Receding gums, also known as gingival recession, is a common condition where the gum tissue surrounding the teeth pulls back and exposes more of the tooth surface. This can lead to increased sensitivity, decay, and even tooth loss if left untreated. While receding gums naturally worsen over time in most people, there are certain habits and health issues that can accelerate the process. Understanding what factors negatively impact gum health is key to stopping receding gums from getting progressively worse.
Gum disease/gingivitis
One of the most common causes of receding gums is gum disease, also known as gingivitis or periodontitis. Gum disease occurs when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on teeth. Brushing and flossing helps remove plaque, but any that remains can irritate and inflame the gums. The bacteria in plaque also release toxins that break down gum tissue and bone that surrounds teeth.
As gum disease advances, the inflammation and toxins start destroying the fibers and bone that hold teeth in place. This permanent damage leads to increased gum recession. Therefore, poor oral hygiene and untreated gingivitis are major contributors to receding gums. Consistently brushing and flossing twice daily, seeing a dentist regularly, and getting prompt treatment for any signs of gum disease are essential for preventing more recession.
Smoking/tobacco use
Smoking or chewing tobacco negatively impacts gum health in several ways. First, tobacco is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it constricts blood vessels and decreases blood flow. Less blood flow makes it harder for gum tissue to receive necessary nutrients and oxygen to stay healthy.
Secondly, tobacco contains many harmful chemicals that increase inflammation and the breakdown of gum tissue, resulting in recession. Studies show people who smoke/use tobacco have a significantly higher incidence and severity of gum recession compared to non-users. Quitting is the best way to eliminate this avoidable risk factor.
Clenching/grinding teeth
Excessive force placed on teeth from clenching (jaw tightening) or bruxism (tooth grinding) can traumatize gum tissue over time. People often clench or grind teeth due to stress or when sleeping, which leads to micro-damage to the gums. The constant pressure wears away gum tissue and underlying bone, allowing more recession to occur. Getting fitted for a nightguard helps protect against bruxism. Managing stress levels through relaxation techniques can also reduce destructive clenching due to anxiety.
Aggressive brushing
While regular brushing helps prevent gum disease, doing so too aggressively can worsen recession. Using a stiff-bristled toothbrush and scrubbing hard along the gumline can wear away gum tissue. Brushing aggressively with improper technique also abrasively removes protective enamel from the teeth root surface. This newly exposed root area is more vulnerable to decay and sensitivity. It’s best to use a soft or extra-soft bristle brush and brush gently using short, circular motions. Avoid sawing motions that drag the brush bristles along the gumline.
Periodontal surgery
In some cases, gum recession is intentionally caused by periodontal procedures. For example, crown lengthening surgery removes excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth for placement of a crown. The trade-off is higher gum recession around that tooth. While done for restorative purposes, it still increases overall recession. Periodontal plastic surgery procedures like gingival grafting can be done after crown lengthening to cover exposed roots and prevent further recession.
Orthodontic treatment
The forces applied to teeth during orthodontic treatment like braces can also cause some gum recession. Teeth being moved and adjusted create pressure points along the gumline that can lead to localized recession. However, skilled orthodontists take care to minimize the forces applied during treatment. Proper oral hygiene and checkups with the orthodontist help prevent significant recession due to braces. In a few cases, grafting procedures may be recommended after braces are removed to cover exposed root areas.
Hormonal changes
Hormonal shifts during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can increase gum sensitivity and recession. The common factor is estrogen. Higher estrogen levels help keep gums healthy, while dropping estrogen can contribute to gum inflammation and tissue breakdown. Older women going through menopause are therefore at greater risk for worsening gum recession due to plummeting estrogen. Hormone replacement therapy may help counteract gum recession for some women.
Insufficient gum tissue
In some people, thin gingival (gum) tissue covering tooth roots provides insufficient protection. These naturally thin gum tissues make recession more likely, especially if any of the aggravating factors above are also present. Once recession starts, there is less gum tissue available to continue covering the roots as the problem progresses. Building up thin gum tissue with grafting procedures may help prevent worsening recession.
Genetics
Like many health conditions, genetics play a role in gum recession. Research shows people with certain genetic traits are at greater risk for receding gums. Variations in immune system genes seem particularly involved. Heredity can make someone more predisposed to gum disease and recession, even with good oral care. Working closely with a dentist to control other risk factors can help minimize recession influenced by genetics.
