Conditions
Gum Recession in Jenkintown, PA
It can happen to people who look after their teeth well.
Gum recession is common, and it is not always a hygiene problem — brushing too hard, grinding, bite issues and genetics all contribute. It develops slowly, so it often goes unnoticed until roots are already exposed.
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Gum recession at MVP Family Dental
Patients usually come in for one of two reasons: the teeth are starting to look longer, or hot and cold have become uncomfortable. Both are worth having assessed, because the cause determines the treatment.
Some patients notice recession more on one side than the other, often where plaque has been building in a particular area. Proper diagnosis is the first step.
Symptoms
What patients notice first
The visible change is the usual prompt, but it is rarely the only symptom.
- Shrinking gums, exposed rootsTeeth appear longer and the root surface becomes visible.
- Sensitivity to hot and coldExposed root surfaces are not protected by enamel.
- Bleeding after brushing or flossingOften alongside red or swollen gum tissue.
- Discomfort at the gum lineTenderness or pain where the gum meets the tooth.
- Loose or shifting teethA sign that support has been lost, and a reason to be seen.
- Persistent bad breathWhich can accompany gum problems generally.
Causes
Why gums pull back
Several factors contribute, and more than one is often in play. This is why we assess rather than assume.
- Brushing too hardAggressive technique damages gum tissue over time.
- Grinding or clenchingOften stress-related, and hard on the gum and bone.
- Misalignment or bite problemsTeeth out of position can load the gum unevenly.
- Periodontal diseaseWhich needs treating in its own right.
- Tobacco useKnown to compromise gum health.
- Hormonal changes and geneticsSome patients simply have thinner gum tissue.
- Oral piercingsWhich can irritate the gum they sit against.
Treatment
Matched to how far it has gone
Mild recession may not need immediate action, though we would rather treat early than watch it worsen. The options we offer range from straightforward to surgical.
- Desensitizing agentsVarnishes and dentin bonding agents to reduce sensitivity to hot and cold.
- Composite restorationTooth-colored composite to cover and protect exposed root surfaces.
- Orthodontic treatmentWhere misalignment is a contributing factor, repositioning the teeth.
- Cosmetic optionsPink porcelain or composite to blend with the natural gum line.
- Removable gum veneersA temporary way to cover exposed roots while longer-term options are considered.
- Surgical treatmentFor advanced recession, procedures to rebuild and restore gum tissue.
Worth mentioning at your appointment
- How firmly you brush, and what kind of brush you use.
- Whether you grind or clench your teeth, especially at night.
- Any tobacco use.
- Whether one side has receded more than the other.
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MVP Family Dental · Jenkintown, PA
The short answer
Gum recession is the gum line pulling back so that tooth roots become exposed, which causes sensitivity to hot and cold and makes teeth look longer. It develops slowly and often goes unnoticed until the roots are already exposed, and it is not always a hygiene problem: brushing too hard, grinding, bite problems, tobacco use, hormonal changes and genetics all contribute. Because more than one factor is usually in play, the cause is diagnosed first, and that is what determines the treatment.
Gum Recession Questions
- What is gum recession?
- Gum recession is the gum line pulling back so that tooth roots become exposed. It develops slowly and can go unnoticed for a long time. Patients usually come in for one of two reasons: the teeth are starting to look longer, or hot and cold have become uncomfortable. Both are worth having assessed, because the cause determines the treatment.
- Can it happen even if I look after my teeth?
- Yes. It is a common issue that can affect anyone, including patients who maintain excellent oral hygiene. Brushing too hard, grinding or clenching, bite problems, tobacco use, hormonal changes and genetics all contribute, and some people simply have thinner gum tissue. More than one factor is often in play, which is why we assess rather than assume.
- Why are my teeth suddenly sensitive?
- Exposed root surfaces are not protected by enamel, so hot and cold reach the tooth more directly. Increased sensitivity is one of the common symptoms of recession. Desensitizing varnishes and dentin bonding agents can reduce it, and composite can be used to cover and protect an exposed root surface.
- Why has one side receded more than the other?
- Often because plaque has been accumulating in that particular area. Brushing technique and an uneven bite can also load one side differently. It is one of the things the examination looks at, so it is worth mentioning if you have noticed it.
- Does mild recession need treating?
- Mild cases may not need immediate action, but we would rather treat early than watch it worsen. Acting early prevents further damage and keeps the options simpler. What is appropriate depends on how far it has gone and on what is causing it.
- What are the treatment options?
- They range from straightforward to surgical, depending on severity. Desensitizing agents reduce sensitivity, and composite restoration covers and protects exposed root surfaces. Orthodontic treatment is used where misalignment is a contributing factor, and cosmetic options such as pink porcelain or composite blend with the natural gum line. Removable gum veneers are a temporary cover while longer-term options are considered, and surgery is used to rebuild tissue in advanced cases.
- Will the gum grow back on its own?
- No. Receded gum tissue does not return by itself, which is why the treatment options exist. What treatment can do is stop it progressing and address the exposed root. Identifying and dealing with the cause is what prevents it continuing.
- How do I get it assessed?
- Contact the office for an evaluation. Identifying the cause is what determines which treatment is right for you. It helps to say how firmly you brush and what kind of brush you use, whether you grind or clench at night, any tobacco use, and whether one side has receded more than the other.
Dr. Vineetha Thomas, D.M.D.
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Dr. Priya Mathew, D.M.D.
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