What Is Gum Recession? Causes And Treatment (Periodontitis)
Gum recession is the retraction of the gum tissue surrounding the teeth, exposing the tooth or tooth root. As a result of gum recession, “pockets” or spaces are formed between the teeth and the gum line. Bacteria that can cause disease can easily accumulate in these spaces.
If gum recession is left untreated, the tissue and bone structures supporting the teeth can be severely damaged and tooth loss can occur.
Free Information Form
Get Detailed Information!
Why Do The Gums Recede?
The first and most important cause of gum recession is poor oral care. This can happen in two ways. The first is that the individual cannot brush his/her teeth well enough to protect the gum health. The other is that tooth brushing is done too hard and unconsciously.
Other causes of gum recession may include incorrect orthodontic treatment and incompatible veneers.
What Happens if Gum Recession is Not Treated?
Tooth sensitivity, caries, aesthetic problems in advanced cases and even tooth loss can be seen as a result of gum recession.
Treatment Summary
This content is for informational purposes only. For detailed information, you can contact us via WhatsApp or by filling out the free consultation form.
A dentist examination is required to find the true and clear cause of gum recession.
Get Free Consultation
What Are The Symptoms Of Gum Recession (Periodontitis)?
Gum recession is usually a slowly progressing problem that is not noticed at first. The most common symptoms are the teeth starting to look long, the root surfaces are exposed and the sensitivity and bleeding that accompany this.
Periodontitis, or advanced gum recession, can affect not only the soft tissues but also the bone structure surrounding the teeth, causing serious damage.
Common Symptoms:
- Bleeding in the gums while brushing teeth or biting something hard
- Sensitivity in the teeth, especially pain with cold or hot foods
- Teeth appearing longer, aesthetic distortions
- Redness, bruising or swelling in the gums
- Bad breath and a bad taste sensation
- Gaps and gaps that develop between the teeth over time
- Pain or a feeling of pressure while chewing
- Loosening or wobbling in the teeth
- Teeth becoming misaligned with each other when biting
When such symptoms are noticed, a dentist should be consulted without delay. If left untreated, the process can result in bone loss and permanent tooth loss.
How is Receding Gum Treated?
Successful treatment of gum recession depends greatly on the patient’s understanding of the process and cooperation with the dentist. A patient who is aware of the causes of the condition and the importance of oral hygiene is more likely to follow instructions and achieve faster healing.
The first step of treatment involves removing calculus (tartar) and bacterial plaque around the teeth using special dental instruments and ultrasonic devices. Then, polishing (prophylaxis) is performed to smoothen the tooth surface and prevent future plaque accumulation.
Depending on the severity of the inflammation, deep cleaning under local anesthesia may be necessary. This procedure, known as subgingival curettage, involves thoroughly cleaning the gum pockets and root surfaces.
In cases of acute infection, the dentist may prescribe antibiotic therapy as supportive treatment. In addition, antibacterial mouth rinses are often recommended to promote healing.
If the disease has progressed and bone loss has occurred, gum surgery may be required. During this procedure, the gum tissue is lifted, and infected tissue is removed from the root and surrounding bone. If necessary, bone grafts or bone substitutes are placed to regenerate the lost bone, and the area is sutured back in place.
Following these steps, regular dental check-ups, consistent oral hygiene, and adherence to professional recommendations are essential to achieve long-term treatment success.
What Causes Gum Receding (Periodontitis)?
Gum recession is not just a result of aggressive brushing—it is a chronic condition that develops due to a combination of multiple factors. Here are the most common causes:
- Poor oral hygiene: Plaque and tartar buildup lead to inflammation and gum recession.
- Incorrect brushing technique: Hard-bristled toothbrushes or excessive pressure can physically damage the gums.
- Genetic predisposition: Individuals with a family history of gum disease are at higher risk.
- Vitamin C deficiency and poor nutrition
- Uncontrolled diabetes and other systemic diseases
- Smoking: Slows down the healing of gum tissues.
- Faulty crowns/fillings and teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Hormonal changes: Especially during pregnancy and menopause.
- Long-term use of certain medications (such as antidepressants, birth control pills, etc.)
Over time, these factors can weaken the gum tissue, cause inflammation, and lead to gum recession. That’s why regular dental check-ups and proper oral care habits are crucial to prevent more serious complications.
What Can Be Done To Prevent Gum Recession?
Effective oral hygiene and regular dental visits form the foundation of gum recession prevention. By making the following practices a routine, you can protect your gum health in the long term:
- Dental check-ups every six months and professional tartar cleaning help prevent early plaque buildup.
- Brushing twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and proper technique protects gum tissue.
- Using dental floss or interdental brushes regularly removes plaque from between teeth where brushing can’t reach.
- Avoiding smoking and tobacco products enhances the gum tissue’s ability to heal and regenerate.
- Maintaining a balanced diet, especially with foods rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, strengthens gum health.
- Managing stress periodically (through exercise or meditation) improves oral blood circulation and reduces gum sensitivity.
Incorporating even a few of these habits into your lifestyle can significantly slow down or completely prevent gum recession.
What are the Possible Complications of Receding Gum?
Untreated gum recession not only increases aesthetic concerns but can also lead to serious local and systemic complications over time. The main risks include:
Bone loss and tooth mobility: The supporting bone around the tooth roots may deteriorate, leading to reduced tooth stability.
Permanent tooth loss: In advanced periodontitis cases, teeth may loosen and eventually fall out or require extraction.
Increased risk of infection: Exposed tooth roots create a breeding ground for bacteria, which can result in abscesses or even osteomyelitis.
Systemic effects: Bacteria entering the bloodstream may contribute to cardiovascular diseases and make diabetes management more difficult.
Aesthetic and functional impairments: Gaps form between the teeth, chewing efficiency decreases, and the harmony of the smile is negatively affected.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can take a look at the frequently asked questions of our patients and contact us for any other questions you may have.
Gum recession is when the gums pull back, exposing the root of the tooth. Over time, this can cause sensitivity, inflammation, and tooth loss.
No, gum recession does not heal on its own. If not treated early, it can progress and lead to more serious problems.
The most common symptoms are a feeling of lengthening of the teeth, bleeding when brushing, sensitivity to hot and cold, and spaces between the teeth.
Yes, depending on the severity of the condition, treatment is possible with professional cleaning, curettage or surgical procedures such as gum grafting.
Soft-bristled toothbrushes, when used with the right technique, clean without irritating the gums and help prevent receding.
Advanced gum recession causes damage to the bone structure that holds the teeth, which can result in tooth loss.
Yes, it can be seen in young individuals, especially due to reasons such as poor oral hygiene, genetic predisposition and incorrect brushing.
Regular and correct brushing, flossing, avoiding smoking and visiting the dentist every 6 months are the most effective preventive steps.
If the patient does not pay due attention to oral care, gum recession may recur.
