Receding gums

Question:

I was wondering what exactly is the cause of a receding gumline? Even when the gingiva appears healthy..is it malnutrition?? And it’s only really noticably serious on the person’s first premolars…

– Michelle in Texas

Dear Michelle,

There are several possible causes for a receding gumline. I’ll list them here:gum disease. If that’s the case, you need to visit a general dentist or a gum specialist (periodontist) for treatment. Plaque and other irritants build up under the gumline and will eventually cause your teeth to become loose.

2. The bone in the area of the recession could be thin or missing, causing the root to show through to some extent and the gum to gradually recede over your lifetime. The treatment for this is to be very gentle when you brush. It can sometimes be repaired with a gum graft, which is usually done by a periodontist, though some general dentists can do this.

3. You could have what’s called traumatic occlusion. If you clench or grind your teeth at night, it can cause notches to develop in your teeth at the gumline and your gums will recede from this area. Further gum recession can be prevented or slowed by wearing a nightguard.

4. You could be brushing too aggressively with a hard brush. (The best toothbrush is soft)

– Dr. Hall