Also known as gum recession, receding gums occur when gum tissue pulls back from tooth roots. It leads to several dental problems that dentists should monitor and treat. If you think you have receding gums or want to know more about this common condition, review the information in this guide.

A Brief Guide to Gum Recession

What Are the Principal Causes?

Bacteria in the mouth feed on food particles to form plaque, a sticky film that accumulates along the gumline and irritates the tissue. If you don’t remove plaque with brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar—a crusty formation of plaque and minerals that only a dentist can remove.

Tartar causes gingivitis, a dental condition that hastens the receding of gum tissues. The gums of patients with gingivitis become red and inflamed.

Heredity can increase your susceptibility to gum recession as can aggressive brushing habits and using a hard-bristled brush. Mouth piercings also contribute to receding gums as do other lifestyle habits. For example, smoking is a leading cause of gum disease and tooth decay. Hormonal changes from pregnancy can also cause gums to recede. Illnesses that speed gum recession include HIV and diabetes.

How Can I Tell If They’re Receding?

If your gums are receding, you may experience tooth sensitivity due to exposed roots. Check your smile in the mirror to see if some teeth look longer than others. Space between teeth increases as tissue recedes, and your gums may bleed after brushing and flossing. Other symptoms include bad breath and loose teeth.

What Treatment Options Are Available?

Dentists determine treatment plans depending on the severity of symptoms. Mild cases may benefit from root planing or scaling, a type of deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from pockets—or gaps—that form between the teeth and gums.

Dentists may treat advanced cases with gum grafting, a surgical procedure during which they remove skin and tissue from the roof of the mouth and attach it where roots are exposed. Gum regeneration with tissue-stimulating proteins may also be used to encourage regrowth.

How Can I Prevent It?

Keep your gums healthy by gently brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day with a soft-bristled brush, flossing once a day, and seeing your dentist every six months for deep teeth cleanings and checkups. Drink plenty of water to flush bacteria and food particles from your mouth, and avoiding sugary beverages and starchy foods, which bacteria love. Also, if you use tobacco, quit smoking, and add food that cleans plaque from your teeth, such as carrots, apples, and nuts, to your diet.

Maintain your gum health by scheduling your next teeth cleaning and checkup with Mark Adler DDS. Serving Northfield, OH, and surrounding areas for over 30 years, this dental practice offers general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services and always addresses patients’ concerns with compassion and skill. Call (330) 468-3511 today to schedule an appointment, or visit them online for more information about dental care.