It is very common to hear about dental problems like cavities, tartar, root canal treatments, extractions, and many other well-known terms. However, it is mistaken to think these are the only issues that concern dentists. In addition to gingivitis, which can cause serious consequences, gum recession is also a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. But what is it really and how can it be treated? That’s exactly what we will talk about in today’s article. Read to the end and find out!
What is Gum Recession?
It’s important to understand what gum recession is and why this condition can become so serious. As the name suggests, gum recession occurs when the gum shrinks, leaving the teeth exposed. This can happen to just one tooth, meaning only one part of the gum, or to all the teeth. It’s estimated that at least half the world’s population between 18 and 63 suffer from this problem to some degree. Gum recession happens due to the loss of periodontal tissue and may be associated with some specific causes, which we’ll discuss next.
Causes of Gum Recession
First of all, it should be noted that there are some cases in which the causes of gum recession cannot be identified, or at least not easily. However, in most cases, it is possible to identify the cause, which also makes treatment easier. Some of the main causes of gum recession are:
- Bruxism
- Age
- Poor Tooth Position
- Periodontal Disease
We’ll talk about each of these in more detail.
Bruxism
Bruxism is a condition characterized by involuntary teeth grinding, which ends up causing wear on the teeth. Because of this, the gums can also be affected, causing them to recede. It is important for this problem to be treated before starting treatment for the recession itself.
Age
It is natural for our gums to get smaller as we get older. Due to certain genetic factors, this can happen faster for some people than others. Even so, age is a factor that can greatly influence gum recession.
Poor Tooth Position
People with crossbite or crowding may end up demanding too much from their periodontal tissue, which leads to the gums naturally receding. This problem can easily be corrected with orthodontic appliances, but it is important that it is identified before triggering side effects such as gum recession.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is nothing more than an advanced stage of gingivitis, mainly characterized by the loss of said tissue—that is, gum recession itself. As you can see, many causes of gum recession are directly related to poor oral hygiene habits. Therefore, it’s important to always pay attention to this in order to avoid developing the problem. Another cause is trauma caused by improper brushing.
Treatments for Gum Recession
The treatment for gum recession can vary according to the cause of the problem and its severity. First and foremost, a dentist will indicate a treatment for the underlying cause. For example, a patient with bruxism needs to use a dental night guard to prevent the problem from getting worse. Meanwhile, a patient with periodontal disease needs to receive proper treatment to avoid serious consequences. In general, treatment for gum recession consists of cleaning and smoothing the gums so that you can have a healthy and aesthetically pleasing smile. 
Possible Complications
The simplest complication you may experience with gum recession is the appearance of your smile—in other words, it’s just an aesthetic issue. However, not treating the disease can cause much more serious problems, such as difficulties chewing certain foods, and even the total loss of teeth in more severe cases. For this reason, it’s extremely important to see a dentist as soon as you notice your gums are receding, because only a professional can recommend the best treatment and help prevent issues like this from arising.
How to prevent Gum Recession?
As we mentioned earlier, many of the problems that cause gum recession are directly related to oral hygiene. That’s why the best way to prevent it is by developing habits such as brushing your teeth after every meal, before bed, and upon waking; flossing; using mouthwash; and visiting a dentist at least once every 6 months. By following these simple actions, you can avoid major complications and ensure you have a healthy and beautiful smile. Many of us may not even know that gum recession exists, but the truth is that it affects many people throughout the world. Understanding that it is a serious problem is essential so that you also know how to prevent it and keep it from affecting you. The more knowledge you have about your own body, the better you know how to take care of it.
