With kids, our oral care focus tends to be on our teeth. Are we doing enough to prevent tooth decay and catch orthodontic problems? As we get older, it’s time to pay equal attention to our gums. Receding gums are a common problem in older adults and not always cause for alarm. However, because your gums are the anchors for your teeth, receding gums can be a cosmetic concern and a significant oral health problem. Working with your family dentist, you can prevent gum disease and recession, catch problems early and treat them when needed.
Receding gums happen when the gums pull back from the teeth because of gum disease or other factors. Parts of the tooth and tooth root, which are normally covered by the gums, are exposed. When the gum tissue erodes, it creates gum pockets around the teeth that can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Gum disease is the primary cause of recession. If bacteria infect your gums, it can damage the soft tissue and cause it to erode and pull away from the tooth. Age is another significant factor. Recession is most common in adults over 65. Other causes of receding gums include:
Should I Be Worried About Receding Gums?You may experience a small amount of recession as a normal part of aging. However, it’s also linked to gum disease, so it’s essential to be aware of the warning signs. Receding gums are a widespread problem in older patients. Nearly 90 percent of people 65 and over have a recession in at least one tooth. When left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss, bone loss in the jaw or permanently loose teeth. Receding gums are often embarrassing and can make eating and talking difficult if teeth become loose.
Your dentist routinely checks for signs of periodontal disease. However, if you have concerns about receding gums or notice changes in your gum health, please let your dentist know. If you have signs of gum disease, your dentist will measure pockets with a periodontal probe, measuring the space in millimeters to determine severity. If spaces are 5 millimeters or larger, treatment is required.
Tooth sensitivity is often the first sign of receding gums. As our gums recede, it exposes the dentin layer of the teeth below the enamel, making us extra sensitive to hot or cold food or drinks. Pain or sensitivity when brushing, flossing or getting a cleaning at your dentist’s office is another warning sign. You’ll also be able to see more of your teeth so that they might look slightly longer. In some cases, you may notice exposed roots. Redness, swelling or bleeding are often signs of gum disease and can be a warning sign of recession.
Unfortunately, our gums won’t regrow once they recede. However, there are steps your dentist can take to repair damage and prevent bone loss. Generally, the first treatment is a deep cleaning with extra procedures to clean below the gumline. Tooth scaling is a nonsurgical procedure using a manual or electronic tool to remove tartar below your gums. Your dentist also protects your gums with root planing, smoothing out the exposed root so it’s harder for bacteria to breed. If the scaling/planing procedure isn’t effective, your dentist may recommend surgery. Open-flap scaling involves folding your gum away from your tooth to remove bacteria. This allows your dentist to deflate the air pockets in your gums and boost protection. Finally, regenerative surgery may be recommended if gum recession causes bone loss and may require referral to an oral surgeon. In this case, your oral care provider folds back your gum and adds graft tissue or a regenerative protein to regenerate the bone before replacing the soft tissue. A tissue graft involves surgically removing tissue from the roof of your mouth and grafting it onto your gums.
As family dentists, we’re prevention specialists. We aim to keep your smile healthy and beautiful and catch minor concerns before they become big problems. When you visit your family dentist twice yearly, you invest in gum health. Regular cleanings allow your dentist to remove tartar linked to gum disease. Routine checkups also enable your dentist to look for warning signs of gum disease or recession and take steps before significant damage occurs. In our younger years, tooth decay is the enemy, but our gums often take center stage as we hit midlife. At Greenhill Family Dental Care, periodontal health is a big priority for adult patients. Our team works with patients of all ages to keep your mouth healthy for fresh breath and a beautiful, confident smile.
