This retraction is most noticeable on the outside of the teeth. Also, because it progresses slowly, it is difficult to perceive and diagnose.

Symptoms may include the following:

• Dentin sensitivity. Gingival recession causes a decrease in the gum tissue around the tooth, resulting in exposure of the tooth root;
• Visible roots or “long teeth”. The roots are exposed and thus reveal a severe, unsightly gum recession;
• Dental mobility;
• Bad breath (halitosis);
• Inflammation and bleeding.

A gum recession, as soon as it is detected, must be treated; it can be cured and prevented from progressing. However, lost gums are not recovered. Recession is irreversible.

A gingival recession is an anomaly that always has multiple causes. It can be caused by one or more of the following factors:

• Poor oral hygiene. Brushing too infrequently or insufficiently can lead to infections (accumulation of dental plaque causing inflammation and weakening of the gums);
• Brushing too aggressively (or brushing too hard) can traumatize or injure the gums, providing a gateway for bacteria that can cause infection;
• Periodontal diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis of various origins);
• Some orthodontic treatments primarily affect the lower anterior teeth in the case of an inadequate dental restoration. It is important to know that there is never a strict cause and effect relationship between orthodontic treatment and gum recession;
• Thin gums predispose to gum recession;
• Dental malocclusion (bad relationship of the teeth to each other when the jaws are closed);
• Heredity is a major contributor to the quality of gum tissue;
• Tobacco use of all kinds, but especially chewing tobacco;
• The traction of a lip brake on the gum (the brake is a small muscle covered with a mucous membrane, which attaches the lips and tongue to the jaw bones);
• Diabetes. Excess sugar creates an ideal environment for oral bacteria, causing an infection that progresses deeper and deeper into the gums;
• Tooth grinding (bruxism);
• Excessive chewing (gum);
• Onychophagia (nail biting);
• Poorly fitting dentures;
• Aging. With age, the gums become less well irrigated, thinner and retract, revealing the root of the tooth.

As soon as your gums change in appearance or one or two of the symptoms listed above appear, do not hesitate to consult a dentist.

There are many treatments available for gingival recession and the triggering factor for gingival recession must be treated first.

• If the recession is due to over-aggressive brushing, a softer bristle toothbrush and a more effective brushing technique should be used, not forgetting floss and interdental brushes;
• If the problem is due to poor oral hygiene (heavy plaque), scaling or resurfacing (done in a dental office) may be recommended to free the gum pockets of debris and bacteria;
• If one is prone to bruxism (teeth grinding), one should, as long as one is aware of it, avoid putting teeth in contact with each other. But if grinding occurs during sleep, you may want to consider a custom-made occlusal plate or mouthpiece;
• A gum graft, sometimes accompanied by gingivoplasty, may be the solution in some cases; it will strengthen the gums and prevent the gingivitis from progressing. The patient will also gain in aesthetics.

But the best treatment is obviously prevention.

If the gingival recession is small and has been observed, it can be monitored to see how it evolves. There is time to make an appointment with the dentist.

When orthodontic treatment is being considered when gum recession already exists, it is best to intervene early on the recession, before starting treatment.

Most of the time, the recession (resulting in dislodgement) progresses slowly and can last from several months to several years. This is often a chronic phenomenon. However, there are also cases of rapid progression. This is why, with full knowledge of the facts, a professional may prefer to avoid an orthodontic procedure that could have the effect of reducing the level of the gums. This professional will know which treatment is a priority, by carefully questioning the patient to find out his oral hygiene habits and his history of gum loss. He will then indicate whether it is better to proceed with scaling, root planing, gum grafting or any other treatment adapted to the situation.

A severe recession implies a more serious problem often involving bone loss. This can lead to what are known as “black triangles“, small unsightly holes that appear between the teeth, which can be responsible for other functional problems. The only real treatment then useful will be a gum graft to rebuild the missing gum.

Contrary to what one might think, these procedures are both minimally invasive and reliable, and they restore the smile’s aesthetic appeal.

The risks of not treating a gingival recession are diverse:

• Discomfort;
• Pain from inflammation of the gum;
• Aesthetic damage from root exposure;
• Appearance of periodontitis;
• Bone loss;
• Dental mobility;
• Loss of teeth.

A regular examination of the gums can detect signs and symptoms indicating gum disease:

• A change in the color of the gums;
• Shiny, swollen or painful gums, or reddish discolouration of the gums at the base of the teeth;
• Bleeding gums with each brushing or flossing;
• A bad taste in the mouth and bad breath;
• Dental hypersensitivity.

Good daily dental hygiene, including thorough and gentle brushing, reduces the risk of developing gum disease, including receding and loosening teeth.

An annual or biannual examination and cleaning will detect the presence of gum disease and, in most cases, treat and prevent its worsening.