Receding Gum Treatment Waterloo
Gingival recession (receding gums) refers to the progressive loss of gum tissue, which can eventually result in tooth root exposure if left untreated. Gum recession is most common in adults over the age of 40, but the process can begin in the teenage years.
Gum recession can be difficult to self-diagnose in its earlier stages because the changes often occur asymptomatically and gradually. Regular dental check ups will help to prevent gum recession and assess risk factors.
The following symptoms may be indicative of gum recession:
- Sensitive teeth – When the gums recede enough to expose the cementum protecting the tooth root, the dentin tubules beneath will become more susceptible to external stimuli.
- Visible roots – This is one of the main characteristics of a more severe case of gum recession.
- Longer-looking teeth – Individuals experiencing gingival recession often have a “toothy” smile. The length of the teeth is perfectly normal, but the gum tissue has been lost, making the teeth appear longer.
- Halitosis, inflammation and bleeding – These symptoms are characteristic of gingivitis or periodontal disease. A bacterial infection causes the gums to recede from the teeth and may cause tooth loss if not treated promptly.
Causes of Gum Recession
Gum recession is an incredibly widespread problem that dentists diagnose and treat on a daily basis. It is important to thoroughly examine the affected areas and make an accurate diagnosis of the actual underlying problem. Once the cause of the gum recession has been determined, surgical and non surgical procedures can be performed to halt the progress of the recession, and prevent it from occurring in the future.
The most common causes of gingival recession are:
- Overaggressive brushing – Over brushing can almost be as dangerous to the gums as too little. Brushing too hard or brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush can erode the tooth enamel at the gum line, and irritate or inflame gum tissue.
- Poor oral hygiene – When brushing and flossing are performed improperly or not at all, a plaque build up can begin to affect the teeth. The plaque contains various bacterial toxins which can promote infection and erode the underlying jawbone.
- Chewing tobacco – Any kind of tobacco use has devastating effects on the entire oral cavity. Chewing tobacco in particular, aggravates the gingival lining of the mouth and causes gum recession if used continuously.
- Periodontal disease – Periodontal disease can be a result of improper oral hygiene or caused by systemic diseases such as diabetes. The excess sugars in the mouth and narrowed blood vessels experienced by diabetics create a perfect environment for oral bacteria. The bacterium causes an infection which progresses deeper and deeper into the gum and bone tissue, eventually resulting in tooth loss.
Treatment of Gum Recession
Every case of gum recession is slightly different, and therefore many treatments are available. The nature of the problem which caused the recession to begin with needs to be addressed first.
If overly aggressive brushing techniques are eroding the gums, a softer toothbrush and a gentler brushing technique should be used. If poor oral hygiene is a problem, prophylaxis (professional dental cleaning) may be recommended to rid the gum pockets of debris and bacteria. In the case of a severe calculus (tartar) build up, scaling and root planing will be performed to heal the gingival inflammation and clean the teeth.
Once the cause of the gingival recession has been addressed, surgery of a more cosmetic or restorative nature may be recommended. Gum tissue regeneration and gum grafting are two excellent ways to restore natural symmetry to the gums and make the smile look more aesthetically pleasing.
If you have any questions or concerns about periodontal disease, periodontal treatments, or gum recession, please ask your dentist.
Receding Gum Treatment in Waterloo – Protect Your Smile
If your gums are pulling back or your teeth feel more sensitive than before, it’s a good idea to get it checked early. At Trillium Dental Centre, we offer periodontics in Waterloo to help manage gum recession and keep your smile healthy. Call your Waterloo dentist at 519-746-4000 to book your visit.
What to Expect During Treatment
Receding gum treatment depends on the cause of the recession and how advanced it is. The first visit focuses on identifying what's driving the recession: aggressive brushing technique, periodontal disease, thin gum tissue (often genetic), orthodontic movement, bruxism, lip or tongue piercings, or some combination. Treatment that doesn't address the cause won't last.
