How Common Are Receding Gums?

Concerned about gum recession? Read on to learn the commonality of receding gums and how they can be treated and prevented. Receding gums are common among individuals with periodontal disease. However, there are different levels of gum recession, and the severity of the concerns depends on how far the gums have receded.

Here is what you should know about receding gums

Receding gums can become severe and lead to serious concerns if left untreated for an extended amount of time. The following is a review of what receding gums are, how many people have them, how severe the condition is, and how receding gums can be treated.

What are receding gums?

Receding gums occur when the gum line recedes away from the teeth, causing more of the crowns of teeth to be revealed and exposed. This is most often the result of gum disease that attacks the gum tissue. Gum disease typically results from poor oral hygiene practices and eating foods that are acidic (sugar and other carbohydrates).

How many people have receding gums?

According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly half of adults have some form of periodontal disease. A common symptom of periodontal (gum) disease is gum recession. This means that people should take every measure possible to prevent gum disease from occurring and treat any symptoms such as receding gums as early as possible to prevent it from leading to severe issues such as the loss of teeth.

Is gum recession a severe concern?

Gum recession is not a severe concern in the early stages, although prompt intervention is needed as soon as possible to prevent the recession from continuing and contributing to symptoms such as tooth sensitivity, gum swelling and irritation, deep gum pockets, bone loss in the jaw, and the loss of teeth. If receding gums worsen, then more invasive periodontal procedures such as a gum graft may be necessary to protect teeth and gums in the long term.

How a dentist can treat receding gums in the early stages

Dentists measure the severity of gum recession by how many millimeters the gums have receded away from their natural position. A minor amount of recession (less than a few millimeters) may only require treating the gum disease and stopping the recession from continuing. However, if gum recession progresses, then a gum graft procedure may be required.

The risks of leaving receding gums untreated

Gum recession that is not treated often leads to severe discomfort caused by exposure of the tooth’s root (where the nerves and blood vessels are located). The inevitable result in many cases is the loss of teeth as the gums and jawbone are no longer able to support them properly.