
The exposure of the root of a tooth due to the loss of gum tissue is known as gingival recession or receding gums. A common problem in the adults over 40 years old, this occurs due to the retraction of gingival margin form the crown of the teeth. Though the problem is associated with people over 40 years of age, the signs of the condition may show as early as 10 years of age.
The issue of receding gums can be extremely painful for the patient, however, the problem can be treated both at home and by a dentist. There are several cures available for the issue, and thus, with the right habits and the right treatment, one can tackle this problem.
Causes
Symptoms
The condition of gingival recession happens over a period of time and thus, its symptoms are hard to notice. One of the major reasons it affects the people over 40 years of age is that it takes a lot of years to fully develop. Some of the common symptoms include:
Treatment
The treatment of the gingival recession is based on its causes. If recognized early on and due to poor oral health, it is advised to brush gently and floss more often. This doesn’t stop the gum recession but further prevents it. Apart from that, dental cleaning performed by the dentist also helps in preventing a further gingival recession.
If the gum recession is very severe, a surgical procedure like gingival drafting may be required in order to treat the recession. This process requires the regeneration of gum tissue by use of grafts. Another soft tissue surgery may also be used if the condition isn’t severe.