What Is And What Causes Gingival Recession

18 January 2024

What Is A Gingival Recession?

If we want to have a healthy and attractive smile, it is necessary to pay attention to the visual aspect of our teeth and gums. There are many cases when the gums around the teeth are uneven in shape or size, and because of this, the teeth appear different sizes when smiling. In modern dentistry, there are many clinical cases where the main problem of the patient is the loosening of the gingival tissues aka gingival recession. The process of gum recession involves the gradual upward movement of the gum and exposure of the root. Gradually, the gum tissue no longer covers the root of the tooth, which visually makes the tooth appear longer and unaesthetic. Gingival recession is a fairly common disease in both young and middle-aged patients. At first, this problem develops slowly and painlessly, often, the patient does not even know that  he/she has receding gums, because the recession of the gums is a long process, and the visual problem manifests itself only at the last stage. As for the primary symptoms, the first sign of recession can be increased sensitivity of the tooth, as well as visually changes in the shape of the teeth.

What Causes Gingival Recession 

The causes of gum recession are quite diverse and mainly depend on the individual characteristics of the patient's oral cavity. Some people are genetically predisposed to having thin gums, which makes them more prone to recession. If you have naturally thin and weak gums, it is especially important to maintain your oral health by scheduling frequent dental visits and using toothpastes and mouthwashes that will strengthen and heal your gums and prevent future complications. In addition to genetic factors, receding gums can cause:

• Periodontal diseases - periodontitis;
• Removable prostheses - the metal brackets of the prostheses may cause trauma to the abutment teeth and cause gum recession;
• Natural bridle of the lips - sometimes, genetically, the bridle of the lips is located in such a way in relation to the teeth that when talking and eating, it constantly pulls the gum tissue, which provokes recession;
• tobacco consumption;
• Rough, intensive and forceful brushing of teeth;
• constant use of abrasive toothpaste;
• poor oral hygiene and accumulated bacterial plaque (tartar);
• Gum recession is also common in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment (braces).

When Should We Consult A Doctor?

For the most part, patients with receding gums turn to dentists at the last stage of the disease. In a normal case, the gum completely covers the root of the tooth and only the crowns of the teeth are visible in the mouth, however, during recession, this norm is violated and the root of the tooth can be seen freely. Accordingly, the symptomatic manifestation of recession for the patient is, first of all, aesthetic discomfort. Due to the upward movement of the gum (while lowering the lower jaw), the root of the tooth appears in the mouth, therefore, the tooth appears visually elongated. Also, increased sensitivity causes discomfort to the patient. If the root of the tooth is not covered by the gum, there is hypersensitivity, mainly when the patient drinks a cold drink. During gum recession, patients are at risk of caries, because the root of the tooth is no longer covered by the gum and is easily accessible to bacteria, which in itself implies the risk of root cavities (caries).

Professionals of Blits Dental - Kakhaber Kharebava Clinic advise you to contact a professional as soon as you discover problems with your gums. If after a visual inspection you feel that your teeth have "lengthened" and your gums have "shortened", be sure to schedule a visit to the dentist.

What Is The Treatment For Gum Recession?

Treatment of gum recession depends on the degree of recession - how high the degree of gum recession is. Anatomically, the gum does not grow back, however, it is possible to mobilize the gum tissue and cover the root of the tooth with microsurgical intervention. The most proven method to achieve a harmonious effect with the patient's oral cavity and facial features is the use of mathematical principles, which takes into account in the case of disturbed aesthetics in patients, the "golden section" principle of the crowns and gums, predetermining biological boundaries and protecting these boundaries during surgical intervention.Modern aesthetic dentistry offers patients various methods that can not only maintain healthy gums and oral cavity, but also correct existing defects using an invasive method. Surgical intervention used in gum recession ensures the health of the patient's mouth and returns him to a healthy, attractive smile.