If you notice that the gums around your teeth are receding, exposing more of the tooth (the root), this could be a sign of gum recession.

Gingival recession is often the cause of increased sensitivity to heat, cold or sweetness in the affected teeth. This happens because the exposed roots are not covered with enamel. As a result, the dentine that composes them is no longer protected by the gums, making this area more fragile to stimuli and causing painful sensations in the mouth.

There are a number of factors that contribute to gingival recession. These include poor dental hygiene, periodontal disease, genes, hormonal changes, aggressive tooth brushing, bruxism, poor occlusion, oral piercings and tobacco products. If left untreated, gum recession can affect the appearance of your smile and can lead to periodontal disease (gum disease).

To prevent gum recession, remember to be proactive in your dental hygiene routine: brush and floss regularly, and visit your dentist at least once a year for a complete mouth examination. There are different options for treating gum recession, depending on your case. In general, a gum graft can be placed to cover the exposed part of the tooth. By placing an autogenous graft (which comes from your palate, thus a 2-part surgery) or an allogenous graft (an alternative graft when the patient’s own gingiva is not used), we can restore the height and thickness of the gum to cover the root.

Consult your dentist to find out the best approach for your case.