The Gum Recession Project

Description

1. The Causes 2. The TreatmentsThis page will discuss both the causes and treatments of the recession that is seen usually in mouths that don't have 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 pre-disposed. 1. The Causes The causes of Gingival Recession: Thin, Fragile Tissues vary and may be described as: a. Prominent Roots of the Teeth b. Muscle Attachments c. Associated with Orthodontic Treatment d. 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. a. 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 occuring on teeth which have prominent roots. b. Muscle Attachments The mouth is a series of muscles which give you not only the ability to chew, but also to move your lips in ways such as "puckering up" your lips for a kiss. Some of these muscles originate under the lips and skin and have muscle attachments which insert into the gums -- usually not right where the gums meet the teeth. If the attachments are right on the margin of where the gums meet the teeth, or if the attachments are very large, and especially if the roots of the teeth are prominent, there is the potential for recession. Orthodontic Associated Recession This recession is diagnosed during the course of her orthodontic treatment. The cause of the problem is the prominent roots due to the lack of heavy bone. The patient's jaw bone limits the orthodontist as to where he can move the teeth. The orthodontist's work is perfect! c. Associated with Orthodontic Treatment.

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