Receding gums occur when the margin of the gum tissue surrounding the teeth wears away or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth or the tooth’s root. This common dental problem can affect anyone, regardless of age, and often goes unnoticed in its early stages due to its gradual progression.
If left untreated, receding gums can lead to serious oral health issues, including increased tooth sensitivity, decay, and even tooth loss. Understanding the causes, treatments, and prevention strategies for receding gums is essential for maintaining healthy gums and preserving your smile for years to come.
What are receding gums?
Receding gums, also known as gingival recession, is a condition where the gum tissue that normally covers and protects the roots of your teeth begins to pull back or wear away. This exposes the tooth roots, making them vulnerable to decay, infection, and damage. Gum recession is a progressive condition that develops gradually over time, which is why many people don’t notice it until it becomes more advanced. The exposed tooth roots can cause sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and can significantly impact your oral health and comfort.
6 Signs of Receding Gums
- Visible tooth roots: The most obvious sign of receding gums is when the roots of your teeth become visible, making your teeth appear longer than normal.
- Increased tooth sensitivity: When gum tissue recedes, the sensitive root surface becomes exposed, leading to pain or discomfort when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages.
- Visible spaces between teeth: As gums recede, small triangular spaces or “black triangles” may form between teeth near the gumline.
- Red, swollen gums: Inflammation of the gum tissue often accompanies recession and may indicate an active infection or periodontal disease.
- Bad breath or taste: Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth can signal bacterial buildup in areas where gums have receded.
- Loose teeth: In advanced cases, receding gums can lead to loose teeth as supporting structures become compromised.
What causes receding gums?
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is one of the most common causes of receding gums. It begins with bacterial growth in the mouth which leads to inflammation of the gum tissue. As the disease progresses, the gums pull away from the teeth, creating pockets that allow more bacteria to accumulate. The infection damages the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gum tissue, leading to recession. Without treatment, periodontal disease can result in significant gum recession, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss.
Aggressive Brushing
Brushing your teeth too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear away the enamel at the gum line and irritate or damage gum tissue. This mechanical trauma forces the gums to recede over time as they try to escape the abrasive brushing technique. Many people don’t realize they’re brushing too aggressively until damage has already occurred. Dental professionals recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, circular motions rather than vigorous back-and-forth scrubbing to prevent this type of gum recession.
Genetic Factors
Some people are genetically predisposed to developing receding gums regardless of how well they care for their teeth. Genetic factors can influence the thickness and quality of gum tissue, as well as tooth positioning. Those with naturally thin or delicate gum tissue are more susceptible to recession. Additionally, misaligned teeth or a misaligned bite can put excessive pressure on certain areas of the gums, leading to recession. While you can’t change your genetic makeup, understanding these predispositions can help you take extra precautions with your oral care routine.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Inadequate oral hygiene allows plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—to build up on teeth and along the gumline. Over time, this plaque hardens into tartar (calculus), which can only be removed by a dental professional. Both plaque and tartar irritate the gum tissue and contribute to inflammation and infection. As the infection progresses, it damages the gum tissue and the supporting structures of the teeth, leading to gum recession. Consistent brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings are essential for preventing this cause of receding gums.
Hormonal Changes
Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly in women during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can make gums more sensitive and vulnerable to recession. These hormonal changes can exaggerate the body’s response to irritants like plaque, causing the gum tissue to become more inflamed. Pregnant women, in particular, may develop “pregnancy gingivitis,” which can lead to gum recession if not properly managed. Being aware of these hormonal influences can help women take extra care of their oral health during these periods of hormonal fluctuation.
Can receding gums be reversed?
Unfortunately, true reversal of receding gums is not possible without surgical intervention because gum tissue does not regenerate on its own once it’s lost. However, the progression of gum recession can be stopped with proper treatment and care. Professional treatments can repair damaged tissue, cover exposed roots, and improve the appearance of your gum line. Early detection of receding gums often lead to better outcomes and less invasive procedures.
5 Professional Gum Treatments
- Scaling and root planing: This deep cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots to help gums reattach to the teeth. It’s often the first line of treatment for mild to moderate gum recession associated with periodontal disease.
- Gum graft surgery: In this procedure, tissue is taken from another part of your mouth (usually the palate) or from a donor source and attached to areas where gum tissue has receded severely. This covers exposed roots and helps prevent further recession.
- Pinhole surgical technique: A minimally invasive alternative to traditional gum grafting, this procedure involves making small holes in the gum tissue and using special instruments to gently loosen and reposition the gum over the exposed tooth roots.
- Regenerative procedures: For cases involving significant bone loss, regenerative procedures use special proteins, membranes, or tissue-stimulating materials to encourage your body to regenerate bone and tissue naturally.
- Laser therapy: Some dental practices use laser treatments to remove bacteria and infected tissue while promoting healing and reattachment of the gums to the teeth.
How to Naturally Repair Receding Gums
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing oil (typically coconut, sesame, or olive oil) in your mouth for 15-20 minutes. This technique helps reduce bacteria in the mouth that contribute to gum inflammation and recession. The oil works by “pulling” bacteria from the mouth as you swish it around, reducing plaque buildup and promoting healthier gum tissue. While not a replacement for professional dental care, many people find that regular oil pulling helps reduce inflammation and supports overall gum health when used as part of a comprehensive oral hygiene routine.
Saltwater Rinses
Saltwater rinses are a simple yet effective natural remedy for supporting gum health and addressing mild inflammation. A warm saltwater solution can help reduce bacteria in the mouth and soothe irritated gum tissue. The salt helps draw out infection and reduce inflammation through osmosis, creating an environment where harmful bacteria struggle to survive. This remedy is particularly useful after mechanical cleaning like brushing or flossing, as it can help remove loosened debris and provide a mild antiseptic effect to the gumline.
Green Tea
Green tea contains powerful antioxidants called catechins that can help fight inflammation and bacterial infection in the gums. Regular consumption of green tea has been shown to improve gum health and reduce indicators of periodontal disease. The antioxidants in green tea help neutralize free radicals that can damage gum tissue and interfere with the body’s natural healing processes. Additionally, green tea has natural anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the swelling and redness associated with gum inflammation, potentially slowing the progression of receding gums.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has natural healing, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that can benefit gum health. When applied topically, aloe vera gel can soothe inflamed gum tissue and promote the healing of minor irritations. Some studies suggest that aloe vera may be as effective as traditional mouthwashes in reducing plaque and improving gingivitis. The plant contains compounds that stimulate cell growth and reduce inflammation, potentially helping to strengthen gum tissue that’s vulnerable to recession. Always use food-grade, pure aloe vera when applying it to your gums.
Turmeric Paste
Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. When made into a paste and applied to the gums, turmeric can help reduce inflammation, fight bacteria, and potentially support gum healing. The antibacterial properties of turmeric may help reduce the bacterial load in the mouth that contributes to periodontal disease and gum recession. Regular application of turmeric paste, along with proper oral hygiene practices, may help maintain healthier gums and slow the progression of recession in some cases.
Conclusion
Addressing receding gums requires a comprehensive approach that combines professional dental treatments with diligent at-home care. While complete reversal of gum recession may not always be possible without surgical intervention, you can halt its progression and improve your overall gum health through proper oral hygiene practices, natural remedies, and timely professional care.
Don’t wait until receding gums cause pain or affect your smile’s appearance. Schedule an appointment with us at Ultra Dental in San Fernando, CA to assess your gum health and develop a personalized treatment plan. Our specialized gum treatments can help restore and maintain your oral health for years to come. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X for more dental health tips, or check out our reviews on Yelp to see why patients trust us with their smiles.