Gum Recession
Gum recession is the exposure of the roots of the teeth caused by a loss of gum tissue. It’s often a result of periodontal disease, where the gums pull away from the teeth, creating gaps that can harbor bacteria and lead to infection. This condition typically develops gradually and may not be immediately noticeable. However, signs such as increased tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures and the appearance of longer teeth can indicate gum recession.
The primary function of gum tissue, also known as gingiva, is to support and protect the roots of the teeth, helping to keep them securely anchored in the mouth.
Gum tissue is rich in blood vessels and comprises several layers:
1. Mucosa: The thin, red lining of the gums.
2. Marginal Gingiva: The soft tissue that surrounds the base of the teeth but is not firmly attached to them.
3. Attached Gingiva: A second layer of soft tissue that is closer to the teeth compared to the marginal layer.
4. Interdental Gingiva (Papilla): The tissue between adjacent teeth.
5. Buccal Frenum: Tissue connecting the lower lip to the lower gum tissue.
What is gum recession?
Gum recession, or gingival recession, refers to the gradual loss of gum tissue around the teeth. The gums serve to anchor the teeth to the jaws, providing essential support and stability. Therefore, any issues with the gums can negatively impact oral health, particularly the integrity of the teeth.
This condition is closely related to periodontitis, a term that encompasses diseases affecting the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums and bone. Periodontitis typically involves the progressive loss of gum tissue, resulting in the exposure of tooth roots as the gum line recedes.
Periodontitis develops over time and may not be immediately apparent. Common signs include increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures and the misconception that teeth are getting longer. Gum recession prevalence varies among populations but is a commonly encountered dental issue in many countries, affecting individuals of all ages.
As periodontitis advances, gaps may become visible between the teeth and the gum line, creating an environment conducive to bacterial colonization and infection. If left untreated, gum recession can lead to damage to the supportive tissues and bone structures around the teeth, ultimately resulting in tooth loss. Additionally, gum recession can contribute to long-term jawbone loss.
It’s important to address gum recession promptly through appropriate dental care, including periodontal treatment and good oral hygiene practices, to prevent further complications and preserve oral health.
Types of Gum Recession
Gum recession can manifest in various forms, two of which are Chronic Periodontitis and Aggressive Periodontitis.
- Chronic Periodontitis: This type is more commonly observed in adults. However, it can also occur in childhood or adolescence, typically associated with the accumulation of plaque and tartar. Chronic periodontitis usually progresses slowly, and its course can be influenced by individual, environmental, and systemic factors. The duration and extent of tissue destruction vary proportionally with the severity of the disease. It’s essential to note that even if the gum recession is not evident, chronic periodontitis can still cause bone loss. Therefore, the absence of visible gum recession does not imply the absence of the disease.
- Aggressive Periodontitis: This type is predominantly observed in individuals under the age of thirty, usually without any other systemic diseases. Scientific studies suggest that individuals of African descent are at a higher risk. Aggressive periodontitis differs from chronic periodontitis in terms of onset age, rate of progression, and familial predisposition. Unlike chronic periodontitis, aggressive periodontitis affects all teeth and exhibits more rapid progression.
Causes of Gum Recession
Gum recession develops due to reasons that vary from person to person and across societies. Below are the most common causes:
1- Periodontal Diseases:
Periodontal diseases are the most commonly attributed cause of gum recession. These infections, mostly caused by bacteria, result in the destruction of the gum tissues and supporting bones, leading to the clinical presentation of gum recession.
2- Inadequate or Improper Dental Care or Treatments:
Incorrect or insufficient dental care practices also contribute significantly to gum recession. Overbrushing, which occurs when teeth are brushed with excessive force, can lead to gum recession by wearing away the enamel layer. Maintaining oral hygiene is not limited to brushing alone; it also involves using dental floss and mouthwash. Tartar formation is a significant consequence of poor oral hygiene, contributing to gum recession.
3- Genetic or Structural Risks:
Crooked teeth make oral hygiene maintenance more challenging. Individuals with anatomical issues in their mouths should seek treatment in this area as a priority. Additionally, they should pay more attention to dental care.
