Gingival recession is defined as the process of gum recession, both localised and at a general level. It causes part of the tooth that was previously hidden to be exposed and become vulnerable to external factors. Among the causes, we can find both predisposing factors and triggers, it is considered to be a multifactorial condition, in which multiple problems may occur.

Gum recession is a common and gradual phenomenon associated with age and more frequent from the age of 50 onwards.  This is because numerous other minor pathologies and minor traumas could have affected the condition during the individual’s lifetime.

Among the aetiological factors we can mention things like poor alignment of the teeth, incorrect fittings of prostheses, inflammatory lesions induced by bacterial plaque or gum disease, or even trauma caused by incorrect or aggressive brushing.

In addition, in the case of the elderly, xerostomia or dry mouth is a big contributor to Gingival recession. This decrease in saliva production, which is often associated with the use of certain drugs, leads to a decrease in the natural protection of the mouth and teeth.

Gum recession can be a trigger of several problems for affected patients, such as dental hypersensitivity, root tooth decay affecting the root of the tooth, and several changes at an aesthetic level that can influence social withdrawal due to embarrassment and discomfort when smiling or communicating.

The success of the treatment of gingival recession will depend directly on establishing an accurate diagnosis of its causes. It is essential to identify the risk factors responsible, and to separate those that can be modified from those that cannot. This is a very important aspect, as non-modifiable factors may be a contraindication for certain treatments.

For example, smoking, inadequate oral hygiene, or the inappropriate use of elements on the gum such as toothpicks, are modifiable factors that can be worked on by re-educating the patient’s behaviour and encouraging appropriate oral health habits.

On the other hand, other factors such as severe malposition of the teeth, or loss of interproximal bone surrounding them, may require other interventions prior to the actual approach to recession. These include orthodontic treatment to correct the position of the teeth, or bone regeneration procedures to provide the jawbone with adequate volume.

As for the treatment of gingival recession itself, the main approach is various surgical procedures aimed at tissue reconstruction, which usually have a higher success rate when interproximal bone loss has not occurred or has been corrected.

Periodontal surgery in these patients aims to cover denuded tooth root surfaces and correct mucogingival defects by improving the quality of the soft tissues around the teeth. The procedures can be varied, and among the most common are palatal free soft tissue autografts, pedicled autografts or rotational or coronal flaps, or techniques based on guided tissue regeneration (GTR) or the use of bioactive proteins.

Early detection is essential for a good prognosis, so we must be aware of signs such as tooth elongation, inflammation and bleeding of the gums, discomfort or pain when chewing, or halitosis or bad breath, to name some of the most common.

And as we always remember at Lura Care, it is important that we monitor our oral health through regular check-ups with our dentist, and develop and maintain optimal oral hygiene habits that contribute to preserving both the good health of our mouth and teeth, as well as our general state of health.