Bone Loss and Gum Recession

Doctor In-Charge: Dr Christine Ma

Bone loss and gum recession are common dental concerns that can affect both the health and appearance of your smile. As these conditions develop gradually over time, the symptoms are often overlooked in the early stages. Many patients only realise that there is a problem when they notice tooth sensitivity, receding gums or loose teeth. When left untreated, bone loss and gum recession can progress, compromising the stability of your teeth. Recognising the signs and causes of bone loss and gum recession early gives you the best chance of protecting your natural teeth.

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What are Bone Loss and Gum Recession?

Bone loss and gum recession are conditions that affect the supporting structures of your teeth. Bone loss occurs when the jawbone supporting the teeth deteriorates over time, while gum recession occurs when the gum tissue gradually separates from the tooth. While they are two separate conditions, they often occur together and may indicate underlying issues such as gum disease. As the bones and gums recede, the teeth become more sensitive and vulnerable to complications. Early intervention is a key step in slowing progression and preserving as much natural tooth as possible.

Signs and Symptoms

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it could suggest an underlying problem that requires professional assessment.

Teeth Appearing Longer
As gums recede, more of the tooth surface is exposed, making the teeth appear longer than usual.
Tooth Sensitivity
Patients may experience discomfort when consuming hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods and drinks, as exposed tooth roots are more sensitive than enamel.
Loose or Shifting Teeth
Reduced bone support can compromise tooth stability, leading to changes in spacing or an altered bite.
Changes in Gum Appearance
This includes uneven gum lines, larger spaces developing between the teeth, or areas where the gums appear thinner and pulled away from the teeth.

Concerned About Your Symptoms?

If you have noticed any of the symptoms above, a comprehensive dental assessment can help identify the underlying cause and determine the most appropriate treatment for your needs.
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What Causes Bone Loss and Gum Recession?

Bone loss and gum recession are often caused by a combination of factors rather than a single issue. Identifying the root cause of the problem helps dentists to create targeted treatments that provide long-term, sustainable outcomes.

Some possible causes include:

  • Gum disease
  • Excessive brushing forces that cause repeated friction along the gum line, causing it to recede over time
  • Teeth grinding, clenching and bite imbalances that place unnecessary stress on the teeth
  • Naturally thin gum and bone anatomy
  • Lifestyle factors such as smoking, chronic stress, poor sleep and poor nutrition

Why Bone Loss and Gum Recession Should Not Be Ignored

Bone loss and gum recession are progressive conditions that do not improve unless the underlying cause is addressed. When left untreated, these conditions result in progressive loss of gum and bone support, increased tooth sensitivity and a higher risk of root decay. Over time, the loss of support structures can also affect the appearance of your smile and the stability of your teeth, increasing the risk of future tooth loss. If you are experiencing signs of bone loss and gum recession, early intervention provides the best chance of preserving your natural teeth and maintaining your long-term oral health.

How Does kohe™ Dental Assess Bone Loss and Gum Recession?

Care That Starts With You

An effective treatment plan begins with understanding the root cause of your bone loss or gum recession. During your consultation at kohe™ Dental, our experienced dental team will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your oral health, existing medical conditions and lifestyle to determine the underlying cause. This enables us to create a targeted treatment plan that supports long-term oral health and prevents further progression.

Understanding Your Symptoms and Medical History

Your consultation begins with a discussion with your dentist where you share your symptoms, concerns and oral health history. Your dentist may ask when you first noticed the recession, whether you experience tooth sensitivity and if the condition seems to be deteriorating over time. Previous dental treatments, existing restorations and relevant medical conditions will also be reviewed to provide a clear picture of your overall dental health.

As a holistic dental practice, kohe™ Dental also considers factors beyond the mouth. Your lifestyle habits, stress levels and oral hygiene routines are also reviewed to identify any potential contributing factors that may go unnoticed. 

Comprehensive Clinical Examination

Next, your dentist will carefully examine your teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues. This includes assessing the extent of the gum recession and checking for signs of inflammation, infection or gum disease. Measurements may also be taken around the teeth to evaluate the health of your gums and identify where supporting structures have been affected. This step is essential in determining the severity of the condition.