Factors such as genetics and structural risks cannot be prevented with current medical capabilities. Individuals with a family history of gum recession should be aware of their higher risk and ensure regular dental check-ups.
4- Hormonal Changes:
Throughout life, individuals experience natural hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, which can negatively affect gum health.
5- Tobacco and Tobacco Products:
Tobacco products are considered significant contributors to gum recession due to their role in reducing oxygenation of the gum tissues. The use of tobacco and tobacco products accelerates plaque formation on teeth, leading to various health issues such as cancer and heart diseases.
6- Other Factors:
Age: The risk of gum recession increases with age.
Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk of gum recession.
Teeth grinding or clenching: Although less frequent, teeth grinding can lead to gum recession.
Medications: Some medications that cause dry mouth reduce the mouth’s bacterial infection resistance, leading to gum recession.
Causes of Periodontitis
In many cases, the development of gum recession (periodontitis) begins with the formation of a sticky film called plaque, primarily consisting of bacteria. If left untreated, this plaque can eventually progress to periodontitis.
Starches and sugars in foods interact with bacteria normally present in an individual’s mouth, leading to the formation of plaque on teeth. Brushing teeth twice a day and using dental floss once a day can help remove plaque, but it quickly reforms.
Plaque that remains on teeth can harden below the gumline to form tartar, or dental calculus. Tartar is more difficult to remove than plaque and is filled with bacteria. The longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more damage they can cause. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone; professional dental cleaning is needed to remove it.
Plaque can cause gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease. Gingivitis is characterized by irritation and inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding the base of the teeth. Gingivitis can be reversed with professional treatment and good oral hygiene at home.
Persistent gingivitis can lead to periodontitis. This condition results in the formation of pockets between your gums and teeth filled with plaque, tartar, and bacteria. Over time, these pockets deepen and become filled with more bacteria. If left untreated, these deepening infections can cause both tissue and bone loss, eventually leading to the loss of one or more teeth. Chronic inflammation can also strain the individual’s immune system.
Factors that increase the risk of developing periodontitis include medications that cause dry mouth or changes in gum tissue, inadequate nutrition including vitamin C deficiency, certain diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s disease, hormonal changes associated with pregnancy or menopause, genetics, poor oral hygiene habits, conditions that decrease immunity such as leukemia, HIV/AIDS, and cancer treatment, obesity, smoking or chewing tobacco, or drug use.
Causes of Gum Recession
- Inadequate dental care: If you don’t brush your teeth properly throughout the day and neglect to use dental floss, the plaque between your teeth can turn into tartar over time. Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is harmful to your dental and gum health and should be treated promptly. Untreated tartar can lead to gum recession.
- Incorrect brushing technique: Using brushes that are too hard can wear down the enamel over time, potentially causing gum recession.
- Periodontal diseases: Gum diseases create an environment where bacteria can multiply rapidly in the mouth. If left untreated, gum diseases can lead to gum recession.
- Aging: As you age, your gums weaken and become thinner, making gum recession more likely.
- Tobacco product use: Smoking increases the severity of diseases that occur in the teeth and surrounding tissues. Smokers are less likely to experience bleeding. Bone loss and gum pocket depth are greater in tobacco users. Plaque formation occurs more quickly in tobacco users, leading to gum recession.
- Hormonal changes: Rapid hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or breastfeeding can lead to gum recession.
- Bruxism (Teeth grinding): Constant pressure is applied to the gums during teeth grinding, which can result in gum recession.
- Genetic factors: Even with proper oral care, individuals with a genetic predisposition to gum recession may still experience it.
- Stress: It increases susceptibility to gum diseases by negatively affecting the immune system. Increased stress can exacerbate the severity of gum recession (periodontitis) in affected individuals.
While these are common causes of gum recession, it’s essential to remember that your specific situation may involve other factors. Therefore, seeking support from a qualified dentist is necessary.
At what age does gum recession begin?
Gum recession can occur at any age, depending on various factors. However, the risk of gum recession increases after the age of 65. It’s not possible to determine a specific age when gum recession starts due to genetic factors and other dental health issues.
