
Your gums don't just attractively frame your teeth—they protect them as well. If they shrink back (recede) from their normal covering, portions of the teeth could become exposed to bacteria and other hazards.
Unlike the visible crown, which is protected by enamel, the tooth root depends largely on the gums as a shield against bacteria and other hazards. When the gums recede, it exposes the roots and makes them more susceptible to disease or trauma. It may also cause sensitivity to hot and cold foods as the now exposed dentin gets the full brunt of temperature and pressure sensations once muffled by the gums.
There are actually a number of causes for gum recession. In rare cases, a tooth may not have erupted normally within its bony housing, which inhibits the gums from covering it fully. Thinner gum tissues, passed down genetically, are also more susceptible to recession. And a person can even damage their gums and cause them to recede if they brush too aggressively.
The most common cause, though, is advanced periodontal (gum) disease. This bacterial infection arises from dental plaque, a thin biofilm that accumulates on tooth surfaces, usually because of poor hygiene practices. As the infection and resulting inflammation in the gums worsens, they lose their attachment to teeth resulting in a number of harmful outcomes that include recession.
The first step then in treating gum recession is to treat the underlying problem as much as possible. In the case of gum disease, effective treatment could stop mild to moderate recession and sometimes reverse it. For more extensive recession, a patient may need gum grafting surgery to help regenerate lost gum tissue.
You can help prevent gum disease, and thus lower your risk for recession, with daily brushing and flossing to remove bacterial plaque. Likewise, see your dentist at least twice a year for dental cleanings to remove any residual plaque and tartar (hardened plaque).
You should also visit your dentist promptly if you notice swollen or bleeding gums, or more of your teeth surfaces showing. The earlier your dentist diagnoses and begins treatment for gum recession, the better your chances for a healthy and more attractive outcome.
If you would like more information on maintaining good gum health, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Gum Recession.”
Comments:

Peter Brusco DMD
Kinnelon, NJ 07405

Patient Education
Archive:
- 2022
- 2021
- 2020
- July (5)
- Treating Gum Disease is Good for Your Whole Body, Not Just Your Mouth
- Enjoy Your Ice Cream - But Just a Little for Your Dental Health's Sake
- Tired of Dental Stains? We Can Help
- Janet Jackson: Even pop stars get insecure about their smiles!
- New Studies Show: Sealants Could Help Your Child Avoid Tooth Decay
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
Tags
- celebrity smiles (74)
- dental implants (15)
- dental insurance (1)
- orthodontic treatment (22)
- braces (8)
- oral health (30)
- fluoride (5)
- mouthguard (2)
- dental injuries (4)
- pediatric dentistry (20)
- tooth decay (10)
- cosmetic dentistry (20)
- sealants (4)
- air abrasion (1)
- dental injury (5)
- crown (1)
- cold sore (2)
- oral hygiene (31)
- root canal (7)
- gummy smile (3)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- gum disease (17)
- wisdom teeth (7)
- bad breath (2)
- tmj disorders (4)
- tmd (1)
- tooth pain (5)
- dental anxiety (1)
- chipped teeth (1)
- crowns (6)
- tooth erosion (1)
- periodontal disease (3)
- periodontal surgery (1)
- orthodontics (6)
- tooth grinding (1)
- mouthguards (4)
- sedation dentistry (1)
- dental emergency (1)
- tooth wear (1)
- teeth whitening (3)
- porcelain veneers (4)
- sugar (1)
- nutrition (6)
- bonding (1)
- flossing (2)
- dentures (2)
- restorative dentistry (3)
- root canal treatment (3)
- teething (2)
- laser dentistry (2)
- veneers (5)
- missing teeth (1)
- eating disorders (1)
- teeth grinding (1)
- oral cancer (2)
- chipped tooth (4)
- snoring (3)
- sleep apnea (3)
- family dentist (3)
- fillings (1)
- dental visits (1)
- bone grafting (1)
- crown lengthening (3)
- retainers (2)
- gum recession (3)
- retainer (3)
- Damaged Teeth (1)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- sports drinks (1)
- pulp capping (1)
- Extractions (3)
- baby teeth (1)
- Extraction (2)
- Crowns & Bridges (1)
- Preventive Dentistry (1)
- apicoectomy (1)
- fluroide (1)
- jaw pain (2)
- toothache (1)
- Tooth Filling (1)
- dental implant (4)
- gerd (1)
- cleft lip (1)
- cleft palate (1)
- oral surgery (3)
- dental visit (1)
- Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure (1)
- smoking (1)
- lingual braces (1)
- Dental Veneers (1)
- smile makeover (1)
- Dental Stains (1)
- loose tooth (1)
- Family Dentistry (2)
- Dentistry Services (1)
- Root Canals (1)
- Tooth Extractions (2)
- Dentist In Kinnelon NJ (2)
- Dental Office In Kinnelon NJ (1)
- (1)
- Dentist (1)
- dry mouth (1)
- Baby Bottle Tooth Decay (1)
- dental sealants (1)
- dental care (1)