Gum Recession

Gum recession is seen when the gum of a tooth moves, causing it to appear longer. It can affect any number of teeth, and as a result, the neck of the tooth is exposed. It can be caused by overaggressive brushing with a toothbrush, often in a horizontal forward and backward, or vertical up and down scrubbing actions.

Recession may also be caused by bone loss around the teeth (see periodontal disease) due to inadequate cleaning; this can be associated with an accumulation of tartar pushing the gum. 

Bruxism is another cause of gum recession, as overloading of the teeth and jaws causes dehiscence of the bone at the neck of the tooth. As the bone level at the neck of the tooth ebbs away, the support for the gum is lost, and so it also retreats. 

Some tongue or lip studs can also cause recession. 

Abrasion and gum recession are often seen together.

Treatment of gum recession is often straightforward, and we will be able to suggest, in conjunction of advice from our team of hygienists, techniques for a more gentle brushing regime at home which are both effective and reduce the risk of further damage. Our hygiene team will also be able to remove any deposits of tartar and bacterial plaque that may be compromising the health of your gums. Your dentist may also discuss treatment to mitigate the damage that bruxism causes.

Treatments are available from specialists to try and reverse gum recession; we can arrange for you be seen an appropriate specialist if this is desired.

Heathwood Dental Practice

1 Kings Road, Crowthorne,

Berkshire. RG45 7BF

Tel. 01344776933