When should I be concerned about gum recession?

Gums can become pushed back or wear away and expose the pink tissue that covers the roots of the teeth. Gums might also recede around a tooth if it is in an abnormal position. Receding gums becomes a health concern when the roots of the teeth become exposed, leaving the teeth at risk of decay, infection, and loss.

When should you worry about gum recession?

Receding gums are an oral health concern when they get to the point where tooth roots are exposed. It leads to a higher risk of decay, infection, and loss. Therefore, if you suspect your gums are receding, or a dental professional has brought it up to you, it's time to seek treatment.

What is serious gum recession?

Gum recession is when your gum tissue pulls away from your teeth, exposing the roots underneath. It's caused by a number of factors, including aggressive brushing, smoking and even genetics. Treatments include antibiotics, antimicrobial mouth rinses and surgery.

How much gum recession is normal?

Gum recession is often considered a normal part of aging. Even the expression “long in the tooth” stems from our gum line receding and exposing more of our teeth as we age. However, there is nothing normal about gum recession.

How fast does gum recession progress?

It can take years to develop and it may progress so gradually that one doesn't even realize they are losing tissue that cannot be replaced. It may not be until a tooth or teeth start to look longer that the problem of gum recession is recognized.

5 Reasons that you can get Gum Recession

Will my teeth fall out receding gums?

If the gums recede too much, it may result in bone loss, which can cause teeth to loosen or fall out.

What does minor gum recession look like?

When gums recede, more of the tooth is visibly exposed. Look for lines or notches along the bottom of the teeth, as this typically indicates areas where the gums have receded. 4. One of the first signs of gum recession is tooth sensitivity.

At what age do your gums start to recede?

Gums that recede to expose the root surfaces of teeth is a common condition in adults over the age of 40. Many consider it to be just a sign of aging, and in some cases it is essentially that – often the result of wear and tear or years of aggressive tooth brushing.

Why are my gums receding so fast?

Changes in hormones: Fluctuations in hormones, like during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, can make the gums more sensitive and more likely to develop either gum disease or gum recession. Crooked teeth or poorly-aligned bites: When your teeth don't come together properly, too much force is placed on the gums.

How common is gum recession in 30s?

Gingival recession, as it's formally known, is more common amongst the elderly. A US study of almost 10,000 people found that 38% of people aged 30-39 had some degree of the condition, compared with 71% in the 50-59 age group, and 90% for those aged between 80-90.

What happens if you don't treat gum recession?

When gum recession occurs, "pockets," or gaps, form between the teeth and gum line, making it easy for disease-causing bacteria to build up. If left untreated, the supporting tissue and bone structures of the teeth can be severely damaged, and may ultimately result in tooth loss.

What can dentists do about gum recession?

To fix receding gums, we can use a procedure called a gum graft. This is a minor surgical procedure that involves taking healthy gum tissue from another part of the mouth and attaching it to where the gums have receded, providing extra tissue to build the gums back up.

How do dentists treat gum recession?

As mentioned above, the Pinhole Technique may not be appropriate in every case, but there are a few other options that can reattach or restore gum tissue around the teeth. These include: Scaling and root planing. Connective tissue graft.

Do receding gums get worse?

The simple answer is, no. If your gums are damaged by, for example periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease, it's not possible for receding gums to grow back. However, even though receding gums can't be reversed there are treatments that can help to stop the problem from getting worse.

Why are my gums receding even though I brush and floss?

If you don't take good care of your teeth, that can lead to gum recession. Poor brushing habits, not flossing, and not using antibacterial mouthwash can all result in the buildup of tartar on the teeth. Tartar is hardened plaque that can only be removed by special tools at the dentist. Tartar can cause gum recession.

Is it normal to see teeth through gums?

Exposed tooth roots are commonly caused by gum disease or receding gums. Even if you have perfect dental hygiene, you can still develop an exposed tooth root. If you've been having tooth sensitivity or pain, it's a good idea to visit your dentist.

Can a dentist reverse receding gums?

Unfortunately, gum recession cannot be reversed. The tissue will not grow back but there are specific steps to take to keep the recession from getting worse. Successful treatment ultimately depends on how your gum recession originated in the first place.

Can stress cause receding gums?

It can cause severe gum recession and an increased likeliness of periodontal disease. Long-term stress is proven to weaken the immune system. This lowers your body's ability to fight infections. As a result, you have an increased risk of several dental issues, like bleeding and inflamed gums.

How can I stimulate my gums to regenerate?

Does mouthwash help receding gums?

Use mouthwash every day

Therapeutic mouthwash helps prevent gum recession and disease, reduces the rate of tartar buildup, reduces the amount of plaque on your teeth, and removes food particles trapped between teeth and elsewhere in the mouth.

How many adults have receding gums?

The California Dental Association (CDA) estimates that three out of every four adults have some form of periodontal disease. This includes receding gums.

How do you brush receding gums?

Don't brush roughly when trying to get all the grub and plaque away. Instead, massage your brush into your teeth with gentle pressure, moving slowly and methodically around your teeth. Use short motions, about one tooth wide, to reduce the friction on your gums.

What toothbrush is best for receding gums?

For complete protection, I'd recommend buying Oral B Sensi Ultra-Thin brush heads. These are even more gentle on gums, but still tough on plaque. The golden combination of the Oral B Pro 2 pressure sensor and the Sensi Ultra-Thin bristles means real protection with your toothbrush for receding gums.

How do you stop receding gums from getting worse at home?

One of the most important things you can do to avoid further gum recession is to brush and floss your teeth twice daily. If your gums have receded due to aggressive brushing, be mindful of the force you are applying while brushing and use a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Is gum grafting painful?

Gum grafting procedure pain

The actual gum grafting procedure is painless. This is because a local anesthetic is used to numb the affected area. A periodontist, who is a dental specialist in gum disease and the gums, typically performs this procedure.