Gum Recession: Causes and Treatment Methods

Patients often turn to the NY dentist with complaints of increased tooth sensitivity, one of the reasons for which may be gum recession. This gum condition is prevalent across all age groups and has multiple adverse effects on gums, teeth, and overall health. As the gum line recedes, teeth become highly sensitive to temperature changes, as well as sweet or sour foods. Moreover, aesthetics are notably affected—people feel self-conscious when speaking or smiling, often developing various insecurities.

Causes of Gum Recession

Gingival recession is a pathological condition marked by the loss of soft tissue that shields the teeth. As it advances, the gums recede, exposing the tooth roots and making them more prone to decay, sensitivity, and damage. Additionally, gumline recession can alter smile aesthetics and affect bite alignment. Without timely intervention, the condition worsens, raising the risk of inflammatory periodontal diseases and tooth loss.

Patients can suspect this problem with such signs:

• visually noticeable change in gum level;
• pain or discomfort when chewing;
• increased sensitivity of teeth;
• bleeding.

There is also hidden early gum recession, which remains unnoticed and is only detected during a dental examination. To diagnose it, the dentist assesses the periodontal junction—the boundary between the gum and tooth.

Bottom gum recession often occurs alongside chronic periodontitis, an inflammation of the periodontal tissues. The primary cause of inflammatory periodontal diseases is bacterial plaque and subgingival tartar, which develop due to inadequate oral hygiene.

The following reasons for receding gums can trigger pathology:

• age-related changes;
• smoking;
• aggressive oral hygiene;
• features of the structure of the oral mucosa;
• errors during dental treatment.

Since the causes of the disease are very diverse, only a dentist can make the correct diagnosis and prescribe the necessary receding gum treatment.

Treatment Methods for Gum Recession

Gingival recession treatments can only begin after a thorough diagnosis, which includes an oral examination, patient interview, creation of a periodontal chart, and, if necessary, instrumental and laboratory tests. Modern dental imaging techniques greatly enhance diagnosis, aiding not only in accurate diagnosis but also in tracking changes in the oral cavity over time.

After a comprehensive diagnosis, the dentist can recommend the necessary changes in the procedure for caring for teeth and oral cavity, and in normal habits. It is also proposed to exclude external factors that provoke recession or treat the underlying disease. To stop gum recession, it's essential to follow specific dietary guidelines that protect damaged gum tissue from mechanical and chemical harm.

If necessary, dental errors are usually corrected after eliminating severe inflammation. This may be the replacement of incorrectly performed fillings, veneers, orthodontic or orthopedic structures with concomitant surgical or therapeutic treatment of the inflammatory and hypertrophic process.

Depending on the cause, nature and severity of recession symptoms, the gum recession treatment plan may include various measures or combinations thereof. If necessary, a consultation with a specialized specialist (for example, a gastroenterologist) is scheduled.

Receding gum line treatment includes medication, physical therapy, and surgical methods. The drugs are used locally and systemically, helping to relieve inflammation, fight bacteria and improve microcirculation. Physiotherapy, including laser for receding gums, UV radiation and vacuum therapy, helps reduce inflammation and accelerate tissue regeneration. If necessary, surgery is used: minimally invasive, such as plasma lifting and tissue transplantation, as well as classical operations, including flap interventions and gum augmentation. The choice of treatment depends on the degree of recession and the condition of the gums.

How to Prevent Gum Recession

To prevent gum recession, eliminate all factors that can cause it – stop smoking, get treatment from a dentist – and regularly sign up for professional teeth cleaning.

Proper oral hygiene is of great importance for periodontal health. Recent studies have shown that gum inflammation due to plaque can contribute to gum recession. But regular teeth brushing is not enough to prevent dental problems. It is necessary to take care of the oral cavity as a whole, paying attention not only to the enamel but also to the gums, the inner surface of the cheeks and the tongue, where bacteria accumulate.

Receding or receding gums are not just an aesthetic problem. As the disease progresses, the bone tissue and periodontium that support the tooth roots are destroyed, and as a result, the teeth begin to shift. This is why it is so important to see a dentist at the first sign of gum disease.