The consequences of gingival recessions are the exposure of the tooth root, which can lead to hypersensitive teeth, worn tooth necks or even tooth decay. Furthermore, those affected often suffer from the changed appearance of the dentition.

The recession of the gums exposes the root surfaces. These contain nerves that can react hypersensitively to temperature changes.

The denuded necks of the teeth react to temperature changes caused by cold air or with cold drinks or food. In the case of extensive gingival recession, those affected can also develop a great deal of suffering. The pain, which can be severe, is usually sharp and short-lived.

Those affected are advised to drink cold drinks with a straw or to regularly cover the affected tooth necks with suitable fluoride gels. At the same time, oral hygiene must be adjusted accordingly and corrected if necessary.

If symptoms persist, the dentist should be consulted for further clarification of the situation.

The hard substances of the tooth root (cementum and dentin) are softer than the substance of the tooth crowns (enamel). Therefore, so-called worn tooth necks (abrasions) can occur at the gum line.

The reduced hardness of the tooth substance on the surface of the denuded tooth root will lead to abrasion of the root surface if the wrong oral hygiene technique is persisted with. As a result, indentations are formed, which are also called wedge-shaped defects because of their shape.

If the toothbrushing technique is not adapted, the bristle ends of a toothbrush can again exert great forces on the softer dentin with each new wiping movement. This further intensifies the process of abrasion formation.

Already advanced abrasions with a depth of more than one millimetre can be treated with an acrylic filling. This treatment usually leads immediately to a reduction in tooth neck hypersensitivity.

The hard substance of the denuded tooth root is less resistant to caries than the substance of the tooth crown (enamel). The so-called root caries can therefore progress more quickly and must therefore be better prevented.

Exposed root surfaces, like all other hard surfaces in the oral cavity, are colonised by bacterial plaque. Because the substance of the tooth root is softer than the enamel of the tooth crown above it, caries can develop earlier on the root surface. This so-called root caries can also penetrate into the depth of the tooth more quickly.

For these reasons, root caries must be better prevented and the denuded root surfaces must be well observed in case of gingival recession. In addition, the risk of developing gingival recession and thus root caries increases with age.

Regular check-ups in the dental practice allow for good professional care of the affected teeth. Furthermore, the regular use of fluoride toothpastes enables effective prevention of root caries.

Gingival recessions that have developed on the visible teeth of the upper jaw are often also considered disturbing for aesthetic reasons.

The recession of the gum line gives the impression that the affected teeth have become longer. As a rule, these areas remain invisible to other people. Only when laughing do affected people reveal their gingival recessions – usually involuntarily.

In some cases, existing gingival recessions can also cause greater suffering for aesthetic reasons. In this case, a consultation with the dentist and, if necessary, a referral to a specialist in periodontology is appropriate.

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