Gum recession occurs when the margin of the gum tissue surrounding your teeth pulls back or wears away, exposing more of the root structure. This can lead to tooth sensitivity, an increased risk of tooth decay, and other dental issues.
Gum recession is a common problem in adults over the age of 40, but it may also occur starting in adolescence. About 85% of the world population has gingival recession on at least one tooth!
Causes of Gum Recession
Several factors can contribute to gum recession, including:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to plaque buildup, which can cause gum disease and recession.
- Aggressive Brushing: Brushing your teeth too hard or using a toothbrush with hard bristles can wear down the gums.
- Periodontal Disease: This is a major cause of gum recession. It’s an infection of the gums that destroys the supporting bone and tissue.
- Genetics: Some people are more prone to gum disease due to their genetic makeup.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking or using tobacco products can damage your gums.
- Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones (e.g., during pregnancy, menopause) can make gums more sensitive and prone to recession.
- Grinding and Clenching: These habits can put excessive force on your teeth, leading to gum recession.
- Misaligned Teeth or Bite: Uneven teeth can cause uneven pressure on the gums and bone, leading to recession.
Signs and Symptoms
Recognizing the signs of gum recession early can help you seek treatment promptly. Common symptoms include:
- Visible Tooth Roots: Teeth appear longer as gums pull back.
- Increased Sensitivity: Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks due to exposed roots.
- Tooth Mobility: Teeth may feel loose.
- Gum Inflammation: Red, swollen, or bleeding gums, particularly when brushing or flossing.
- Bad Breath: Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.
Contemporary & Minimally Invasive Treatment Options
∙ Gum Grafts: This surgical procedure involves taking tissue from another part of your mouth (or using donor tissue, i.e. an allograft) and attaching it to the affected area to cover exposed roots.
∙ Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST): A minimally invasive procedure where a small hole is made in the gum tissue, and special instruments are used to loosen and reposition the gums over the exposed roots. Instead of taking tissue from another part of your mouth, a special collagen membrane is used as a substitute.
∙ Regenerative Procedures: These procedures, including bone grafts and using proteins or growth factors (such as platelet-rich fibrin or PRF), help regenerate lost bone and tissue.
∙ Desensitizing Agents: Treatments like fluoride varnishes or desensitizing toothpaste can help reduce tooth sensitivity caused by gum recession.
∙ Orthodontics: If misaligned teeth are causing the recession, braces or aligners can help correct the alignment, reducing recession.
Benefits of Early Prevention
∙ Preventing Further Damage: Early treatment can stop the progression of gum recession and prevent further damage to your teeth and gums.
∙ Reducing Sensitivity: Treating gum recession early can help reduce tooth sensitivity, making eating and drinking more comfortable.
∙ Improving Aesthetics: Addressing gum recession can improve the appearance of your smile, making you feel more confident.
∙ Lowering Risk of Tooth Loss: Treating gum recession can help preserve the supporting structures of your teeth, reducing the risk of tooth loss.
∙ Enhancing Oral Health: Early intervention helps maintain overall oral health, preventing more serious dental issues in the future.
Minimizing Pain Associated with Treatment
∙ Local Anesthesia: Treatments for gum recession are done under local anesthesia to numb the area and minimize pain.
∙ Pain Medication: Your dentist may prescribe pain relievers or recommend over-the-counter options to manage discomfort after the procedure.
∙ Minimally Invasive Techniques: Techniques like the Pinhole Surgical Technique and/or the use of growth factors such as PRF, are designed to be less invasive, resulting in less pain and quicker recovery times.
∙ Post-Procedure Care: Following your dentist’s post-procedure care instructions, such as taking prescribed medications, and avoiding certain foods, can help minimize pain and speed up recovery. Proper use of a prescribed oral appliance (palatal stent) also minimizes any discomfort at the donor site
Conclusion
Gum recession is a common dental issue, but it’s very manageable with modern treatments and early intervention that increase the predictability of the results while minimizing discomfort and recovery time. Understanding the causes and exploring contemporary treatment options with your periodontist can help you make informed decisions about your oral health. If you notice signs of gum recession, Northern Virginia Periodontics is available to help you make informed decisions regarding your oral health.
