Why Are Your Gums Receding?

Gum recession is, unfortunately, a common disease in the United States. Two out of five adults have some form of gum disease or recession. It affects adults, 30 years and older. *** 

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory process. It occurs as the gum tissue surrounding the teeth pulls back and exposes the tooth or the tooth’s root. Pockets then form between the teeth and the gum line. This is due to the accumulation of plaque and bacteria which form an inflammatory response. If the gum recession is not treated, tissue and bone may be damaged and tooth loss may eventually occur. Many of our patients don’t even know they have it. Their teeth are sensitive and they may see a gap or space between their teeth and the gum line. 

The symptoms of receding gums include: 

1. redness and swelling
2. bleeding gums
3. teeth look longer than normal
4. Halitosis (bad breath)
5. pain or sensitivity at the gum line
6. loose teeth in the sockets

There are a number of reasons why our patients have gum recession: 

1. Genetic traits: Some people are more likely to have gum disease. More than 30% of the US population will have gum disease, no matter what they may do. 
2. Poor hygiene: Aggressive teeth brushing can wear away enamel. Also, an overabundance of plaque and tartar can cause a recession. When the bad bacteria in your mouth overpower the good bacteria in your mouth, gum disease and recession can occur. 
3. Age and hormones: Puberty, pregnancy, aging, and menopause can make gums more sensitive. 
4. Misaligned teeth and over/underbites: Teeth that are not properly aligned will have a lot of force placed on them and recession can occur more readily. 
5. Poorly fitting dentures or bridges. 
6. Diabetes 
7. Dry-mouth from certain medications 
8. Damaged fillings 
9. Severe grinding and bruxism: This can exert more force on your teeth and exacerbate the recession.

There are a number of things that we can do to help with the gum recession. At All Smiles Bethesda, we can do: 

1. Scaling and Root Planing: This is a non-surgical treatment to control gum disease in its early stages. The procedure begins with a thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums to remove plaque and tartar deposits above and below the gum line. This is followed by root planing of the root surfaces to smooth out rough areas and prevent this from recurring. 
2. Arestin: The antibiotic, Arestin (minocycline HCl) is placed after scaling and root planning and allows the gums to heal faster. Using proper dental home care and regular periodontal maintenance visits, pocket depths should improve. This may prevent the need for gum surgery. 
3. Gingivectomy: This reduces the depth of periodontal pockets. It cleans the periodontal pockets and lifts them so the gum is reattached to the teeth.

Gum recession cannot and should not be ignored. If you believe you are suffering from this, please contact your dentist immediately for a consultation and treatment. Gum recession can be the beginning signs of gum and periodontal disease. 

All Smiles Bethesda has experienced dentists and dental hygienists who can take care of your gum recession issues. If you would like to schedule an appointment for you or your family, please call us at 301-984-9646 email us at info@allsmilesbethesda.com or lorraine@allsmilesbethesda.com. We serve the Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring, and the Washington, DC area. 

*** For more information on gum recession and gum disease, visit the NIH website.