Gingival Recession

Author: Advanced Hygienist Hiba

Gingival recession is among the most frequent cosmetic concern affecting the periodontium. In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of patients seeking treatment. Although patients were previously informed that recession could not be treated, greater awareness and education has revealed that there are now treatments options available. Gum recession is the apical shift of the gingival margin with exposure of the root surface to the oral cavity. 

As a clinician, it's important to determine the underlying cause of the patient's gum recession, which typically involves a combination of predisposing and precipitating factors.

Predisposing factors are conditions that increase a patient's susceptibility to gum recession, while precipitating factors are the direct causes that trigger the onset of gum recession. Predisposing factors for gum recession include a mismatch between root size and jaw width, a thin gingival phenotype, insufficient keratinised tissue, high frenal attachment, and a shallow sulcus. In contrast, precipitating factors are those that directly contribute to gum disease, such as trauma, lip biting, oral piercings, malocclusion, and the presence of dental biofilm.

In practice we should be treating recession cases by managing modifiable factors such as informing patients to have a gentle but thorough approach, advice to use an electric toothbrush with a sensi head and invest in one with a pressure sensor. Also to use soft single tufted brush in localised recession areas. Surgical intervention may be needed for some patients who have aesthetics concerns and to prevent further progression. Free gingival graft is a dental procedure used to treat recession. This procedure is gaining popularity and should be brought to the attention of all general dental practitioners, who may sometimes overlook or dismiss patients' concerns about gum recession.

If any of your patients are experiencing concerns about gum recession, you can refer them to RW Perio for specialist care.