It’s essential to thoroughly investigate an individual’s medical history to determine the risk of gum recession. People with periodontal diseases are more likely to experience gum recession. Habits such as smoking, using nicotine gum, or getting lip or tongue piercings can lead to gum recession at an early age.
What are the symptoms of gum recession?
Gum recession can initially go unnoticed as it progresses slowly. However, being aware of its signs and symptoms can lead to early detection and treatment.
The first noticeable symptom of gum recession is often tooth sensitivity. Other signs and symptoms of gum recession include:
- Easy and frequent bleeding of the gums
- Unpleasant taste or odor in the mouth
- Gums that feel swollen or puffy compared to normal
- Dark red or purplish gums instead of a healthy pale pink color
- Pain during chewing
- Development of gaps between teeth
- Formation of spaces between teeth and gums
- Teeth appearing longer than usual
- Sensitivity in the gums upon touch
- Pinkish appearance on the toothbrush after brushing
- Loosening of teeth or advanced tooth loss
- Noticeable changes in the alignment of teeth when biting
- Accumulation of plaque below and above the gumline
In advanced cases, bone loss may also be observed. Being attentive to these signs and promptly seeking dental care can help address gum recession effectively.
Who is at Risk for Gum Recession?
- Although gum recession can occur at any age, age is a significant risk factor for gum recession. Scientific studies have found that 88% of individuals aged 65 and older have gum recession in at least one tooth.
- Smokers are at a higher risk of gum recession compared to non-smokers.
- Those with a family history of gum recession (parents or siblings) should take preventive measures for gum recession at an earlier stage.
- Diabetes should be managed cautiously as it increases the risk of gum recession.
How is Gum Recession Diagnosed?
The dentist will conduct a clinical examination of the patient to determine if there is gum recession (periodontitis) and to what extent it has progressed. During this process, the dentist will inquire about the patient’s medical history to identify factors that may explain the symptoms.
They will examine the inside of the patient’s mouth to assess plaque and tartar buildup and to check for bleeding.
Measuring the depth of the pockets between the gums and teeth is important for predicting the progression of the disease. In healthy individuals, pocket depth ranges from 1 to 3 millimeters. Pocket depth measuring more than 4 millimeters indicates gum recession (periodontitis). Medical intervention is necessary for pockets deeper than 5 millimeters.
Deeper pockets than 5 millimeters require checking for bone loss.
After all these procedures, a definitive diagnosis of gum recession (periodontitis) can be made based on the severity of the disease, the complexity of treatment, identified risks, and the individual’s overall health conditions.
How is Gum Recession Treated?
Treatment for gum recession (periodontitis) is divided into surgical and non-surgical methods. The main goal of treatment is to thoroughly clean the gum pockets around the teeth and stop the damage to surrounding bone tissues. To ensure the success of treatment, effective oral hygiene should be established as a routine, and other health risks affecting dental health should be properly managed.
The first step in treatment is to evaluate the patient’s general condition through a detailed examination. If signs of infection are found during the examination, antibiotics may be prescribed. Additionally, different medications may be added to the prescription depending on the risks contributing to gum recession.
The basic treatments for gum recession are as follows:
In cases of mild gum recession, treatment involves thorough cleaning of affected areas in a segmented manner. Plaque and tartar are carefully removed, and any exposed roots are smoothed to prevent bacterial colonization.
In cases of chronic and severe gum recession, where there is significant bone loss and deep pockets cannot be adequately treated with deep cleaning, gum surgery is necessary. During this treatment, the gum tissue is lifted with small incisions to remove accumulated bacterial plaques and expose the roots.
Soft tissue grafts are then applied to promote the natural regeneration of bone and tissue in the affected area. In this procedure, a small piece of tissue is taken from the patient’s palate or from another donor source and transferred to the affected area. This can help reduce further gum recession, cover exposed roots, and improve the appearance of the teeth.
