Gum Recession Causes and Treatments By Jin Ha Joung on November 07, 2014

A man smiling happily, his healthy gums perfectly proportionate to his teeth Periodontal treatment has come a long way in the past couple of decades, to the point that even the most badly eroded gums can be reconstructed to return the mouth to reasonable form and function. Nevertheless, there is no substitute for one’s original periodontal tissues. When it comes to the gums, an ounce of prevention truly is worth a pound of cure. This is why it is so important for people to visit their dentists at least twice a year for routine examinations and professional cleanings, as recommended by the American Dental Association, especially if their gums are in good health.

However, for most adults, gum disease has already set in to some degree. In fact, it is estimated that roughly three-quarters of all American adults suffer either from gingivitis, the milder and more easily treated form of gum disease, or its more severe counterpart, periodontitis. One of the most conspicuous and detrimental consequences of gum disease is gum recession. Fortunately, at our cosmetic and restorative dentistry practice in Ridgewood, gum recession treatments are available to help patients return their mouths to optimal oral health.

Gum Recession Causes

Gum recession occurs when the soft tissues that support the teeth, commonly referred to as the gums, begin to degrade and erode. The condition becomes noticeable as the teeth themselves begin to appear longer. Gum recession is associated with numerous other oral health problems, including eventual tooth loss.

The most common causes of gum recession include:

Gum disease: If left untreated and allowed to progress into its most severe form, periodontitis, the gums can become severely infected and begin to erode.
Poor tooth brushing habits: Many people believe that if they brush their teeth forcefully with a hard-bristled tooth brush, they will more effectively remove the bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease. In truth, overly aggressive tooth brushing can harm both tooth enamel and the sensitive gum tissue.
Smoking: Smoking and other forms of tobacco use are harmful to all oral tissues, including the gums.
Teeth grinding: Clinically known as bruxism, chronic grinding of the teeth causes wear on the enamel, gums, and jaws.
Pregnancy and menopause: The hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and menopause can cause gum erosion.
Poor oral hygiene: The failure to brush and floss regularly, as well as to visit the dentist at least twice a year, can result in damage to the gums.

Gum Recession Treatments

Whether you are experiencing gum recession in its beginning stages or in a more severe form, we offer a solution that will return your gums to a healthy state. Our treatments for gum recession include:

Scaling and root planing: In its earliest stages, gum recession can often be halted through scaling and root planing, otherwise known as deep cleaning of the gums.
Pocket depth reduction: This form of oral surgery involves removing bacteria from between the gums and the teeth and then suturing the gums snugly to the teeth.
Gum grafting: If the gums have receded drastically, they can be reconstructed using soft tissues from elsewhere in the mouth.