Gingival Recession in Children: A Parent’s Guide
Your child’s smile is something you notice every day, and it’s easy to pick up on even the smallest changes. When you see their gums looking a little different, maybe pulling back or showing more of their teeth, it can leave you feeling worried. Receding gums can be surprising or even a little scary, especially if you don’t know what’s behind it. Gum recession isn’t just something adults deal with — kids may experience it, too. In this guide, Dr Ellie Nadian will explain why it happens, what to look out for, and how to support your child’s gum health.
What Is Gingival Recession?
Gingival recession in children occurs when the gum tissue pulls back from the tooth, exposing the root surface. This exposure can lead to increased sensitivity to temperature changes and make the teeth more susceptible to decay, as the root surface lacks the protective enamel layer. While more common in adults, children can experience gum recession due to factors like aggressive brushing, misaligned teeth, or gum disease.
Can Children Experience Gum Recession?
Gum recession may occur in children as young as 7 years old, particularly around the lower front teeth. Early detection is crucial, as untreated gum recession can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, a higher risk of cavities, and potential tooth loss. Regular dental check-ups allow for timely intervention, helping to prevent further complications and maintain your child’s oral health.
Common Causes of Gum Recession in Children
Several factors may cause gum recession in children. It might be the way a child’s teeth sit, how they brush, or even a small injury. Let’s look at some of the most common reasons gum recession in children can happen.
Poor Oral Hygiene
When children don’t brush and floss properly, plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—can build up on their teeth. Over time, this plaque can irritate their gums, leading to gingivitis, which causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress, causing the gums to pull away from the teeth, leading to recession.
Tooth Position
Sometimes, a child’s tooth may erupt towards the lip (labially) or be out of alignment. These misaligned teeth can be covered by thinner gum tissue and have less bone support, making them more susceptible to recession. This is particularly common with lower front teeth.
Local Trauma (Injury)
Injuries to the gums can occur from various habits or accidents. Brushing too hard, using a hard-bristled toothbrush, or habits like fingernail biting and pencil chewing can damage the delicate gum tissue. Repeated trauma can cause the gums to recede over time.
Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic appliances, like braces, are common in children and adolescents. While they help in aligning teeth, they can sometimes exert pressure on the gums, especially if teeth are moved outward. This movement can push teeth through the thin outer layer of bone, increasing the risk of gum recession. Additionally, braces can make oral hygiene more challenging, leading to increased plaque buildup and gingivitis, which may worsen recession.
Other Factors
Certain anatomical and behavioural factors can also contribute to gum recession:
- Thin Gingival Biotype: Some children naturally have thinner gum tissue, making them more prone to recession.
- High Frenal Attachment: If the frenum (the tissue connecting the lip to the gum) is attached close to the gum margin, it can pull on the gums, leading to localised recession.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Sometimes, it’s easy to miss the early signs of gum recession in children because they’re not always obvious. But there are a few changes to look out for that might tell you something’s not quite right.
Tooth Sensitivity
If your child winces or complains when eating hot, cold, or sweet foods, it might be due to tooth sensitivity. This sensitivity can occur when the protective enamel wears down or when gums recede, exposing the sensitive tooth roots. Such exposure allows stimuli to reach the nerves more easily, causing discomfort. It’s important to consult a Brisbane Paediatric Dentist to determine the exact cause and appropriate treatment.
Teeth Looking Longer
You might notice that your child’s teeth appear longer than before. This visual change can result from gum recession, where the gum tissue pulls back, exposing more of the tooth’s surface. Such changes are often more noticeable in the front teeth and can be a sign of underlying gum issues.
Red or Swollen Gums
Healthy gums are typically pink and firm. If your child’s gums appear red, swollen, or tender, it could indicate inflammation, commonly due to gingivitis. This condition arises from plaque buildup and can progress if not addressed.
Bleeding Gums
Bleeding during brushing or flossing isn’t normal and can be a sign of gum disease. In children, this often points to gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease caused by plaque accumulation. Regular dental check-ups with an experienced kids’ dentist and proper oral hygiene can help manage and reverse this condition.
Bad Breath
Persistent bad breath, or halitosis, in children, can result from poor oral hygiene, leading to plaque buildup. This accumulation harbours bacteria that produce unpleasant odours. Ensuring regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits can help resolve this issue.
How Is Gum Recession Diagnosed?
If you suspect your child may be experiencing gum recession, your dentist can perform specific assessments to determine the condition and recommend appropriate care.
Dental Check-ups
Regular dental visits are essential for maintaining your child’s oral health. During these appointments, the dentist will examine your child’s teeth and gums for any signs of issues, including gum recession. Early detection through routine check-ups can help address problems before they become more serious.
Measuring Gum Pockets
One method dentists use to assess gum health is by measuring the depth of the spaces between the teeth and gums, known as periodontal pockets. Using a small, gentle instrument called a periodontal probe, the dentist measures these pockets in millimetres. Healthy gums typically have pocket depths of 1 to 3 millimetres. Deeper pockets may indicate gum disease and require further evaluation.
Dental X-rays
Dental X-rays are another tool dentists use to evaluate the health of the teeth and supporting bone structures. X-rays can reveal bone loss or other underlying issues that may not be visible during a visual examination. This information helps the dentist determine the extent of gum recession and plan the most effective treatment.
Treatment Options for Children
If your child has gum recession, there are a few practical steps that can help. The best approach depends on the cause and how much the gums have been affected.