Bone grafting treatment is applied when gum recession (periodontitis) causes destruction of the bone surrounding the tooth root. Bone grafts can be taken from small pieces of the patient’s own bone tissue or synthetic bone tissue. The bone graft helps hold the tooth in place and prevents tooth loss. It also serves as a scaffold for the natural regeneration of bone tissue.
The effectiveness of treatment in gum recession depends directly on how early the diagnosis is made.
After treatment, patients should be examined regularly for the first 6 months, with appointments scheduled at least once a month. Later, these appointments are scheduled every three months. During these check-ups, gum pocket depth and bone level should be reassessed. If necessary, further scaling and root planing are performed to smooth the root surface.
Attempting to treat gum recession at home is not advisable. Treatment should always begin with a dentist, and the prescribed treatment plan should be strictly followed. The best thing to do at home to support treatment is to maintain effective oral hygiene.
Is Gum Recession Preventable?
The best way to prevent periodontitis is through effective oral and dental care. Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day, and flossing should be done regularly. Everyone, especially those with genetic risk factors and smokers, should visit the dentist at least twice a year. If you have been diagnosed with gum recession, you may need to visit your dentist more frequently. Consult your dentist when choosing toothpaste and toothbrush.
Additionally, to prevent periodontitis:
– Try to quit smoking if you smoke.
– Adopt a balanced and regular diet.
– Consult your dentist if there are any unexpected changes in your mouth.
What Are the Complications of Gum Recession?
The most significant complication of periodontitis is the loss of teeth and jawbone. Additionally, bacteria that cause gum recession (periodontitis) can enter the bloodstream through the gums and affect the entire body.
Periodontitis has been linked to health issues such as respiratory diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, coronary artery disease, and uncontrolled blood sugar levels in diabetes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Gum Recession Go Away By Itself?
If a diagnosis of periodontitis has been made by a dentist, the first answer to this question will definitely be no. If a diagnosis of chronic periodontitis has been made, you can achieve a temporary solution with medications. However, if your gum treatments are not completed by a dentist, your gum problems will persist. If you are experiencing gum recession due to thin gum tissue, medications will not benefit you.
In summary, rather than waiting for gum recession to improve without treatment, it is best to see a dentist for an examination. You should carefully follow the treatment and recommendations given to you by your dentist. Learn to brush your teeth correctly with the right toothpaste and toothbrush. This way, you can prevent discomfort such as pain, bleeding, and sensitivity.
Is salt water good for receding gums?
Saltwater is believed to be beneficial for many health issues according to common belief, including oral health problems. However, it should be noted that while saltwater gargling may provide relief from the discomfort associated with gum recession, it is not considered a treatment method for completely reversing gum recession.
Its main purpose is to alleviate pain caused by gum recession. You can prepare saltwater gargle by mixing enough salt into a glass of water. When gargling with saltwater, if you have open wounds or infected areas in your mouth, it may cause discomfort. In such cases, a mouthwash may be preferred. If you are unsure about the risks to your oral health, it is best to avoid using saltwater gargle altogether.
Which type of toothpaste should be used for receding gums?
You should consult your dentist who is treating you for advice on this matter. The general approach is that individuals diagnosed with gum recession should use sensitivity-preventing toothpaste. When selecting a toothpaste, you can choose alternatives labeled “for sensitive teeth”. Toothpastes with this feature typically contain potassium nitrate or strontium chloride in their ingredients.
It’s important to note that gum recession issues cannot be treated solely with toothpaste or mouthwashes designed for this purpose. Home care, toothpaste, or mouthwashes used will only support treatments applied by a dentist.
Which herbal treatments are good for gum recession?
Gum recession is never solely treated with herbal remedies as an alternative. However, sometimes dentists may recommend some herbal products to their patients. These recommendations do not cure gum recession completely but rather support the treatment provided by the dentist. Here are the most commonly used herbal treatment products and their usage:
Chamomile: Boil a cup of water. Add 2-3 teaspoons of chamomile to the boiling water. After steeping for 10 minutes, strain the water in the cup. You can gargle with this water after meals.
Thyme: Mix a handful of thyme with a glass of water and boil. After cooling, you can use the resulting water while brushing your teeth.
