Receding Gums

Firstly, what causes receding gums?

Periodontal disease (gum disease) – refers to the infection and inflammation of the gums and other structures in the mouth. This inflammation occurs due to an accumulation of bacterial deposits called plaque.

Factors that may cause or contribute to periodontal disease include:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Smoking
• Crooked teeth
• Damaged or faulty fillings
• Bridges or partial dentures that no longer fit
• A genetic predisposition
• Hormonal changes due to pregnancy
• Medications that cause dry mouth
• Forceful or incorrect brushing. When you apply too much pressure against the surface of the tooth and the gum margin with the toothbrush you can actually damage the gum and this can trigger gum inflammation and recession. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush can also cause gum recession
• Teeth grinding and clenching. The motion of teeth grinding puts intense pressure on the gums which can cause them to recede over time.

Treatment

Scaling and root planing –

• This procedure removes plaque and calculus from below the gumline where regular brushing cannot reach.

Gum graft surgery –

• A surgeon will cut a small piece of tissue from elsewhere in the mouth, most likely from the palate, and place it over the exposed tooth roots and stitch the area that was cut open. This type of treatment helps to prevent bone loss and the gums from receding further. It can also protect the previously exposed tooth roots from decay. The surgery does involve discomfort for several days following the procedure.
• May encounter complications from eating certain foods or from accidentally brushing or flossing too close to the sutures or treatment area.

Pinhole surgical technique

• A relatively new treatment for mild to moderate receding gums. PST is a minimally invasive procedure that involves making a tiny hole in the gum tissue above the exposed tooth root. A dentist will insert a special tool into the hole to separate the gum from the tooth, then they will stretch and reposition the gum back over the exposed tooth root.

Watch our animation here.

­Prevention – Tips to help slow or stop the progression of receding gums:

• Flossing once per day
• Using a fluoride toothpaste.
• Brushing teeth twice per day using a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Replacing toothbrushes at least every 2-4 months.
• Attending regular dental appointments.

Using the correct brushing technique:

• Place the toothbrush against the gums at a 45-degree angle.
• Applying gentle pressure, sweep the toothbrush back and forth using small, tight strokes.
• Brush the outer and inner surfaces, as well as the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
• When cleaning the inner surfaces of the front teeth, hold the toothbrush vertically.
• Brush the teeth for 2 minutes in total.

Wear a mouthguard – wearing a mouthguard at night can help prevent gum recession due to teeth grinding. Mouthguards create even pressure across the jaw and act as a physical barrier to separate the top and bottom teeth. It is always best to use a customised mouthguard.