession?

If you have caught your case of gum recession early, then there is a higher chance of correcting it. Your dentist can determine the best type of procedure to follow based on your individual case.

Mild cases may be treated with improved oral hygiene and regular professional dental cleanings. Your dentist may advise you to change toothbrushes or get a filling where the gum has receded. Other non-surgical treatments can include:

Anti-bacterial gels
Mouthwashes
Scaling
Bonding

More serious conditions might require more invasive treatments, and if necessary, your dentist will be able to refer you to a periodontist.

Book an appointment today to discuss maintaining good oral health with your dentist, or if you suspect you have gum recession.

References:

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gum-disease

https://www.colgate.com.au/oral-health/gum-disease/receding-gums-treatment-causes-and-prevention