Licorice Root: You can use licorice root by adding it to your tea. Do not add sugar to your tea when using licorice root and do not consume more than 3 cups a day.
Green Tea: Do not consume it like black tea. You can make green tea gargle with lukewarm green tea. The tea should not be too hot.
Mint: To deal with oral infections, add 1-2 teaspoons of dried mint to a cup of boiled water. You can consume the resulting mixture for tea or gargle purposes.
You should make your preference for gum recession treatment with your dentist. It is important to ensure whether you have allergies to the plant you will use.
Which Vitamin Deficiency Causes Gum Recession?
Scientific research has shown that vitamin C has an important place in both body and dental health. However, vitamin D is especially valuable for oral health due to its effects on the immune system.
How to Understand Gum Recession?
Understanding gingival recession from a morphological perspective begins with checking the palate color. The palate is pale pink in a healthy mouth. When the palate begins to turn purple or brown, it can be said that the problem with the gums has begun. In addition to change in the color of the palate, bad breath in the mouth, difficulty in chewing, swelling and bleeding in the gums, and recent tooth loss are the main symptoms of gingival recession.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Gum Recession?
Especially people with genetic predisposition need to be more careful in this regard. For this, teeth should be brushed regularly and flossed like every healthy person. However, a healthy and balanced diet is valuable in preventing oral and dental health and gum diseases. The most basic element of creating a new standard of living is to end tobacco and alcohol use.
Abandoning these habits is not only for oral and dental health; It is important for all body and mental health. It is recommended to have dental scaling at least twice a year. By doing this, tartar formation in the mouth is prevented. In this way, the infrastructure of gum recession is prevented.
What Happens If Gum Recession (Periodontitis) Is Not Treated?
If gum recession (Periodontitis) is not treated, the first structure to be affected will be the jaw bone. In this case, it is a traumatic clinical picture that can cause serious bone loss and tooth loss (extraction or spontaneous). A patient diagnosed with gum recession (Periodontitis) must go to the dentist for regular check-ups.
What is Not Good for Periodontitis?
The most important risks in periodontitis are lack of awareness, the patient not caring about this condition, not accepting the treatment and not paying due attention to oral and dental health. Since the disease will cause bone and tooth destruction; The patient should be aware of his condition early and know that it is essential to start treatment as soon as possible.
Periodontitis During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is the period when women undergo the most intense hormonal changes. Gum diseases may occur in pregnant women due to hormonal balance changes. Gum diseases can negatively affect the health of the mother and baby and increase the risk of premature birth and miscarriage. This clinical picture is associated with infections caused by gum diseases. Gum problems occur in 30% of women during pregnancy.
Swelling, redness, bleeding and enlargement of the gums of pregnant women are the most common symptoms. The course of these symptoms may be mild depending on the person, or severe pain and bleeding may be observed. Before becoming pregnant, if possible or as soon as pregnancy information is received, it should be known that oral and dental health will also change and risks in terms of periodontitis should be evaluated.
Pregnant women should consult a dentist before noticing negative changes in their mouth and gums. She should get through the pregnancy in the least disruptive way and continue her treatment with medication after birth.
Periodontitis in Children
In this respect, the most important risk for children is the stress that develops with starting school. The risk of developing periodontitis increases due to school stress. But this is a very common situation. The main cause of periodontitis in children is hormonal changes that occur during adolescence, just like in pregnant women.
Along with hormonal changes, chronic gum recession (Periodontitis) is observed in the child. The common feature of these patients is the absence of tartar and plaque accumulation. The main reason for this is not poor oral health conditions but the change in hormonal balance. Awareness of this situation is usually created by parents. In this case, a dentist should be consulted immediately.
Periodontitis in Babies
Periodontitis is usually caused by tartar formation and plaque accumulation. Periodontitis is not an expected health problem when teeth do not emerge during infancy.
Which Dentist Should You See for Gum Recession (Periodontitis) Problem?
Gum recession (Periodontitis) disease falls within the scope of dentistry, a specialty called “Periodontology”. However, all dentists can perform diagnosis, scaling and other basic treatments.
