Gum recession is an advanced stage of gum disease, when the gum tissue begins to pull away from teeth, exposing the tooth roots. This makes teeth more sensitive when brushing and flossing, as well as when eating. It may be mild, moderate, or severe and may affect only one tooth or several teeth.
If you believe that you may be experiencing gum recession, it’s important to seek treatment early. Dr. Fadi Farhat at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI, has the experience and expertise to treat this condition and prevent further damage.
In this article, we’ll explain more about gum recession, including the symptoms and causes, as well as tips to stop and prevent this condition.
Dentures and Receding Gums
If your gums are receding, you may be wondering if you can still wear dentures. The short answer is yes. Even with receding gums, it is possible to wear dentures. However, there are several things that you need to be aware of.
First, make sure that your dentures fit properly. If not, they can cause gum recession to worsen.
Second, you must take care when taking dentures out and putting them in. If not, you may damage your gums.
Third, make sure to clean your dentures regularly. If not, bacteria may collect and cause an infection in your gums.
Symptoms of Receding Gums
The most obvious symptom of receding gums is tooth root exposure. Some of the other symptoms include:
- Pain/discomfort near the gumline
- Sensitivity to heat/cold
- Sensitivity during cleanings and when brushing/flossing at home
- Sensitivity to sweets
Some people may take notice of these signs and symptoms immediately, while others do not. However, if left untreated, receding gums can lead to additional issues, including jawbone loss, tooth mobility, and tooth loss. If you notice any of the above symptoms, it’s important to schedule a visit with Dr. Farhat and the team at Dental One Clinic right away.
Causes of Receding Gums
There are several things that may cause gums to recede, such as:
- Periodontal disease: gum disease is a bacterial infection that destroys gum tissue and jawbone. This is the primary cause of gum recession. Research shows that 30% of the population is predisposed to developing gum disease- no matter how vigilant their oral hygiene habits
- Aggressive brushing: brushing teeth too hard or using a toothbrush with hard bristles can cause the enamel to wear away and gums to recede
- Inadequate dental care: if teeth are not properly cared for, plaque can turn into tartar, which can cause gums to recede
- Hormonal fluctuations: female hormone fluctuations can cause gum sensitivity, causing them to be more susceptible to recession
- Tobacco products: tobacco can cause plaque buildup, which can be difficult to remove, causing gums to recede
- Grinding/clenching teeth: clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth puts too much pressure on them, causing them to recede
- Malocclusion: if teeth do not come together evenly, it can put too much force on the gums and jawbone, causing gum recession
- Lip/tongue piercing: lip and/or tongue piercings can rub the gums, causing irritation and ultimately wearing away the tissue
Tips to Treat Gum Recession
If your gums are receding, it’s important to seek treatment early on to prevent further damage. The appropriate treatment depends on the cause. Below are a few of the surgical and non-surgical treatment options to reattach and restore gum tissue:
Surgical
- Gum graft
- Pinhole surgical technique
Non-Surgical
- Desensitizing agents
- Pink porcelain/composite
- Removable gum veneers
- Composite restoration
- Orthodontics
- Scaling and root planning
Tips for Preventing Gum Recession
There are some things that you can do to prevent gum recession from occurring, including:
- Use proper brushing technique
- Wear a mouthguard
- Replace ill-fitting dentures
- Visit the dentist regularly
There are also a few natural remedies that might help, but it’s important to consult with Dr. Farhat and the team at Dental One Care before using these:
- Eucalyptus oil
- Green tea
- Septilin
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Mouthwash formulated for receding gums
Is Gum Grafting an Option?
A gum graft is a quick and fairly simple procedure used to correct gum recession. In this procedure, healthy tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth and added to the area that has receded.
There are three types of gum grafting:
- free gingival graft
- connective tissue graft
- pedicle (lateral) graft
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Farhat at Dental One Care to determine if your gum recession needs surgical treatment and, if so, which procedure is best for your situation.
