Receding gums, also known as gingival recession, can often be corrected through proper oral hygiene and minor dental procedures. Here are some quick answers about receding gums:
What causes receding gums?
The most common causes of receding gums are periodontal disease, aggressive brushing, and poor oral hygiene. Genetics, hormonal changes, and smoking can also contribute to gingival recession.
Can receding gums grow back?
If caught early, mild gum recession can be reversed through improved brushing and flossing habits. More severe recession is unlikely to completely resolve on its own, but can often be corrected with minor grafting procedures.
What procedures can fix receding gums?
Common procedures used to treat receding gums include:
- Gingival grafting – Taking tissue from the roof of the mouth to cover exposed roots
- Guided tissue regeneration – Using specialized membranes to regrow gum tissue
- Pinhole surgical technique – Making tiny incisions to loosen gum tissue
How can I prevent further gum recession?
To prevent receding gums from worsening, it’s important to maintain excellent oral hygiene with proper brushing and flossing technique. Regular dental cleanings and addressing risk factors like smoking can also help stop gum recession.
What are the signs of receding gums?
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of receding gums include:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Visible roots
- Gaps between teeth
- Bad breath
Noticing any of these issues should prompt a dental exam to evaluate gum health.
Can receding gums affect your teeth?
Yes, receding gums can lead to several problems with the teeth, including:
- Tooth decay – Gum recession exposes more tooth structure to bacteria
- Tooth sensitivity – Loss of gums leads to exposure of root surfaces
- Tooth looseness – Shallow gum tissue provides less support for teeth
That’s why it’s critical to address receding gums before more severe dental issues occur.
What does it mean if only one tooth has receding gums?
Isolated gum recession around just a single tooth is often caused by:
- Aggressive brushing – Overly vigorous brushing damages the gum
- Poor fitting crown or filling – Improperly contoured restorations rub the gum
- Tooth position – Some teeth simply erupt in a position that leads to tissue pull
If one tooth has significantly more gum recession than others, it’s a good idea to have it evaluated by a dentist.
Can you reverse receding gums without surgery?
In mild cases of gum recession, it may be possible to regrow lost gum tissue without surgery through:
- Improved oral hygiene – Gentle brushing and flossing helps gums reattach
- Prescription strength toothpaste – Fluoride and stannous fluoride promote gum healing
- Desensitizing toothpaste – Reduces sensitivity and irritation to exposed roots
- Mouthwash – Antimicrobial rinses reduces inflammation and bacteria
However, moderate to advanced cases of receding gums will likely require some type of surgical gum grafting procedure.
What happens if you leave receding gums untreated?
Without treatment, receding gums will continue to get progressively worse over time. Potential complications of leaving receding gums untreated include:
- Tooth loss – Gums recede to the point where teeth become unstable and fall out
- Bone loss – The underlying jawbone deteriorates as gums disappear
- Tooth decay – More exposed tooth surface is vulnerable to cavities
- Tooth sensitivity – Worsening sensitivity and pain as more root is uncovered
That’s why it’s important to have receding gums evaluated and treated before substantial damage occurs.
Can receding gums be a sign of cancer?
Receding gums alone are not a sign of oral cancer. However, receding gums combined with other symptoms could potentially indicate cancer:
- Sore that doesn’t heal – Non-healing mouth ulcer may be cancerous
- White/red patches – Abnormal tissue growth could be precancerous
- Swollen gums – Enlarged, inflamed gums may harbor cancer
- Loose teeth – Unexplained loose teeth raise cancer concerns
Receding gums plus any of these issues warrant an immediate oral cancer screening by a dentist.
Are receding gums inevitable with age?
Although gum recession tends to become more common with older age, it is not an inevitable part of aging. Proper home care and regular professional cleanings can help maintain healthy gums for a lifetime.
Can receding gums affect your bite?
Yes, receding gums can affect your bite alignment in a few ways:
- Tooth shifting – Teeth drift as gums recede and provide less support
- Uneven bite – Some teeth recede more than others, changing alignment
- Jaw changes – Missing gum tissue alters the bite relationship
In some cases, orthodontics or restorations may be needed to correct bite issues caused by receding gums.
Do dentures make your gums recede?
Ill-fitting dentures that rub and irritate the gums can potentially contribute to localized gum recession. Properly designed and fitted dentures should not cause gum loss.
Can gum recession affect front teeth?
Gum recession can impact the front incisor and canine teeth as well as back teeth. In fact, gum recession around front teeth is often the most noticeable and can really affect your smile. Treatments like gum grafts are frequently used to cover exposed root surfaces on front teeth.
Does flossing cause receding gums?
Flossing does not cause receding gums. In fact, flossing is important for gum health and preventing recession. However, flossing incorrectly and snapping floss forcefully against the gums can potentially cause localized recession.
Can receding gums cause bad breath?
Yes, receding gums allow more tooth surface to be exposed. This allows odor-causing bacteria to collect and cause bad breath. Gum recession can also cause periodontal pockets that harbor bacteria and lead to halitosis.
Can receding gums affect sinus problems?
Receding gums around upper back teeth can potentially contribute to maxillary sinus issues. Loss of gum tissue around the maxillary teeth allows bacteria and irritants to more readily infiltrate the sinus cavity nearby.
Conclusion
Receding gums are a common issue that can impact your oral health and smile. Mild cases may resolve with improved oral care, but more advanced recession requires surgical procedures to restore gum tissue. Left untreated, receding gums will progressively worsen and can lead to tooth loss. By addressing gum recession early, complications can often be prevented and gumline restored. With proper dental treatment, receding gums can frequently be corrected for improved function and aesthetics.
