What are the top causes of unilateral gingival (gum) recession?

From the Guidelines

Unilateral gum line recession is primarily caused by a combination of factors including aggressive tooth brushing techniques, periodontal disease, physical trauma, misaligned teeth, tobacco use, and bruxism. The most significant cause of unilateral gum recession is aggressive tooth brushing, which can lead to gum tissue damage over time, especially when using a hard-bristled toothbrush or applying excessive pressure on one side 1. Other major causes include:

• Periodontal disease, with bacterial infections affecting one side more severely due to plaque accumulation in areas with inadequate cleaning
• Physical trauma from dental procedures, accidents, or habitual cheek biting, which can lead to localized gum recession
• Misaligned teeth or malocclusion, creating uneven pressure during chewing and causing recession on the more stressed side
• Tobacco use, particularly when chewing tobacco is placed consistently on one side of the mouth, damaging gum tissue in that area
• Bruxism (teeth grinding) that favors one side, traumatizing gums unilaterally
• Genetic factors, which may predispose some individuals to thinner gum tissue that recedes more easily To address unilateral recession, it is recommended to:
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with gentle circular motions
• Maintain regular dental check-ups
• Treat any underlying periodontal disease with professional cleanings, as emphasized in the study on infective endocarditis, which highlights the importance of good oral hygiene in preventing complications 1
• Consider a night guard for bruxism Early intervention is crucial, as receded gum tissue doesn't naturally regenerate, though dental procedures like gum grafting can repair severe recession.

From the Research

Causes of Gum Line Recession

The causes of gum line recession are multifactorial, and several factors contribute to its development. Some of the top causes include:

• Inflammation 2
• Gum biotype 2
• Patient's age 2, 3
• Mechanical and chemical damage 2
• Smoking 2, 3
• Presence of tartar 2
• Cervical defects and their reconstruction 2
• Orthodontic treatment 2
• Occlusal overload 2
• Iatrogenic factors 2
• Genetic predispositions 2
• Abnormalities in the immune system 2
• Improper brushing techniques 2, 4
• Lack of regular check-ups at the dentist 2

Unilateral Gum Line Recession

Unilateral gum line recession refers to the recession of the gum line on one side of the mouth. The causes of unilateral gum line recession are similar to those of bilateral gum line recession, but may also include:

• Malpositioned teeth 3
• Trauma 4, 3
• Anatomical factors 3
• Physiological or pathological factors 3

Risk Factors

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing gum line recession, including:

• Age 2, 3
• Sex 3
• Tobacco consumption 3
• Poor oral hygiene 2, 3
• Presence of periodontal disease 3
• Family history of gum line recession 2