What is gingival recession?

Gingival recession can be the result of many contributing factors. People with a thinner gum type are generally more susceptible. A number of behavioural factors also play a decisive role. For example, frequent scrubbing with the toothbrush or wearing piercings causes injuries which, as they heal, can make the gum margin shrink.

Other causes include orthodontic treatments that move the teeth outwards. In the process, the outer anchorage of the tooth can break down and the gums covering it can become thinner. Smoking and the use of snus are also decisive factors, because tobacco use reduces the resistance of the gums.

Gingival recession becomes more common with increasing age. More than 50 percent of the adult population show gingival recession.

The tooth crown is covered with enamel. Beneath it lies the dentine and, beneath that, the nerve of the tooth (pulp). Strictly speaking, the pulp consists of the nerve, blood vessels and so-called connective tissue. While enamel has no nerves and therefore no sensation, the dentine beneath it is supplied by nerve fibres. The surface of the tooth root is therefore also sensitive to pain.

Dentine makes up the main part of the root. The root is additionally covered by a hard layer, the so-called root cementum. Along its entire root surface, the tooth is attached to the jawbone by anchoring fibres (periodontal ligament fibres). These fibres are anchored in the root cementum on one side and in the jawbone on the other.

The tooth root is longer than the tooth crown. The canine teeth of the upper jaw in particular usually have very long roots.

Gingival recession generally refers to receding gums on the outer side of the dentition. In such cases, those affected do not additionally suffer from periodontitis.

However, advanced periodontitis can also cause the gum margin to recede. Only an examination in the dental practice can make clear to those affected which cause is responsible for their receding gums.

In addition, receding gums are observed after the treatment of periodontitis. In such cases, however, this is desirable, because the shrinking of the gum margin allows the unwanted gum pockets to be reduced.

As a result of inflammation of the gum margin (gingivitis), the anchoring fibres and the jawbone can be lost. Instead of the healthy fibre apparatus, a so-called gum pocket forms along the tooth. The root surface inside it is covered with bacterial deposits (plaque and tartar).

The loss of anchoring fibres and jawbone can make the teeth increasingly mobile. If the disease remains undetected and is not treated, the loss can progress to the point where the teeth can no longer be used for chewing and have to be extracted.

Around 40 percent of people suffer from periodontitis. In the adult population, it is estimated that around 70% of tooth loss today is due to periodontitis.

Find out more about the causes, consequences, diagnosis, therapy and prevention of periodontitis at: www.periodontal-health.com.