Medical conditions
Receding gums can indicate or be linked to certain medical conditions:
Diabetes – High blood sugar levels weaken the immune response against gum infection. People with diabetes have impaired wound healing and are more prone to severe gum disease, a major cause of recession. Keeping diabetes under control helps reduce risks.
Rheumatoid arthritis – This autoimmune disorder causes chronic inflammation even in the gums, leading to tissue damage, bone loss, and recession. Managing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can minimize gum impacts.
Osteoporosis – Loss of bone density from osteoporosis can cause jaw bone loss around teeth. This deteriorated bone can no longer adequately support gum tissue, resulting in easier recession. Osteoporosis treatment aims to strengthen bones and slow deterioration.
HIV/AIDS – HIV infection impairs the immune system and increases vulnerability to infection, including advanced gum disease. The weakened immune response causes increased inflammation and rapid loss of gum tissue from disease, exacerbating recession.
Crooked teeth
Teeth that are crowded, rotated, or crooked places abnormal strain on gum tissue. Bumping and crowding leads to more plaque and tartar buildup in hard to clean areas. The resulting gum disease fuels inflammation and tissue breakdown. Straighter teeth help gums fit more tightly around each tooth. Orthodontic alignment and crowns for misshapen teeth can positively impact gum health.
Mouth jewelry
Tongue rings, lip studs, and other oral jewelry rub against gums and teeth, which can erode gum tissue over time. Jewelry also makes thorough brushing and flossing around the area more challenging. Food and plaque collect more readily around jewelry, increasing gum infection risks. Even when jewelry is initially well cared for, gum recession can start if proper hygiene slips.
Poor nutrition
Insufficient vitamin C, calcium, and other nutrients weaken gum tissue defenses. Lack of adequate nutrients inhibits cell growth and repair, increasing susceptibility to inflammation and recession. Increased sugar intake also harms gum health. Making dietary improvements with a balanced, nutrient-rich diet supports stronger gum tissues better able to resist infection and recession.
Additional risk factors
Some other factors connected to receding gums include:
– Mouth injuries that damage gum or bone tissue
– Piercings of the lip or tongue that rub against gums
– Existing dental restorations that don’t properly fit the tooth or gumline
– Habitual lip/cheek biting that traumatizes gum tissue
– Chronic acid reflux that exposes gums to stomach acid
– Certain medications that cause dry mouth or gum enlargement as side effects
Preventing progression
The good news is taking steps to eliminate contributing factors can prevent receding gums from getting worse. Practicing excellent oral hygiene plus habit changes helps protect gum health:
– Brush gently twice daily with soft-bristle toothbrush
– Floss thoroughly once daily
– See the dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups
– Don’t smoke or use other tobacco products
– Drink alcohol in moderation, as excess is linked to gum disease
– Limit acidic drinks like soda that erode enamel
– Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
– Treat any acid reflux or dry mouth issues
– Manage health conditions like diabetes that affect gums
– Monitor hormone levels and oral health during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause
– Avoid clenching/grinding teeth by managing stress, getting a nightguard
– Use an extra-soft toothbrush and gentle motions if gums are sensitive or receded
– Take antibiotics as prescribed fully when treating gum infections
Professional treatment
In addition to self-care, certain dental procedures can halt gum recession or regrow lost gum tissue in some cases:
Deep cleanings – Removing built-up plaque/tartar deposits prevents further gum damage.
Gum grafting – Surgical grafting uses donor gum tissue to cover exposed roots and stimulate tissue regrowth.
Bone grafts – Grafting builds up lost jaw bone that supports gum tissue.
Guided tissue regeneration – Special membranes are placed under gums to help regrow bone and tissue.
Laser therapy – Lasers remove diseased gum tissue while stimulating healthy tissue growth.
Custom trays/medication – Custom fit trays allow directed delivery of gum-regrowing medications.
These treatments can effectively stop recession progression and even restore lost gum coverage in select cases. However, they work best when paired with improved oral care habits at home. Working closely with your dentist provides the comprehensive strategy needed to stabilize and strengthen receding gums.
Conclusion
Receding gums is a complex oral health issue with many contributing and complicating factors. Poor dental care, health conditions, hormones, habits, and genetics all play a role in worsening gum recession over time. Fortunately, being aware of the risk factors allows you to take focused steps to control and minimize their impacts. Making oral health a priority now helps preserve your gums and teeth for the long-term.