Healthy teeth are surrounded by two types of gum tissue: attached gingiva and free gingiva, also called the mucosa. It is the attached gingiva that ensure the stability of your gums.

The more of this kind of gum tissue you have, the less the risk of your gums detaching from your teeth. When the attached tissue is very thin, the area is more at risk of breakdown.

As the gum tissue breaks down, or recedes, the root is exposed. If this condition is not corrected, it can jeopardize the survival of the tooth.

This problem can easily be diagnosed during a normal check-up.

Causes of receding gums

• Periodontal diseases
• Brushing your teeth too hard
• Poor brushing technique

Factors that can lead to receding gums

• Using a toothbrush with hard bristles
• Position of your teeth
• Moving teeth

Treatment: gum grafts

A gum graft increases the attached tissue and stops the progression of recessions.

One graft technique is to take a thin piece of gum tissue from the roof of the mouth and place it at the base of the recession, to strengthen the attached tissue and prevent further recession. A root-covering graft may also be done, to cover the exposed root surface.

The success rate of these procedures is excellent and in most cases the benefits should last many years or even a lifetime, if you maintain good oral hygiene.