Gum Recession

West New York NJ

Treating gum recession can enhance both patients’ appearance and oral health. Gum recession may even happen to people with good oral hygiene. Fortunately, many solutions are available.

Gum recession treatment is available at Hudson Dental Center in West New York and the surrounding area. We can help you maintain your smile and dental health. Call us today at 201 662 1922 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.

Understanding Gum Recession

Gum recession refers to the phenomenon of the gums receding or pulling away from the teeth. Though generally associated with older patients, gum recession can affect patients of all ages, no matter how well they take care of their teeth. Gum recession can cause a gummy smile and negatively affect the functionality of the teeth.

Gum tissue should ideally fit around each tooth. With gum recession, however, the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth and leaves the tooth root exposed. As the root surface is not protected by a hard enamel covering, it may now be at an increased risk of decay. If left untreated, gum recession will eventually damage the supporting tissue and bone structures of the teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss.

Symptoms of Gum Recession

It is not uncommon for gum recession to have a subtle onset, even going unnoticed until the condition has already progressed. The most apparent signs of gum recession are the aesthetic changes that follow. These include exposed tooth roots and visibly shrinking gums. Other symptoms, however, include:

• Bad breath
• Gums that bleed after brushing or flossing
• Loose teeth
• Pain at the gum line
• Red, swollen gums

At this point, patients may express concerns about their appearance or even potentially losing teeth. Exposed tooth roots may also make teeth particularly sensitive to cold and heat.

Causes of Gum Recession

Even patients with good oral hygiene can experience gum recession. Several factors may contribute, including aggressive toothbrushing, body piercing, clenching or grinding teeth, crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, hormonal changes, insufficient dental care, periodontal disease, and tobacco use. Genetics may also play a role — those with weak, thin gums seem to be likely to pass it onto their children.

Gums can also recede only on one side, usually because plaque has concentrated in that particular area of the mouth. In such cases, the patient may have neglected oral hygiene on the other side of the mouth, allowing excess plaque and bacteria at the gum line to release any toxic substances that destroy gum tissue. Another possible explanation is that a misaligned bite may put more stress on one side of the mouth than the other. The same reasoning may apply for gum recession on only one tooth. Physical trauma may also be a factor.