It is a progressive disease in which gums move away from their normal position on teeth, resulting in symptoms like:

. increased sensitivity to hot and cold drinks

Gingival Recession commonly occurs as a part of ageing. Still, the second most common problem and a preventable one is brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush or brushing harshly in a back-and-forth motion. Fingernail biting or opening pins with your teeth can also result in this due to repeated injury on one part of the gum.

It can also occur as a result of inflammation because of plaque or calculus buildup, as a result of malpositioned teeth in the arch, smoking, abnormal frenal attachments or simply because of genetics.

A localised gingival recession occurs on one tooth, most commonly the one most visible in the arch (like canines and incisors) and is primarily due to self-inflicted injuries like toothbrushes or fingernail biting.

Generalised gingival recession is mostly a part of ageing, inflammation or other systemic diseases that correlate with periodontal diseases, like diabetes.

. Scaling and root planing (to reduce bacteria which cause inflammation)

. Avoiding harmful habits. Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush in a circular motion.