Gum Recession

Gum recession is also referred to as gingival recession or also gingivitis. It occurs mostly in those who crossed the age of 40 years, but warning signs of gum loss resulting in over exposure of the roots and nerves of the teeth could be observed amongst teens as well. Gum recession is typically pulling away of the gums from the teeth. It is this gum recession that is a precursor to tooth decay, other form of periodontal disease that can even lead to tooth damage, affecting the way you wanted to sport that charming smile.

Why does gum recession occur?

• Excessive flossing or brushing of tooth leads to loss of tooth enamel and loosening of the gum tissues. Quite the contrary, inadequate flossing may also result in bacteria breeding in between the teeth causing periodontal disease. Gum disease thus becomes a result of the problem and not the cause of it. Poor oral hygiene and improper way of brushing aggravates gum recession, eventually.
• Excessive grinding of the teeth coupled with clenching jaws (also known as bruxism) is also found to be common cause of gum recession as it puts excess pressure on the teeth.
• Mucus membrane inside the mouth is often affected by dipping tobacco, causing gum recession over time. Smoking and oral piercing are the other factors.
• Injury in the mouth area may also lead to gum recession.
• Finally, age can also play a role in gum recession. Older women suffering from osteoporosis has higher chances of developing gum diseases as with age it leads to loss of tissue from the alveolar bone that supports the gums and teeth.
• Lack of attached gingiva, thick tissue that borders the area where gum meets the teeth may also cause gum recession and a person’s neglect has no role in this case.

Symptoms of gum recession
In majority of cases visible changes of color, shape of tooth and gum line cannot be seen by looking into mirror as it initially occurs in the less visible areas of the mouth such as molars. So said, gum recession also does not happen overnight. Receding gums is noticed only when this condition begins to cause other gum diseases.

• Bleeding of gum while flossing
• Red or swollen gums (gingivitis)
• Teeth becomes over sensitive to hot, cold, sweet, sour or even spicy foods.
• Larger part of the crown becomes visible due to receding gums and hence the tooth appears larger than usual.
• The roots of the tooth become overexposed and visible causing deformed appearance.
• The tooth color changes and the spaces between teeth continues to grow
• Cavities are formed below the gum line.
• Accompanied with bad breath referred to as Halitosis.

How to diagnose gum recession?
A comprehensive oral evaluation becomes acutely important to assess overall health of the mouth. Doctors should consider family dental history, drug use and oral hygiene habits before concluding on periodontal disease. X-rays become essential to ascertain pockets formed between gums and teeth as well as about root cavities.

Treatments for Gum Recession
Gum recession treatment varies from surgical operation to non-surgical therapy depending upon the severity of the condition and the underlying cause for it.

• Improving oral hygiene alone can restore gums to healthy condition. Proper flossing or brushing by using toothbrush equipped with pressure-sensitive handles can help reduce gum recession by excessive flossing.
• Use of desensitized toothpaste can be another alternative for people suffering from sensitive tooth due to gum recession. On the roots of the tooth, bonded resin can be applied and that helps to make the tooth less sensitive.
• Process of scaling can be useful to clean the tooth and heal inflammation if severe calculus on the gums is the cause of worsening tooth condition. Nutritional treatments such as usage of phosphorous, magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin B complex could be used to promote repair of gum tissue.
• In cases of severe gum recession, patients are referred to periodontist and then gum graft or gingival grafting is performed to restore receded gum lines and helps cover the sensitive roots.

However, prevention is always better than cure, so it is advisable to practice oral hygiene habits accompanied with regular dental check ups to prevent gum recession. One must also avoid smoking and wearing any kind of oral jewelry that enhances the risk of gum recession.