Bite Analysis

Following that, we evaluate how your teeth come together when biting and chewing to look for signs of clenching, grinding, or excessive bite forces. This is an important part of treatment planning, as addressing these factors helps to reduce any ongoing stress on the teeth.

Dental X-Rays and CBCT Scan

Dental X-rays may be recommended for a more detailed assessment of areas within the mouth that cannot be seen during a visual examination. This helps to identify bone loss, hidden infections, gum disease and other underlying conditions.

In certain cases, a CBCT scan may be recommended for a three-dimensional view of the teeth, gums and supporting structures.

Developing a Personalised Treatment Plan

After evaluating all possible causes and determining the most likely option, we create a personalised treatment plan designed to address the root cause of the problem. This helps to reduce the likelihood of future relapses. Our recommendations may include preventive, restorative, periodontal, bite-related, or lifestyle-based interventions.

Treatment Options

Depending on your diagnosis and symptoms, your dentist may recommend the following treatment options:
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Comprehensive Periodontal Assessment and Monitoring
Assessment allows your dentist to evaluate the severity and extent of bone loss and gum recession, identify areas of risk and monitor changes over time.
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Gum Disease Therapy
If gum disease is a contributing factor, treatment will be focused on reducing inflammation and controlling bacterial accumulation.
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Gum Recession Management
This includes preventive strategies, modifications to oral hygiene habits, management of contributing factors and gum grafting in serious cases.
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Bite and Lifestyle Management
Teeth grinding, clenching, bite imbalances and lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep and stress are evaluated for targeted intervention.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about bone loss and gum recession? Here are the most common questions we receive from our patients.

Can recessed gums grow back naturally?
In most cases, receded gums do not grow back naturally. While good oral hygiene and professional dental care can prevent the problem from progressing, lost gum tissue seldom regenerates on its own. Depending on the underlying cause and severity, treatment may include desensitising therapies, gum disease management, bite management or gum grafting.
Is bone loss around teeth reversible?
Bone loss around teeth is often challenging to reverse, especially when significant supporting structures have been lost. However, early intervention can prevent the problem from deteriorating. The most appropriate treatment option depends on the severity of the case and the root cause of bone loss.
Does gum recession always mean that I have gum disease?
Although gum disease is the most common cause of gum recession, it is not the only one. Other possible causes include brushing habits, teeth grinding, clenching, bite imbalances, thin gum tissue and lifestyle factors. A comprehensive dental assessment is required to determine the exact cause and guide the right course of action.
Can bone loss lead to tooth loss?
Yes, as bone loss progresses, the teeth may gradually lose support and become loose or shift positions. If left untreated, severe bone loss can lead to tooth loss. Early diagnosis and treatment give patients the best chance at retaining as many natural teeth as possible.
Can teeth grinding cause gum recession?

Yes, teeth grinding places excessive force on the teeth and surrounding structures. Over time, these forces may contribute to gum recession, bone loss and tooth wear, especially when combined with other risk factors such as gum disease. Identifying and managing grinding or clenching habits can help to prevent further damage and maintain long-term oral health.

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Our Holistic Dentist

Dr Christine Ma is a UK-trained holistic and biological dentist that takes a holistic approach to dentistry.

Dr Christine Ma (1023 x 1280)
Dr Christina Ma
Holistic and Biological Dentist

Why Visit Dr Christine Ma

  • Holistic and biological dentist with a focus on working with conditions experienced by:
    • Pregnant women,
    • Children who have material sensitivities,
    • Patients with medical conditions or allergies and, 
    • Patients who have had previous bad dental experiences.
  • UK-trained dentist who has worked in the United Kingdom for more than 10 years in both public and private service.
  • More than 10 years of experience working with biomimetic and minimally invasive dentistry. 
  • Works with patients who want to correct their oral health in relation to their physical (systemic health).

Why Choose kohe™ Dental

If you have noticed receding gums, increased tooth sensitivity or changes in the appearance of your teeth, it might be time to have a professional dental assessment. At kohe™ Dental, we focus on identifying the underlying factors contributing to your symptoms to create a treatment plan that supports your long-term oral health. Book a consultation with our team today and take the first step towards protecting your gums and preserving your natural teeth.
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