Treatment falls into three general categories. Conservative measures — adjusting brushing technique with a soft brush and gentle pressure, treating any underlying gum disease, addressing bruxism with an occlusal splint, removing irritants — are usually the first step for mild-to-moderate recession that hasn't yet caused root sensitivity or significant cosmetic concerns. Restorative coverage uses tooth-colored composite material to cover and seal the exposed root surface, reducing sensitivity and improving appearance. Surgical grafting places tissue over the exposed root to restore the gum margin — the most definitive option for moderate to advanced recession.
We discuss which approach fits your specific case at the consultation. Many patients benefit from a combination: address the cause, manage the existing recession with restorative coverage or grafting as appropriate, and monitor over time.
Who Is a Candidate for Receding Gum Treatment
Treatment is appropriate when recession is causing:
- Persistent sensitivity to cold or touch on exposed root surfaces
- Cosmetic concerns about visibly longer teeth
- Progressing recession despite improved home care
- Root surface decay forming on exposed roots
- Risk to a planned restoration or implant placement
- Discomfort during routine brushing of the area
Treatment is most effective when the cause has been identified and managed — grafting over an area that's still being aggressively brushed will likely recede again. For patients with active periodontal disease, that's stabilized first. For patients with bruxism, the splint goes first.
Healing and Aftercare
Recovery depends on the approach. Conservative measures and restorative root coverage involve essentially no recovery — you can eat and brush normally immediately afterward, with cold sensitivity often improving within days.
Surgical grafting recovery is more involved: see our gum grafting page for detail. Briefly: soft diet for the first week, no brushing on the surgical area for two weeks (antimicrobial mouthwash instead), prescribed pain medication for the first day or two then OTC, and progressive return to normal activity over two to four weeks. Final tissue position is assessed at three months.
Ongoing maintenance matters regardless of which treatment is used. Soft-bristle brushing with light pressure, daily flossing technique that doesn't traumatize the gum margin, and regular cleanings every 4 to 6 months for patients with thin tissue or active recession.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Receding gum treatment fees vary widely by approach. A focused exam plus home-care coaching is a routine appointment fee. Composite root coverage is billed per tooth as a restorative procedure. Surgical grafting is billed under periodontal services — fees depend on the area, technique, and tissue source. We follow the current Ontario Dental Association (ODA) Suggested Fee Guide and provide a written estimate at the consultation.
Coverage varies. Composite root coverage is generally covered as a basic or major restorative service. Surgical grafting is generally covered under major periodontal services at 50% reimbursement subject to your annual maximum. We submit predetermination so you know your out-of-pocket portion before treatment. The federal Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) covers certain procedures for eligible patients.
Receding Gums — Frequently Asked Questions
Will my gums grow back on their own?
Once gum tissue has receded, it doesn't grow back on its own. The body doesn't naturally regenerate lost gum tissue. Grafting can restore tissue surgically; otherwise, the goal is to stop the recession from progressing further.
Why are my gums receding if I brush so carefully?
Aggressive technique is a common cause — too much pressure, hard bristles, or sawing motion. Sometimes it's the opposite: insufficient cleaning that allowed gum disease to progress. Other factors include thin natural tissue, grinding forces, orthodontic movement, or piercings. We evaluate at the consultation.
Does receding gum mean I have gum disease?
Not necessarily. Recession from aggressive brushing happens to people with otherwise healthy gums. Recession from periodontal disease is different — there's also bone loss and pocket formation. The exam tells us which type you have.
Will my sensitivity go away if I treat the recession?
Often yes. Composite root coverage and grafting both reduce or eliminate root sensitivity by covering the exposed dentin. Conservative measures alone may reduce sensitivity if you also address the cause; persistent sensitivity often warrants more definitive coverage.
Are there at-home remedies that can help?
Switching to a soft-bristle toothbrush, using light pressure (you should be able to push the bristles with about the weight of an orange — no more), using sensitivity toothpaste with potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride, and getting evaluated for grinding all help. But these prevent further recession; they don't reverse existing recession.