Gum Recession: Why It Happens and How It Is Treated
Noticing that your teeth look longer than before, or that your gum line is pulling back? This is called gum recession, and it is one of the most common concerns we see at our Indirapuram, Ghaziabad clinic. It can happen slowly over years, which is why many patients only notice it once a tooth becomes sensitive or a root becomes visible.
What Causes Gums to Recede
Gum recession happens when the gum tissue around a tooth wears away or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth or its root. Several factors can contribute to this, often working together over time.
- Brushing too hard: Using a hard-bristled brush or scrubbing aggressively can wear away gum tissue over the years.
- Gum disease: Bacterial infection of the gums can break down the tissue and bone that support your teeth.
- Teeth grinding or clenching: Excess force on teeth can affect the gum and bone around them.
- Misaligned teeth or bite issues: Teeth that sit outside the normal jaw curve often have thinner gum coverage.
- Thin gum tissue by nature: Some people are simply born with delicate gum tissue that recedes more easily.
- Tobacco use: Smoking or chewing tobacco reduces blood flow to the gums and slows healing.
- Piercings or trauma: Lip or tongue piercings can rub against the gums and cause localized recession.
Gum Recession vs Gum Disease: What Is the Difference
Many patients assume recession always means gum disease, but that is not quite accurate. Understanding the difference helps in choosing the right treatment.
Gum Recession
This refers specifically to the gum tissue pulling back from the tooth surface. It can be caused by gum disease, but it can also happen due to brushing habits, grinding, or thin tissue, even when there is no active infection.
Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)
This is an infection of the gums and supporting bone, usually caused by plaque and tartar buildup. It often includes symptoms like bleeding gums, bad breath, swelling, and loose teeth, along with recession as the disease progresses.
In short, recession is a visible sign, while gum disease is often (but not always) the underlying cause. A dental check-up with gum pocket measurements is the only reliable way to tell them apart.
Why Gum Recession Should Not Be Ignored
Exposed roots are more sensitive to hot, cold, and sweet foods since they lack the protective enamel layer found on the crown of the tooth. Over time, untreated recession can also increase the risk of root decay and, if linked to gum disease, further bone loss around the tooth.
Treatment Options for Gum Recession
Treatment depends on how much recession has occurred and what is causing it. Our dentists assess this with a gum examination and, if needed, dental X-rays.
Non-Surgical Options
- Improved brushing technique: Switching to a soft brush and gentler technique can prevent further recession.
- Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning): This removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smooths the root surface, which is helpful when gum disease is contributing to recession.
- Night guards: If grinding is a factor, a custom night guard can reduce pressure on the gums and teeth.
- Desensitizing treatments: For mild recession with sensitivity, in-clinic fluoride application or desensitizing agents can help manage discomfort.
Surgical Options
- Gum graft surgery: Tissue is taken from another area of the mouth (or a suitable graft material) and placed over the exposed root to cover it and add thickness to the gum.
- Pinhole surgical technique: A minimally invasive method where existing gum tissue is gently repositioned to cover exposed roots, used in select cases.
- Bite correction or orthodontic evaluation: If misaligned teeth are a cause, aligning the teeth can reduce further recession.
| Treatment | Best For | Typical Range (INR)* |
|---|---|---|
| Scaling and root planing | Recession linked to gum disease | ₹2,000 to ₹6,000 per session |
| Night guard | Recession from grinding | ₹3,000 to ₹8,000 |
| Gum graft surgery | Significant root exposure | ₹8,000 to ₹25,000 per tooth |
*These are typical ranges for Indirapuram, Ghaziabad and can vary based on severity, number of teeth involved, and technique used. Your dentist will give you a specific estimate after examination.
What You Can Do Right Now
If you notice your gums receding, avoid waiting for it to worsen. Switch to a soft-bristled brush, avoid scrubbing motions, and book a check-up so the cause can be identified early. Early intervention is almost always simpler and more comfortable than treating advanced recession later.
Have questions about your teeth?
Dr Urvashi Verma's Dental Clinic · Jaipuria Sunrise Plaza, Ahinsa Khand 1, Indirapuram
Frequently asked questions
Can receding gums grow back on their own?
No. Gum tissue that has receded does not regrow by itself. Treatment can stop further recession and, in some cases, a gum graft can cover exposed roots, but the tissue will not return without professional help.
Is gum recession always caused by gum disease?
No. While gum disease is a common cause, recession can also happen from hard brushing, teeth grinding, misaligned teeth, or thin natural gum tissue, even in people with good oral hygiene.
Does treating gum recession hurt?
Deep cleaning is usually done with local anesthesia and causes little discomfort. Gum graft procedures also use local anesthesia, and most patients manage recovery well with mild pain relief and soft food for a few days.
How do I know if I need a deep cleaning or a gum graft?
This depends on how much gum and bone support has been lost. Your dentist will check gum pockets, root exposure, and bone levels with an exam and X-rays before recommending the right treatment.
Treatment costs mentioned on this page are indicative ranges for the Indirapuram, Ghaziabad region. Your exact cost depends on your case and will be confirmed after a clinical examination at the clinic.