Latest update November 21st, 2024 1:00 AM
DENTAL HEALTH…GINGIVAL RECESSION
By Dr. Neromini Fagu
Gingival recession, commonly known as gum recession, is a condition that can occur in anyone at any age. Most times, you are unaware of the recession taking place until there is a noticeable change in the height of the gum, or you 
experience other dental issues such as sensitivity. You may also notice that your teeth are appearing “longer” or there are spaces between them at the gum line.
For many people, receding gums are not usually a problem but for others the condition can be a concern. When we talk and smile, a lot or a little of our gums, depending on our lip line, may be in view. This may make some people with receding gums self-conscious of their appearance. Also, some people may experience sensitivity to hot or cold foods or acids due to the exposed tooth roots, while others may even fear losing their teeth.
Healthy gums cover the underlying bone which encases the roots of our teeth. The gums normally have a pink, stippling appearance and are firm and resistant to movement, and would form a scalloped appearance around each tooth and completely fill the spaces between the teeth. Healthy gums don’t usually bleed when you brush your teeth or eat crisp and crusty foods. Swollen, shiny, puffy gums and spaces between the teeth are usually an indication of periodontal disease.
The recession of gums may be caused by a number of factors some of which you can control and others, unfortunately, you cannot. Some of these factors include:
Periodontal Disease: This is the main cause of gum recession. Poor oral hygiene allows bacteria to infiltrate the spaces between the gum and the teeth. These bacteria produce toxins which destroys bone and the ligaments that attach the gum to the bone. When bone is destroyed, gum is lost thereby exposing the roots the teeth.
Trauma: You may be surprised to hear that brushing and flossing your teeth may cause or exacerbate gum recession. If you brush and floss in an aggressive manner you are doing more harm than good to your dental health. The force and, or, frequency of this practice can traumatize, inflame and tear gum tissues resulting in recession. Excessive brushing can also cause wear to exposed root surfaces leading to tooth sensitivity.
Genetics: As with other dental characteristics, the thickness of your gums depends on the genes inherited from your parents. Thicker gums tend to be more resistant to wear and tear as opposed to thinner ones.
Other Factors: Tobacco use, bruxism, hormonal changes, misaligned teeth, poor bite, tooth position in the bone, body piercings and diet all are contributing factors to the health of your gum and consequently play a part in gingival recession.
It is important to note that the body does not naturally regenerate gum tissue when it is lost. In order for your dentist to provide a treatment plan for gum recession, the cause of the recession must be identified. Sometimes it might be a single factor or a combination of factors that needs or need to be addressed for effective results. Habits such as aggressive brushing and flossing as well as tobacco use may be modified to stop the recession, but will not reverse it. Crooked teeth and bruxism may require dental appliances. Other treatment options include:
Deep Cleaning: This is not a regular cleaning but one which requires the removal of plaque and tartar on the roots below the gum line using special tools. This procedure is known as root scaling and planing. Antibiotics and medicated mouth rinses may also be prescribed.
Gum Grafting: This is a surgical procedure that involves taking the patient’s own healthy gum tissue from the roof of the mouth or using a gum grafting material to replace the missing gum tissue.
Tissue Regeneration: This is a surgical procedure where a regenerative material is placed in the area of bone loss to help regenerate the bone and tissue.
Gingival recession may occur very slowly and sometimes over a period of years making it tough to spot if you don’t experience any associated pain or sensitivity. If left untreated, exposed roots may lead to a greater risk of decay and eventual tooth loss. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy as well as regular dental check-ups is the best way to minimize recession.
For more information contact OMNI DENTAL at 295 Quamina Street, Georgetown Tel: 227-0025, Parika Tel: 260-3133 or send emails to [email protected].
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