In Singapore, receding gums is a common dental condition. The National Adult Oral Health Survey involving 1,196 adult Singaporeans revealed that 90% suffered from some form of gum disease. Maintaining healthy gums is vital for oral health, as untreated gum disease can progress to more serious issues like periodontitis.
In this article, we will discuss the causes of receding gums, the available treatments, as well as some related queries.
What are Receding Gums?
Receding gums occur when the gum tissue pulls back, exposing more of the tooth or its root. This condition can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, a higher risk of cavities, and even tooth loss if left untreated.
Causes of Receding Gums
Multiple factors can lead to receding gums, each contributing to the deterioration of gum tissue. Understanding these causes is essential for effective prevention and treatment.
Gum disease, particularly periodontal disease, is the primary cause of gum recession. Periodontal disease typically progresses from an initial stage known as gingivitis. Gingivitis is characterised by inflammation and irritation of the gums due to plaque buildup, which can lead to more severe forms of gum disease if not treated.
As periodontal disease develops, bacteria within the plaque produce toxins that irritate the gum tissue, causing inflammation and infection. Pockets form between the gums and teeth, allowing more bacteria to thrive, exacerbating tissue loss and leading to recession. Over time, the gums pull away from the teeth, exposing the roots and increasing susceptibility to tooth loss.
Poor oral hygiene can lead to the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. If not removed through regular brushing and flossing, plaque can harden into tartar. This hardened plaque can irritate the gums, beginning the process of gum recession.
The primary cause of plaque buildup is inadequate oral hygiene practices. Habits like neglecting to brush at least twice a day, floss daily, and use mouthwash allow plaque to accumulate.
Teeth grinding and clenching can lead to significant gum recession due to the pressure it places on the gums. This constant force loosens teeth in their sockets, creating deep gingival pockets. Over time, the stress on the gums can cause them to recede, exposing the roots of the teeth.
Using a hard-bristled toothbrush or brushing too hard can damage gum tissue. This may cause inflammation and exposes the roots of the teeth, resulting in gum recession.
Tobacco users tend to have more plaque on their teeth due to chemicals in tobacco that reduce saliva production. Less saliva encourages bacteria to thrive, resulting in increased plaque buildup that predisposes one to gum recession. Additionally, tobacco can irritate gum tissue, making gums more prone to recession.
During menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause, hormonal changes can increase blood flow to the gums, leading to inflammation and swelling. This heightened sensitivity can cause gums to react more dramatically to irritants like plaque, making them more likely to recede.
Although ageing itself is not a direct factor, gum tissue tends to recede in older people due to a combination of factors. Over time, years of plaque buildup and other untreated oral health issues lead to the gums gradually pulling back. Those who have a habit of over brushing may also observe gum recession later in life.
Symptoms of Receding Gums
Receding gums can be identified by multiple symptoms. Here are some of the main signs to watch for:
- Increased tooth sensitivity, especially to hot or cold temperatures
- Exposed tooth roots
- Gums appearing swollen or inflamed
- Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
- Loose teeth
- Shortening of gums
Stages of Receding Gums
There are 4 main stages of gum recession, each reflecting increasing severity and distinct symptoms. Recognising these stages is essential for early detection and effective gum treatment.
Early Stage
- Mild tooth sensitivity
- Minor recession of the gum line
- Minimal exposure of the tooth root is noticeable
Moderate Stage
- Noticeable exposure of the tooth root
- Increased gum recession
- Heightened sensitivity to temperature changes
Advanced Stage
- Significant gum recession
- Extensive exposure of the tooth root
Severe Stage
- High risk of tooth loss
- Significant exposure of tooth roots
- Major loss of gum tissue
Treatments for Receding Gums
A range of treatment options exists for receding gums, varying from non-invasive methods to surgical interventions. Your dentist will typically recommend a method tailored to the severity of your condition. This section will explain a few commonly used options for gum recession treatment.
Scaling and polishing are essential dental procedures aimed at combating gum recession by removing plaque and tartar buildup. During scaling, the dentist thoroughly cleans the tooth surfaces above and below the gum line using hand-held and/or ultrasonic equipment.
Your dentist will then polish your teeth using a gritty paste. It is applied in a circular motion to smooth the surfaces and remove light stains. Fluoride is applied at the end of the procedure to protect your teeth from decay.
Root planing involves deep cleaning the tooth roots both above and below the gum line. Typically used for more severe cases of gum recession, the tooth roots are smoothed to create a less favourable surface for bacteria to grow on. This procedure thus aids in healing and gum reattachment.
