Gingival recession (receding gums): symptoms, medications and more

Definition

What is a gingival recession (receding gums)?

Gingival recession is a condition when the gums sag down from the surface of the teeth, exposing the root surface of the teeth and are known as descending teeth. This condition is one of the symptoms of gum disease (periodontitis).

Receding gums are a serious consequence of poor oral health which can lead to tooth loss. There are various treatments available to treat gum and mouth disease, depending on the severity of the tissue loss.

The earlier a patient's gingival recession is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome.

How common is this condition?

Gingival recession is a common problem in adults over 40 years of age. However, this condition can also occur in adolescents who are around 10 years old.

Decreased gums can be treated by reducing the risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of a gingival recession (receding gums)?

Common signs and symptoms of receding gums include:

• Bleeding gums after brushing or flossing
• Swollen and red gums
• Bad breath
• Pain in the gum line
• Gums that appear to be drooping / shrinking
• The visible roots of the teeth
• Loose teeth

When should I see a doctor?

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the deterioration of the gums and teeth due to gingival recession. Consult a doctor as soon as possible to prevent this serious condition.

If you experience the signs or symptoms of gingival recession listed above or have any questions, please consult a doctor immediately. Everyone's body reacts differently. So, it could be that the symptoms you experience are different from those of other people.

You should always discuss what is the right and best treatment step with your doctor according to the symptoms you feel.

Cause

What causes gingival recession (receding gums)?

Quoted from the California Dental Association (CDA), at least three and four adults experience receding gums and do not experience any pain or complaints.

Bad habits of maintaining oral hygiene can unconsciously aggravate this condition. Here are a number of factors that can cause gum to recede:

1. Gum disease (periodontitis)

Periodontitis or gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection of the gums that destroys the gum tissue and the supporting bone that holds the teeth in place. Gum disease is predominantly a major cause of gingival recession.

2. Genes

Some people may be more susceptible to gum disease related to genes. A study shows that 30% of the population can easily develop gum disease, regardless of how well they care for their teeth.

3. Brushing your teeth too hard

Doing dental care carelessly, for example brushing your teeth too hard or in the wrong way can cause the enamel on your teeth to thin and eventually cause the gums to droop.

4. Less care for teeth

Improperly brushing teeth, rarely flossing , and not gargling with antibacterial mouthwash can make it easier for plaque to turn into calculus (tartar), aka tartar.

This hardened tartar can only be removed by a dentist, one of which is through a process scaling . Leaving the tartar for too long can cause the gums to droop.

5. Hormonal changes

Lifelong fluctuations in female hormone levels, such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can make the gums more sensitive and prone to gingival recession.

Risk factors

What increases the risk of gingival recession (receding gums)?

Some of the habits and risk factors for gingival recession include:

• Hardening of accumulated plaque (tartar)
• Smoke
• Family history of gum disease
• Diabetes
• HIV / AIDS
• Certain medications that cause dry mouth.

Dry mouth conditions (xerostomia) can be caused by smoking or certain drugs, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and muscle pain medications.

Dry mouth means the mouth has less saliva than it should. Without enough saliva, the tissues in the mouth can become more susceptible to bacterial infection and injury.

Diagnosis and treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor for more information.

How is this condition diagnosed?

Gingival recession and other forms of gum disease require a diagnosis by a dentist. A physical exam can indicate this problem.

The probe can also be used to measure gum pockets. The probe is a tool in the form of a small ruler.

Gum disease checks are usually painless. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, a normal gum pocket size ranges from 1-3 millimeters. If the size is bigger, then it is a sign of gum disease.

You can see a dentist who specializes in gums and teeth or a periodontist if you have problems with gingival recession. Usually, the doctor will determine the best treatment to save your gum tissue and teeth.

If a bacterial infection is found, you may be prescribed antibiotics by your doctor.

What are the treatments for gingival recession (receding gums)?

Mild gingival recession may be treated by the dentist by deeply cleaning the affected area.

Deep cleansing is also called scaling teeth and root planning . With scaling , plaque and tartar that has accumulated on the teeth and the root surface below the gum line is carefully removed.

The visible area of ​​the root is then smoothed to make it more difficult for the bacteria to stick.

If it cannot be treated with deep cleaning because of the large amount of bone loss and the gum pocket that is too deep, you may need gum surgery to treat the gingival recession.

Following are some of the surgical procedures performed to treat gingival recession.

1. Reduction of pocket depth

In this procedure, the dentist or periodontist (gum doctor) will fold back the affected gum tissue, remove harmful bacteria from the gum pocket, and secure the gum tissue in place over the root of the tooth. That way the bag will disappear or reduce in size.

2. Regeneration

If the bone supporting the tooth has been destroyed due to gingival recession, a procedure to regrow the lost bone and tissue may be performed. As in reducing pocket depth, the dentist will fold back the gum tissue and remove bacteria.

Regenerative materials, such as membranes, graft tissue, or tissue stimulating proteins can be used. This material serves to help the body naturally regrow bone and tissue in the area. After the regenerative material is placed, the gum tissue is repositioned over the tooth root.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat a gingival recession?

One of the best ways to prevent gingival recession is to regularly check with the dentist at least every six months. Even if you don't feel any symptoms, the dentist can identify the early signs of gum disease.

For example, tartar is one of the things that can cause the gums to drop. Make sure you regularly go to the dentist to prevent this problem.

You can also prevent gum problems by adopting good habits for maintaining oral hygiene, including:

• Avoid smoking
• Ensure healthy and balanced food intake
• Brushing your teeth properly and regularly, preferably twice a day
• Perform additional dental care, such as using mouthwash and dental floss (dental floss) to remove bacteria, food debris, plaque, and tartar between the teeth

If you have any questions, consult your dentist for the best solution.