Receding gums is a very common condition that many people have. The condition involves the gums pulling away from the teeth, leaving the roots of teeth exposed. This can cause several oral health problems. Unfortunately, receding gums will not grow back. However, there are many treatments available.
In an ideal world, we would all have gums that fit perfectly around our teeth. This is what healthy gums look like, and what we all strive to have.
However, for most people, this is not a reality. Many people have receding gums, which is where the gum effectively becomes detached from the teeth. Sadly, receding gums will not grow back. But treatments are available.
There are also a range of measures we can all take to help prevent receding gums in the future. These measures can help manage receding gums, and associated gum issues like gum disease.
What are receding gums?
Receding gums – also known as gum recession or gingival recession – occurs when the gums pull away from the teeth [1].
It is a very common condition. In fact, approximately 50% of people in the United States are believed to have a form of gum recession [2].
Receding gums is often associated with Gum disease. Gum disease in its most severe form is called periodontitis. In this scenario, the gum and tissues completely pull apart from one another, causing a pocket of space to be created which attracts even more bacteria [1].
If gums recede too much, it could eventually result in bone loss, which often results in a tooth needing to be extracted [3].
What causes receding gums?
There are a range of possible causes and risk factors of gum recession. It is most commonly associated with poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing teeth enough. However, there are a range of other potential factors:
• Too forceful brushing: If you do brush, you still need to get your technique correct. If you are brushing too rapidly or forcefully, it can put strain on the gums, causing them to recede.
• Teeth grinding: When people involuntarily or voluntarily grind their teeth, it puts significant pressure on the gums, causing them to recede over time. Furthermore, grinding can also cause teeth to become looser, which could allow bacteria to penetrate new areas, which can cause further problems [1].
• Age: Interestingly, research has actually found that as a person ages, the gums naturally recess [4]. This means that as we age, we get more vulnerable to receding gums.
• Gum disease: Gum disease affects millions of people. The periodontium is the name of the structure that surrounds each tooth – it includes the gums, the bone, tissue and ligaments [1]. But when any of the above gets damaged, it can cause problems – with gum recession a common consequence.
Moreover, other risk factors include poorly fitted fillings, smoking, medications that cause dry mouth, injury or trauma to the area and poor diet [1].
What treatments are available for receding gums?
Receding gums usually worsen over time. Unfortunately, they won’t regrow. But there are some potential treatments. The exact treatment will usually depend on what has caused the recession [1].
• Scaling and Root planing: One of the most effective treatments for receding gums is called scaling and root planing. This is a form of deep cleaning that involves the removal of dental plaque. After this, the roots that have been left exposed by gum recession are smoothed, whilst removing bacteria and other toxins [1].
• Gum graft: In cases of severe gum recession, it may be advisable for gum graft surgery to be used. This is where a surgeon takes a small piece of gum tissue from elsewhere in the mouth and then uses it to cover the exposed tooth roots. This helps to protect the roots [1].
How to prevent receding gums?
Preventing gum recession is possible. Even if your gums have started to recede, you can act to stop the recession from worsening.
• Regular dental check-ups: The easiest way to prevent receding gums is to attend regular dental check-ups. At a check-up, your dentist will be able to provide advice and guidance on how to maintain your oral health. They will also be able to check for any issues, including gum-related problems. Moreover, if treatment is required, they can help with this.
• Effective brushing technique: It is important to brush your teeth safely and effectively. Brushing your teeth gently with small circular motions is highly effective. Remember as well to brush every surface of each tooth, and to gently brush the gums.
The above areas are crucial for all of our oral health needs. But by following those areas, it should keep our dental health strong.
Thinking points…
1) The easiest way to prevent gum recession – and all other oral health problems for that matter – is attending regular check-ups. Any issues will be able to be spotted at a check-up, and recommendations made. If treatment is needed, then the earlier that this is done, the better the chance of success. Therefore, we recommend booking a check-up soon!
2) The article above mentions gum disease. Gum disease is a very common condition that affects so many of us. It is therefore useful to know about the scaling and root planing treatment that is explained above. If you are suffering with gum disease, discuss with your dentist the merits of that treatment – it could result in significantly improved oral health! At your next check-up, talk to your dentist about it!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that offers many services, including regular check-ups, cavity fillings and root canals.
We are also pleased to offer some cosmetic services. Here at our Calgary dental clinic, we offer treatments like tooth whitening, Invisalign™ and dental implants.
It is important for dental problems to be addressed early. Any oral-based problems will be identified at check-ups. This helps to prevent the problem getting worse. If and when further treatment is needed after a check-up, our patients receive a clear treatment plan.
The best way of avoiding extra treatment is to have strong oral hygiene. This includes brushing our teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and getting a dental check-up at least twice a year. Avoiding sugary foods and drink and not smoking also helps.
Our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental also follows the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This means our prices are competitive, transparent, and affordable.
We would love you to visit us here at Savanna Dental soon! You can see more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.
References
[1] Lillis, C., & Wright, S. A. (2022). Can receding gums grow back? What to know. Available: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326022. Last accessed: 23rd April.
[2] Healthy Smiles Dentistry. (2021). Tips for Gum Recession Prevention. Available: https://www.healthysmilesgeorgetown.com/blog/tips-gum-recession-prevention/. Last accessed: 23rd April 2022.
[3] Gasner, N. S., & Schure, R. S. (2021). Periodontal Disease. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554590/. Last accessed: 22nd April 2022.
[4] Georgieva, I. (2019). Etiology of gingival recessions – a literature review. Scripta Scientifica Medicinae Dentalis. 5 (2): p7-12.
