Your teeth aren’t the only component of a healthy, beautiful smile. Your gums are equally important. Your gums cover the bones and roots of your teeth to protect against bacteria. If you notice your gum line receding over time, you could be at risk of serious dental problems, like tooth loss. Here is what causes receding gums and what you can do to stop it.
What Causes Gum Recession?
Gum recession doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process that might not be apparent until after extensive damage has occurred. Aggressive brushing habits or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear away the gum line, but the most common culprit is an infection.
Gum disease is a preventable infection that affects at least 50% of adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s caused by bacteria in plaque and tartar buildup from poor oral hygiene habits.
Initially, the early signs of the infection (gingivitis) appear as red, swollen, or bleeding gums. With no treatment, the infection will destroy the supporting structures of your teeth, including your gum line.
Advanced gum disease can expose the roots and supporting structures of your teeth, ultimately leading to tooth loss. The infection can also enter your bloodstream, increasing your risk of many health issues, like heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetic complications.
Is Gum Recession Treatable?
The sooner you receive treatment for gum disease, the better. Waiting too long can cause irreversible damage that may require surgery to treat. Depending on the severity of the infection, your dentist may recommend:
- Scaling and Root Planing: Also known as a deep cleaning, special dental instruments are used to remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. The root surfaces are smoothed to allow the gums to reattach to the teeth.
- Laser Gum Therapy: A soft tissue laser targets the infection and removes diseased tissue. It encourages the regeneration of healthy tissue.
- Gum Grafting: Extensive gum recession may require gum grafting to cover the roots. Tissue from another area of the body or a donor is grafted over the site to restore a healthy gum line.
Your periodontist may recommend more frequent cleanings and checkups. They’ll also recommend improving your home oral hygiene routine.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste twice daily to clean your teeth for 2 minutes. Use high-quality floss to clean between each tooth and around the gum line daily. An antimicrobial mouthwash can kill any lingering bacteria to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Your dentist will monitor your oral health to ensure the infection doesn’t reoccur and to keep your gums healthy.
About Dr. John C. Tunnell
Dr. Tunnell earned his dental degree at The University of Texas Health Science Center and continued his education at the Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry, focusing on periodontics. He is a proud member of many professional organizations, including the American Academy of Periodontology. If you have gum disease, request an appointment through our website or call (469) 202-9939.