Gingival Recession

Receding gums, or more accurately known as gingival recession, is the exposure of the root of one or more teeth due to the retraction of the gingival margin or the loss of gum tissue over time. Most commonly, gingival recession is a problem faced by adults over the age of 40, however, younger individuals may also begin to notice signs of receding gums around the age of puberty or during their teen years. Gum recession may occur with the loss of alveolar bone underneath, which decreases the ratio of crown-to-root, affecting an individual’s cosmetic appearance and overall facial aesthetics. Gingival recession is classified using Miller’s classification system, and the causes of this condition are numerous. Most often, gum recession is the result of gum disease, or periodontal disease. It can also be caused by genetics, poor flossing habits, tooth crowding, overaggressive brushing habits, and the use of dipping tobacco.