In this article, we will discuss the causes of gum recession that aren’t associated with gum disease (periodontitis). There are some cases where gum infection occurs after recession has occurred, but that is where the gum disease is the result of the problem, not the cause of it.
Patients may usually be aware that there are no signs of periodontitis (bleeding gums, redness, looseness of teeth) and then they wonder why they have this recession. Contrary to what some people have been told, most recession is not caused by patient neglect. It is usually the result of the lack of thick, tough tissue which borders where the gums meet the teeth. This thick, tough tissue is called Attached Gingiva.
There are cases when patients cause their recession by brushing too hard, but in most cases, the patient should not feel guilty regarding the cause of their problem. Recession is usually something to which the patient has been predisposed.
Worried about gum recession? Contact Sunnyvale Dental Office today to schedule your appointment with Sunnyvale dentist Dr. Bhawna Gupta DDS.
What are the Causes of Gum Recession (Gingival Recession)?
The causes of Gingival Recession: Thin, Fragile Tissues vary and may be described as:
- Prominent Roots of the Teeth
- Muscle Attachments
- Associated with Orthodontic Treatment
- Trauma (physical damage) to the Gums
Prominent Roots
These lower teeth have advanced recession.The teeth themselves are almost “pushed” through the bone and gum. The lack of thick gum tissue is due to these roots being so prominent.
Prominent Root of the Teeth
When a tooth erupts into the mouth, it should be surrounded by a layer of bone. If the bone is of a normal thickness, then it causes the developing gum tissue (which will cover the bone) to develop as a thick, tough layer of tissue. Nature designed this tissue to be tough in order to withstand the forces of chewing food hitting the gums.
If the developing bone is thin or absent on one side of the tooth (usually the lip or cheek side) the gum tissue that develops will be thin and fragile and not be able to withstand the normal forces that are applied to it from chewing and proper brushing.
Muscle Attachments
There is a muscle attachment at the base of this recession. This muscle attachment creates tension on the gum tissue and can cause recession to occur — usually occurring on teeth which have prominent roots.
Prominent Root of the Teeth
When a tooth erupts into the mouth, it should be surrounded by a layer of bone. If the bone is of a normal thickness, then it causes the developing gum tissue (which will cover the bone) to develop as a thick, tough layer of tissue. Nature designed this tissue to be tough in order to withstand the forces of chewing food hitting the gums.
If the developing bone is thin or absent on one side of the tooth (usually the lip or cheek side) the gum tissue that develops will be thin and fragile and not be able to withstand the normal forces that are applied to it from chewing and proper brushing.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.