Overview

When gums recede or are pushed back, the tooth roots are visible, making them more sensitive and vulnerable to cavities and infections that can be mild, moderate, or severe. Gums may also pull away from a tooth if it is positioned abnormally.

Causes

Gingival recession can be caused by various factors such as,

• Excessive brushing 

• Improper flossing 

• Tobacco use 

• Abnormal tooth position 

• Lip or tongue piercings 

• Dental plaques

• Periodontal disease 

• Trauma and misalignment

Symptoms

Gum recession symptoms include

• Increased tooth sensitivity 

• Longer teeth with a pocket or notch on the gum line. ( It's most apparent when tooth root exposure is present)

 Warning signs include 

• Pain 

• Sensitivity to heat 

• Cold and sweets 

• Sensitivity during brushing and dental cleanings.

Ayurvedic View

Sheetada- it is considered a disease affecting the danta moola (gums). Due to aggravated vata dosha, when a person intakes kapha aggravating food like curd, aquatic animal, meat, etc, this aggravated doshas enter the dantamoola (gums), causing loosening of teeth, premature falling of teeth, infection of exposed tooth, etc, this is receding gums. The Ayurveda way of approach is to bring dosha back to balance, reduce the symptoms by ayurvedic purification treatment and local treatment done for mukha roga (disease of the oral cavity) and guiding towards oral hygiene.