Receding gums is a gum condition that occurs when the gum lines move away from the teeth. Receding gums causes include gum diseases, imbalanced bite and improper fitting of the teeth.

The accumulation of dental plaque and bacteria at the gum lines and poor oral care can also lead to receded gums. The bacteria that lives in the plaque, constantly releases toxins that will destroy the gum tissue.

Imbalance in the way that your teeth fit together results in excessive force placed on your teeth, causing trauma to your gums and the jaw bone. Root exposure, caused by the gum recession makes the sufferer’s teeth very sensitive to cold, hot, salty and sweet foods and drinks. Grinding or clenching your teeth may cause excessive pressure to the gums, which may also result in receded gums.

Improperly balanced bite (crooked teeth, improperly placed fillings/crowns, etc.), may often also become one of the receding gums causes. Since some of the teeth in this case receive undue forces, the gum lines and the jaw bone will try to adjust. However, with time this situation will start to lead to the destruction of the bone and to the recession of the gum line.

Symptoms of receded gums include teeth sensitivity and changes of the teeth. However, this usually means that the disorder has had time to sufficiently progress in its development, requiring that immediate action be taken.

The diagnosis of this common gum condition can be made at the time of your dental check-up. It is very important to visit your dentist regularly, one-two times per year, so that you can spot the earliest signs of a receding gum disorder, and to start acting to prevent the further recession of the gum lines.

Treatment options for this condition include: correcting the imbalanced bite, correction of imbalanced fillings and crowns, as well as eliminating the clenching and grinding of the teeth.

If your teeth have become sensitive due to receded gums with exposed roots, your dentist can help you choose an appropriate agent to fix this problem, including desensitizing toothpastes and desensitizing agents (solutions that are applied onto the sensitive areas of the teeth at the dentist’s office). If the sensitivity persists, then composite resins and fillings can also be used, which will help to cover the sensitive areas of the teeth.

Various nutritional supplements (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin B complex) can help to prevent decay, at the same time helping to repair the gum tissues.

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