Improved Oral Hygiene
Teaching children proper brushing and flossing techniques is crucial. Encourage them to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently in small circular motions for two minutes twice a day. Using a fluoride toothpaste helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay. Regular dental check-ups are also essential to monitor oral health and catch any early signs of gum issues.
Orthodontic Treatment
Misaligned teeth can put extra pressure on the gums, leading to recession. Orthodontic treatments, such as braces, can correct alignment issues, reducing stress on the gums and making oral hygiene easier. Early intervention can prevent more severe problems down the line.
Addressing Habits and Anatomical Factors
Certain habits and anatomical features can contribute to gum recession. Habits like aggressive brushing, teeth grinding, or gum picking should be addressed through education and behaviour modification. Additionally, anatomical factors such as a high frenal attachment (the tissue connecting the lip to the gum) may require a procedure called a frenectomy to reduce tension on the gums and prevent further recession.
How to Prevent Gum Recession in Children
Show your child how to brush with care: Kids often think scrubbing harder makes teeth cleaner, but that can hurt their gums. Use a soft toothbrush and show them how to use small, gentle strokes.
Floss together until they’re confident: Flossing isn’t always easy for kids, so doing it together helps them learn. It removes food bits and plaque that can irritate gums.
Book regular dental check-ups, not just when something’s wrong: Routine visits help catch gum issues early. Even if your child’s teeth seem fine, check-ups can spot problems before they start.
Watch for teeth that aren’t coming in straight: If you notice a tooth pushing forward or at an odd angle, let the dentist know. Misaligned teeth can put pressure on the gums and cause them to recede.
Help them avoid harmful habits: Chewing on pens, biting nails, or grinding teeth at night can damage gum tissue. If you spot these habits, gently correct them or talk to your dentist.
Use toothpaste with fluoride but not too much: A small amount of fluoride toothpaste helps protect teeth from plaque and decay. Ask your kid’s dentist how much toothpaste to use.
Get a mouthguard for sports: If your child plays contact sports, a properly fitted mouthguard can protect their teeth and gums from injuries.
Ask your dentist about tight gum attachments: Some kids have a piece of tissue (frenum) that pulls on the gums. If you notice a gap or a pull when they smile, ask the dentist to check it out.
When Should You See a Dentist?
If your child’s gums stay red, swollen, or sore: If you’re noticing that your child’s gums aren’t settling down, even with careful brushing, it’s a good time to let a dentist have a look—so you can catch things early and ease your worries.
If they complain about tooth pain or sensitivity: Kids might tell you their teeth feel “funny” or hurt when eating or drinking. It’s always better to check with the dentist rather than waiting for it to go away.
If your child feels unhappy about their teeth or smile: Sometimes it’s not about pain, but how they feel when they smile or look in the mirror. If they seem upset about their teeth, your dentist can offer gentle advice and help.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of gum recession early really can make things easier for both you and your child. Instead of dealing with bigger problems later, spotting changes early means simpler solutions and less worry. Keeping gums healthy isn’t something you or your child have to handle alone—your dentist is there to help, too. With steady brushing, regular visits, and just a little extra care, you’ll be giving your child the best chance at a comfortable, healthy smile for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can gum recession in children reverse on its own without treatment?
Gum recession in children typically does not reverse on its own. Once gum tissue recedes, it doesn’t naturally grow back. However, with early detection and proper care, further progression can be prevented, and in some cases, minor improvements in gum health can occur.
How to fix receding gums in kids?
Treating receding gums in children involves addressing the underlying cause. This may include improving oral hygiene practices, correcting misaligned teeth through orthodontics, or eliminating harmful habits like aggressive brushing. In more severe cases, a dentist might recommend procedures such as gum grafting to restore the gum line.
Is gum recession normal in kids?
Gum recession is less common in children than in adults, but it can occur. Factors like improper brushing techniques, misaligned teeth, or certain habits can contribute to its development. It’s important to consult a dentist if signs of gum recession are noticed in a child.
What causes gingival recession in children?
Several factors can lead to gingival recession in children, including aggressive brushing, misaligned teeth, and habits like nail-biting or pencil-chewing. Additionally, anatomical factors such as a high frenal attachment can contribute to gum recession.
What is the best treatment for receding gums?
The best treatment depends on the severity and underlying cause of the recession. For mild cases, improving oral hygiene and eliminating harmful habits may suffice. In more advanced cases, treatments like scaling and root planing or surgical procedures such as gum grafting might be necessary.
Can receding gums grow back?
Unfortunately, receding gums do not grow back naturally. Once the gum tissue has receded, it cannot regenerate on its own. However, dental treatments can help restore the gum line and prevent further recession.
Which is the best toothpaste for receding gums?
Toothpastes formulated for gum health can help manage and prevent further recession. Some products are designed to reduce plaque and inflammation, promoting healthier gums. It’s advisable to choose a toothpaste with fluoride and consult a dentist for personalised recommendations.
Keep Your Child’s Gums Healthy with Expert Care
Let’s work together to keep your child’s gums healthy. If you ever have questions or need advice, our dental team is here to offer support. You can reach us at (07) 3343 4880 to schedule an appointment.
Disclaimer:
Information here is intended as a general guide and should not be relied on for diagnosis or treatment decisions. For advice tailored to your child’s gums and teeth, speak with a licensed dental professional
