What Causes Gum Recession and How To Prevent It?

Have you noticed your teeth looking slightly longer than they used to? Do you feel a sudden "zing" of sensitivity when you drink ice water or hot coffee?

You might be experiencing gum recession.

Gum recession is the process where the margin of the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth wears away or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth, or even the tooth's root. It is a common dental problem, but because it happens gradually, many patients don't notice it until they feel sensitivity.

As a clinic specialized in restoring smiles, we want to help you understand why this happens—and how to stop it in its tracks.

The Top 5 Culprits Behind Gum Recession

While gum disease is a leading cause, recession often happens in mouths that are otherwise very clean and healthy. Here are the most common reasons:

1. Brushing Too Hard (The "Aggressive Scrubber")

This is the most common cause we see in healthy patients. If you scrub your teeth aggressively with a medium or hard-bristled toothbrush, you can literally wear away the gum tissue. Think of your gums like a delicate fabric; scrubbing them with a wire brush will cause them to fray.

2. Genetics (The "Thin Biotype")

Some people are born with thick, resilient gum tissue (think of a thick leather jacket). Others are born with thin, delicate tissue (think of silk). If you have a "thin biotype," you are naturally more predisposed to recession, regardless of how well you care for your teeth.

3. Crooked Teeth or Misalignment

When teeth do not come together evenly, excessive force can be placed on the gums and bone, allowing recession to occur. Additionally, if a tooth is pushed "out" of the bony arch (prominent teeth), the gum tissue is stretched thin and can easily recede.

4. Periodontal Disease

This is a bacterial gum infection that destroys gum tissue and the supporting bone that holds your teeth in place. As the bone is lost, the gums follow, leading to that "long tooth" look.

How Can You Prevent It?

Once gum tissue has receded, it does not grow back on its own. This makes prevention absolutely critical.

• Switch to "Soft": Throw away any medium or hard toothbrushes immediately. Use a soft or ultra-soft bristled brush.

• Check Your Technique: Use a gentle circular motion rather than a back-and-forth sawing motion. If the bristles on your brush are splayed out after a month, you are pressing too hard! Using an electric toothbrush with pressure sensor can also help!

• Wear a Night Guard: If you wake up with a sore jaw or have been told you grind your teeth, a custom night guard is essential to distribute the pressure and protect your gum line.

• Straighten Your Teeth: Correcting a misaligned bite with orthodontics can actually prevent recession by ensuring forces are distributed evenly across your jaw.

What If I Already Have Recession?

If you already have exposed roots, don't panic. We have several ways to manage it:

1. Desensitizing Agents: To help with the sensitivity to cold/hot.

2. Monitoring: If the recession is minor and stable, we may just keep a close eye on it.

3. Gum Grafting: For progressive recession or aesthetic concerns, we can perform a gum graft. This minor surgical procedure rebuilds the gum line, covers the exposed root, and thickens the tissue to prevent future issues.

Worried about your gum line? Early detection is key. If you are noticing sensitivity or changes in your smile, book a consultation with us today. We can assess your specific risk factors and keep your smile healthy for the long term.

Why Choose 5000 Yonge Smiles, North York for Gum Graft?

We can walk you through the process and make it a seamless experience. At 5000 Yonge Smiles @North York, we have expertise in Periodontal Surgery including Gum Graft. We can make the process comfortable and efficient. Call us today to book an appointment and start your journey toward a healthier, long lasting smile!