What is Gum recession?

Gingival recession is a progressive dental condition where the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, exposing more of the teeth and potentially the roots as well. It develops slowly over time, so many people do not notice until it is identified by a dental professional. Often the tooth will appear longer than normal.

Reasons for recession usually start with genetic determination of tissue amount and tooth position. Tooth movement, previous dental treatment, and brushing habits also contribute to recession. Early treatment to minimize damage and allow for easier repair makes treatment options easier for the patient.

Factors That Cause Gum Recession

There are many factors that can cause gum recession. Some of these factors include:

• Periodontal disease
• Genetic predisposition
• Aggressive tooth brushing
• Inadequate or insufficient preventive care
• Hormonal fluctuations caused by puberty, pregnancy or menopause
• Teeth grinding or clenching
• Crooked teeth or a misaligned bite
• Body piercing in the lip or tongue