by Rana Baroudi
Dr. Baroudi is a Board Certified Periodontist. She has successfully passed the American Board of Periodontology oral and written examinations covering all phases of periodontal disease, its treatment and dental implants. She is also an Associate Clinical Professor of Periodontology at UCSF where she enjoys teaching and lecturing on a bi-monthly basis.
Learn MoreIf left untreated, gum recession – which happens when the gum tissue surrounding our teeth pulls away from them – can lead to serious dental problems. Such a condition exposes more of the tooth or even its root, making it more sensitive and more prone to decay. In fact, extreme cases may even cause teeth to fall out. Thus, recognizing early signs of gum recession and knowing when to seek treatment are essential for oral care in general.
Dr. Rana Baroudi is an experienced periodontist from San Jose who stresses the importance of spotting and addressing gingival recession as soon as possible. This article will discuss what causes gums receding, common early symptoms, and what steps should be taken once they appear.
Before discussing the indicators that your gums might be receding, it’s important to understand why this happens in the first place. Several factors contribute to gum recession:
Poor Oral Hygiene: Failing to brush or floss regularly allows plaque to build up on tooth surfaces over time, which can gradually cause the gums to pull back.
Aggressive Brushing: Brushing too hard, especially with a toothbrush that has hard bristles, can wear away gum tissue, resulting in shrinkage.
Periodontitis and Gingivitis: These two diseases are among the most common causes of receding gums worldwide. They provoke inflammation in the soft tissues around the teeth, leading to the loss of bone support beneath the affected areas and the destruction of surrounding connective tissues, such as the ligament fibers that attach roots to their sockets.
Genetics: Some individuals have a genetic predisposition that makes them more susceptible to gum recession, even when faced with similar risk factors, like poor oral health habits or smoking. If your parents had this problem, your chances of developing it are higher.
Hormonal Imbalances: Gums may become more sensitive and prone to recession during hormonal fluctuations that occur throughout a woman’s life, such as pregnancy, menopause, or menstruation.
Tobacco Use: Clinical studies have shown a direct relationship between smoking tobacco products, such as cigarettes or cigars, and gum recession. Smoking damages gum tissue while reducing blood flow to the area (Bergström et al., 2004).
Teeth Grinding and Clenching: Constant pressure on the teeth due to these habits can lead to erosion of the gum line.
Malocclusion (Misaligned Bite): When the upper and lower teeth do not align properly, biting forces are distributed unevenly across supporting structures. This can cause localized bone loss around the affected teeth, which eventually leads to gum recession along the same arch or even in the opposite jaw.
Identifying signs of receding gums early on can help prevent severe dental complications. Below are some common telltale signs:
Tooth Sensitivity: If your teeth start hurting when exposed to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks, it could mean that their roots have been exposed due to receding gums.
Loose Teeth: Gum recession can lead to the destruction of the supporting bone and tissue, causing teeth to become loose. It’s crucial for anyone experiencing loose teeth to seek immediate treatment.
Bleeding Gums: Bleeding gums can indicate the onset of gum disease or the early stages of gum recession. If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, it’s important to have them checked by a periodontist.
Bad Breath: Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth may be due to gum recession or gum disease. Bacteria can accumulate in the pockets formed by receding gums, resulting in a foul smell.
Red, Swollen Gums: Inflamed and reddened gums are early signs of potential gum recession. If your gums feel painful when touched or appear swollen, it’s important to have them examined as soon as possible.
If any of these signs are noticed, it is crucial to seek treatment without delay, as failure to do so could lead to more serious problems or even tooth loss. Here are some situations when you should consider seeing a periodontist:
Persistent Sensitivity: If you experience ongoing sensitivity, particularly while consuming food and drinks, consulting with a periodontist is advisable. Such sensitivity often indicates receding gums, which expose the tooth roots.
Visible Changes in Your Gums: If you notice that your gum line has started to recede, making your teeth appear longer than before, you should seek treatment immediately. This is a clear sign of significant gum recession.
Loose Teeth: If any tooth begins to feel loose in its socket, it’s urgent to see a dentist. This could be a sign of advanced gum recession, which may lead to bone loss.
Bleeding or Swollen Gums: Early intervention can prevent further deterioration. If you notice that your gums bleed easily or appear more swollen than usual, it may indicate the presence of gum disease or early signs of gum recession.
Bad Breath: If bad breath persists despite maintaining good oral hygiene, such as brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, using mouthwash, and flossing, seeking medical attention is important. Persistent bad breath may be a sign of periodontal disease or gum recession.
Once diagnosed with gum recession, several treatment methods can be applied depending on the severity of the condition. These include:
Scaling and Root Planing (SRP): Sometimes called conventional periodontal therapy, SRP is an extensive cleaning procedure beneath the gum line where plaque buildup frequently occurs. It also involves smoothing rough surfaces on the roots, allowing the gums to reattach themselves firmly to these areas. SRP is usually the initial treatment for mild to moderate gum recession.
Gum Graft Surgery: This procedure becomes necessary when there has been significant tissue loss around affected teeth due to severe root exposure. During gum graft surgery, Dr. Rana Baroudi takes healthy tissue from another part of the patient’s mouth and attaches it over the exposed roots, creating a new gum line higher up toward the crown. This effectively covers any areas left bare by the previous recession.
Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST™): PST involves making tiny holes through which specialized instruments are used to reshape the patient’s damaged soft tissues. This technique corrects the appearance of the gums after they have undergone erosion caused by various factors, such as aging.
Regenerative Procedures: In cases where bone loss has occurred due to extensive periodontitis, regenerative procedures are necessary. These processes involve using proteins and membranes to promote the growth of new bone and other supportive structures that were lost during the decay process around the affected areas.
Soft Tissue Laser: This method is particularly effective for treating localized cases of gum recession without the need for surgery. The laser precisely targets the affected tissue, promoting healing and reducing the extent of the recession.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry. When it comes to preventing gum recession, here are some helpful tips:
Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Be sure to clean along the gum line to remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup.
Correct Brushing Technique: Avoid brushing too hard or too quickly; instead, use gentle circular motions. Replace your toothbrush every three months or when the bristles become frayed.
Regular Dental Visits: Regular dental check-ups are invaluable. Dentists can detect early signs of periodontal disease and provide necessary treatment before it becomes severe.
Stop Smoking: Smoking is one of the leading causes of both gum recession and gum infection. Quitting smoking will significantly improve your oral health.
Mouthguards: If you grind or clench your teeth while sleeping, wearing a night guard can protect your gums from damage caused by constant friction between the upper and lower jaws.
Fix Teeth Alignment Issues: Consider orthodontic treatment if you have misaligned teeth or bite problems, as these can increase the risk of gum recession. Proper alignment can help reduce the risks associated with receding gums.
Gum recession can lead to tooth sensitivity, decay, and even tooth loss if not treated promptly. By identifying early symptoms of gum recession and seeking immediate medical attention, you can protect your dental health while maintaining an attractive smile. If you notice any signs of this condition, please book an appointment at the San Jose-based periodontist office of Dr. Rana Baroudi, who has been providing reliable services for years. The sooner intervention occurs, the better the chances of preserving your natural teeth for the long term.