Medication, such as antibiotics, is vital for treating gum recession linked to bacterial infections. Gum recession often results from periodontal disease, caused by harmful bacteria in plaque.
Antibiotic mouthwash can also help to reduce bacteria in the mouth, promoting recovery and preventing further recession. It enhances the effectiveness of scaling and root planing by targeting bacteria in gum pockets.
For those dealing with receding gums, a minimally invasive treatment option is laser periodontal therapy, utilising Fotona Twin Light Therapy. This technique employs two different wavelengths of lasers (Nd:YAG and Er:YAG) to optimise healing and restoration of periodontal tissues.
The procedure consists of three steps:
- Nd:YAG Laser Application: This laser targets and removes the diseased epithelial lining of the periodontal pocket, allowing better access to the root surface.
- Er:YAG Laser Cleaning: Next, the Er:YAG laser removes harmful microbial biofilm and tartar buildup from the root surface.
- Nd:YAG Laser Coagulation: Finally, the Nd:YAG laser promotes tissue coagulation, facilitating the formation of a stable fibrin clot, which is required for healing.
One of the significant advantages of this laser treatment is the absence of incisions, ensuring less postoperative discomfort for the patient. The precision of the lasers also allows for targeted treatment, further enhancing recovery.
Gum contouring is an invasive cosmetic procedure designed to reshape the gums, especially after gum recession. The first step in gum contouring involves your dentist marking a line that indicates the new gum line. Once the new gum line is established, your gums are numbed with a local anaesthetic.
At i.Dental, this procedure is performed using Fotona’s LightWalker® Laser System, which allows for precision and minimally invasive treatment.
Preventing Receding Gums
Preventing gum recession is achievable through consistent oral care and healthy habits. To keep gum recession at bay, follow these guidelines:
- Brush regularly: Brushing thoroughly twice a day is optimal to remove plaque and food particles, preventing buildup that can lead to gum disease.
- Floss daily: By flossing once a day, the area between teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach is cleaned to prevent bacterial growth.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: Soft bristles are gentler on gums, reducing the risk of irritation and recession while effectively cleaning teeth.
- Rinse with antimicrobial mouthwash: Using an antimicrobial mouthwash twice daily helps kill bacteria, contributing to overall gum health.
- Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco: Tobacco use significantly increases the risk of gum disease and recession, so avoiding it is crucial for maintaining healthy gums.
- Regular dentist visits: Visit your dentist for professional cleanings and early detection of potential issues to keep your gums healthy.
FAQs About Receding Gums
Reversing receding gums is not possible. Once gum tissue has been lost, it cannot regenerate. However, taking proactive steps can help slow down or halt further recession. The best approach is to focus on maintaining excellent oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings.
When dealing with receding gums, you should avoid foods that can exacerbate the condition. Sugary and acidic foods can significantly worsen gum recession because they promote the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, leading to plaque buildup and increased inflammation. This can further compromise gum health and accelerate the recession process.
Additionally, sticky and hard foods should be avoided as they can place extra strain on your teeth and gums. Sticky foods can get trapped between teeth, making it difficult to remove plaque, while hard foods can cause physical damage to already weakened gums.
Gum tissue tends to recede with age, but there is no specific age at which this recession occurs. While some people may experience gum recession as they get older, it can also happen at any age due to various factors, such as poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease, and other health conditions.
Regardless of age, maintaining good oral health practices is crucial. Regular check-ups allow dental professionals to provide guidance and treatment, helping to prevent or manage gum recession throughout the years.
The following home methods and treatments may be useful for halting further gum recession:
- Brush and floss regularly: Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily removes plaque and food particles, reducing the risk of gum recession.
- Saltwater rinse: Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe inflamed gums and reduce bacteria in the mouth, as it has antibacterial properties.
- Oil pulling therapy: Swishing oil (e.g. coconut or sesame oil) in your mouth for 15-20 minutes may help pull harmful bacteria away from the gums.
While retainers themselves do not directly cause gum recession, improper cleaning and maintenance can lead to bacterial buildup. This can contribute to gum disease, which may ultimately result in gum recession.
Receding gums may not be the direct cause of bad breath, but they can create spaces or pockets between the teeth and gums where bacteria can flourish. Bacterial growth can produce foul-smelling compounds, leading to persistent bad breath.
To combat this issue, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is extremely important. This includes regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash.
In some situations, it may be possible to get braces or Invisalign even if you have receding gums. However, remember to consult your dentist first for a thorough assessment of your gum health. Your dentist will evaluate the extent of gum recession and determine whether your gums are stable enough for orthodontic treatment.
