Receding Gums - Symptoms

Symptoms

Gum recession is generally not an acute condition. In most cases, receding of gums is a progressive condition that occurs gradually over the years. This is one reason that it is common over the age of 40. Because the changes in the condition of the gums from one day to another are minimal, patients get used to the gums' appearance and tend not to notice the recession visually. Receding gums may remain unnoticed until the condition starts to cause symptoms.

The following signs and symptoms may indicate gum recession:

• Sensitive teeth - Teeth become sensitive to hot and cold or to sweet, sour, or spicy foods. If the cementum covering the root is not protected anymore by the gums, it is easily abraded exposing the dentin tubules to external stimuli.
• Teeth may also appear longer than normal (a larger part of the crown is visible if gums are receding).
• The roots of the tooth are exposed and visible.
• The tooth feels notched at the gum line
• Change in the tooth’s color (due to the color difference between enamel and cementum)
• Spaces between teeth seem to grow (the space is the same, but it seems larger because the gums do not fill it any more).
• Cavities below the gum line

If the gum recession is caused by gingivitis, the following symptoms may also be present:

• Puffy, red, or swollen (inflamed) gums
• Gum bleeding while brushing or flossing
• Bad breath (halitosis)

In some cases, it is the treatment of gingivitis that reveals a gum recession problem, that was previously masked by the gums swelling.