Gum recession is relatively common. Many patients see a gum specialist or Periodontist due to concerns with receding gums. In general, receding gums do not ordinarily grow back without dental treatment. However, there are many useful things we could do to prevent and treat gum recession.
The Gingival or gum recession occurs when the edge of the gum tissue (gingival margin) moves away from the crown of the tooth. Healthy gum tissue forms a protective collar around a tooth. When gums recede, exposing the tooth’s root, sensitivity to food may result. Patients may experience discomfort or pain when eating certain type of food such as an ice cream or drinking an ice-cold drink. Tooth root decay may also develop because the softer root surface decays more readily than the enamel on the tooth’s crown.
Causes of Gum recession
There are several causes of gum recession. This include patients suffering from “gum disease” (periodontitis), excessive tooth brushing, trauma to the gums, abnormal tooth position or simply hereditary. A person simply may have thin, fragile or insufficient gums that are prone to recession. This is especially so in patients where a tooth protrudes or crowded. As a result, inadequate jawbone covers the tooth’s root causing an increased risk for gum recession.
The signs and symptoms which may indicate gum recession include sensitivity, loose tooth, teeth appearing longer than normal, roots are exposed, tooth feels notched at the gum line, change in the tooth’s colour or spaces between teeth seems larger. The most common symptom is sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, sour or spicy food and drink. The pain tends to be of short duration and feels sharp lasting for seconds.
Treatments
The type of treatment required is dependent on what’s causing the gum recession and the severity of the recession. It is important that we find out what the causative factor is because when minor recession is ignored, continued recession and bone loss around teeth are likely. Most people may not be aware that gum recession may also include bone loss around teeth. The key thing is to see a Periodontist to find out.
If the gum recession is due to excessive brushing, a periodontist or dentist can show you the most effective brushing technique or oral hygiene methods.
If the gum recession is due to periodontitis (“gums and bone loss”), the first step is to see a periodontist and the initial treatment involves deep cleaning (“scaling and root planning”). For many patients, this treatment along with excellent oral hygiene at home and regular check-ups or maintenance can help stop periodontitis and prevent further gum loss. In some patients with severe periodontitis, more advanced treatment such as gum surgery or regenerative therapy would be required.
Gum recession can be reduced by a gum graft procedure (“periodontal plastic surgery”). These procedures help to create more attached gingiva (thick, pink and firm tissue that hugs the teeth) to prevent gum recession from progressing, helps cover exposed roots, enhances the appearance of the gum line during smiling and prevents or treats root sensitivity. This procedure is essentially cosmetic surgery for gums.
What to do next?
You do not need a referral. Simply reach out to our friendly team at Toorak Dental Specialist Centre on 03 85887702 or info@tdsc.com.au who would be happy to organise an appointment for you with Dr Constantine Ong.
