Gum recession, also called gingival recession, is a process in which the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth wears way and roots of the teeth become exposed, leading to a greater risk of decay and the eventual loss of teeth, if left untreated.

Sometimes we cannot realize the gum recession until it becomes severe. It is because that gum recession occurs gradually. Most people are suffering from gum recession. Gum recession is not something you want to ignore. If you think your gums are receding, make an appointment with your dentist to have a check-up.

The common causes of gum recession

There are numerous factors that can cause your gums to recede, including:

Periodontal diseases

Your genes

Aggressive tooth brushing

Insufficient dental care 

Hormonal changes

Tobacco products

Grinding and clenching your teeth

Crooked teeth or a misaligned bite

How to deal with Gum Recession?

Mild gum recession may be able to be treated by your dentist by deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar below the gum line.

If your gum recession cannot be treated with deep cleaning due to excess loss of bone and deep pocket, then gum surgery is required to restore the gum recession damage. The following surgeries are used to treat gum recession:

Flap curettage and root planing: During this surgery, the dentist will fold back the affected gum tissue, remove the harmful bacteria from the pockets, and then secure the gum tissue in place over the tooth root, thus eliminating the pockets or reducing their size.

Regeneration: If the bone supporting your teeth has been destroyed as a result of gum recession, a procedure to regenerate lost bone and tissue may be recommended.

Soft tissue graft: There are several types of gum tissue graft procedures, but the most commonly used one is called a connective tissue graft.

Your dentist can determine the best type of surgery to use on you based on your individual needs.

The best way to prevent gum recession is to take good care of your mouth. Brush and floss your teeth every day and see your dentist at least twice a year, or as recommended. Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush and ask your dentist to show you the proper way to brush your teeth. If a misaligned bite or teeth grinding is the cause of gum recession, talk to your dentist about how to correct the problem.