Retired Gums - Causes and Symptoms

Definition

The retracted gums are the result of a process that induces the gradual displacement of the marginal soft tissue towards the root of the tooth, until leaving the dental collar exposed. This predisposes to an increase in dental sensitivity to cold, to acids, to sweets or to oral inhalation, in addition to causing an evident aesthetic compromise (the tooth seems particularly elongated and more exposed).

Furthermore, gum recession can promote local inflammation, formation of radicular caries, abrasion of tooth surfaces and damage to the periodontium. In the most serious cases, the disorder can even lead to the loss of the dental elements involved.

Retreated gums are found mainly with advancing age, as part of the normal aging process, although a more or less severe retraction can affect subjects of all ages.

This problem is mainly caused by inadequate oral hygiene: the too vigorous brushing practice or the use of a toothbrush with too hard bristles can be the basis of mechanical traumas that favor the retraction of the gums.

Withdrawn gums can also result from inflammations associated with bacterial plaque (such as gingivitis) and pathologies involving the periodontium (including periodontitis).

Gingival retraction can also be due to vitamin deficiencies, especially of vitamin C (scurvy).

Retreating gums may be the result of incorrect contact between the masticatory surfaces, which occurs in case of bruxism (teeth grinding) and dental malocclusions (where the closure ratio between the upper and lower arches is altered) .

Other causes include eating disorders (eg bulimia) and hypersensitivity to ingredients present in the formulation of oral hygiene products.

Risk factors that can make the gums more sensitive and vulnerable to recession are smoking habits, hormonal changes and familiarity. Excessive consumption of acidic drinks and foods (vinegar, fruit juices, wine, certain fruit and vegetables) can also predispose you to the problem of withdrawn gums.