GUM RECESSION: CAUSE, TREATMENT & PREVENTION

What is Gum Recession?

Gum recession is a process where in the margins of the gum tissue surrounding the tooth wears off exposing more of the tooth structure or the tooth’s root. Gum recession is the indication of gum disease which if not treated leaves the teeth more susceptible to cavities and infection.                            

The first sign of gum recession is teeth are highly sensitive to heat and cold at the gum line.

What Causes Gum Recession?
There are many contributing factors causing gum recession:

• Teeth that are malpositioned in the jaw bone are at high risk of gum recession. When the teeth do not come together evenly, it causes more stress on the gums and bone, which leads to gum recession.
• Bacterial infection that destroys gum and the surrounding bone that hold the tooth in position leads to gum recession if not treated.
• Aggressive tooth brushing using hard tooth brush and wrong brushing techniques leads to gum recession. In such cases the front teeth are most likely to have this problem.
• Clenching and grinding the teeth during night can also lead to gum recession affecting the front teeth mainly.
• Inadequate dental care such as poor oral hygiene, improper brushing technique and usage of tobacco leads to gum recession.
• Hereditary is also one of the contributing factors for gum recession.

Treatment for Gum Recession

• Mild gum recession can be treated by your dentist by deep cleaning the affected area. This treatment involves removal of the plaque and tartar on the teeth and root surfaces below the gum line and the exposed root area is smoothened.
• Severe gum recession involving bone loss can be treated with gum surgery to repair the damage.
• There are three ways to treat gum recession surgically. One is using the adjacent tissue surrounding the affected tooth as a graft to cover the exposed area. Second is using tissue from the roof of the mouth to repair the recession. Third is using AlloDerm grafting material to repair recession without any donor tissue.

How to prevent Gum Recession?

• Practicing good oral hygiene by regular and correct way of brushing teeth.
• Visit your dentist regularly every 6 to 8 months for examination and professional cleaning.
• Treat your teeth grinding habit. your dentist may advice you to wear night guards to prevent grinding teeth during sleep.
• Correct your malocclusion by taking proper treatment.
• Avoid usage of tobacco.