​What is gum recession?

Gum recession is a condition that needs to be treated and often requires different approaches depending on the underlying causes. Here are the steps you can follow to solve this problem: 
 

Causes of Gum Recession 

The causes of gum recession can be different. Periodontal diseases, inadequate oral hygiene and genetic factors are among the causes. Understanding the causes of receding gums is important in choosing the appropriate treatment. 


What is Periodontitis? 

Periodontitis, also called gum disease, is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue around the teeth. If left untreated, periodontitis can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. This can lead to loose teeth or tooth loss. 

Periodontitis is common but usually preventable. It is often the result of not taking good care of your mouth and teeth. To help prevent periodontitis or increase your chances of successful treatment, brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily and have regular dental check-ups. 


What are the Symptoms? 

Healthy gums are firm and fit snugly around the teeth. Healthy gums can vary in color. It can range from light pink in some people to dark pink and brown in others. 

Symptoms of periodontitis may include: 

Swollen or puffy gums. 
Bright red, dark red or dark purple gums. 
Gums that are tender to the touch. 
Gums that bleed easily. 
A toothbrush that looks pink after you brush your teeth. 
Spitting blood when brushing or flossing your teeth. 
Bad breath that does not go away. 
Pus between your teeth and gums. 
Loose teeth or tooth loss. 
Painful chewing. 
New gaps between your teeth that look like black triangles. 
Gums pulling away from your teeth, making your teeth look longer than normal, this is called gum recession. 
A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down. 

When should you see a dentist? 

Follow the schedule recommended by your dentist for regular check-ups. If you notice signs of periodontitis, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. 

Causes 
In most cases, periodontitis starts with plaque. Plaque is a sticky layer of mostly bacteria. Here's how plaque can progress to periodontitis over time if left untreated: 

Plaque forms on your teeth when starches and sugars in food interact with bacteria commonly found in your mouth. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day removes plaque, but plaque comes back quickly. 

If plaque stays on your teeth, it can harden below your gum line and turn into tartar. Tartar is harder to remove. You can't get rid of it by brushing and flossing. You need a professional dental cleaning to remove it. Because plaque and tartar are full of bacteria, the longer they stay on your teeth, the more damage they can do. 

Plaque can cause gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease. Gingivitis is irritation and swelling of the gum tissue around the base of your teeth. Gingiva is another word for gum tissue. Gingivitis can be reversed with professional treatment and good home oral care, but only if it is treated early before bone loss occurs. 

Ongoing gum irritation and swelling, called inflammation, can cause periodontitis. Eventually this causes deep pockets to form between your gums and teeth. These pockets fill with plaque, tartar and bacteria and become deeper over time. If left untreated, these deep infections lead to tissue and bone loss. Eventually, you may lose one or more teeth. In addition, ongoing inflammation can challenge your immune system, causing other health problems. 


Risk factors 

Factors that can increase your risk of periodontitis include 
Gingivitis. 
Poor oral health care habits. 
Smoking cigarettes 
Hormonal changes, such as those related to pregnancy or menopause. 
Obesity. 
Poor diet, including low levels of vitamin C. 
Genetics. 
Certain medications that cause dry mouth or gum changes. 


How can periodontitis be prevented? 

The best way to prevent periodontitis is to get into the habit of taking good care of your mouth and teeth. Start this routine at a young age and continue it throughout your life. 

Good oral care: You should brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day, in the morning and at bedtime, and floss at least once a day. Flossing before brushing allows you to remove loose pieces of food and bacteria. Good oral care keeps your teeth and gums clean and eliminates the bacteria that cause periodontal disease. 

Regular dental check-ups: Visit your dentist regularly, usually every 6 to 12 months. If you have risk factors that increase your chances of developing periodontitis, such as dry mouth, taking certain medications or smoking, you may need more frequent professional dental cleanings. 


Gum Transplant 
If gum recession is advanced, a gum transplant may be necessary. During this procedure, gum tissue is removed and transplanted to the receding area. 

This can be an effective way to treat gum recession. 


Periodontal Surgery 

In some cases, periodontal surgery may be required. During this procedure, surgical intervention is performed to solve the problem of receding gums. 

"Contact us if you have a problem with receding gums."