Receding gums are one of the warning signs of periodontal disease. Other symptoms of periodontal disease include bleeding and puffy gums. Receding gums occur when the gums and the bone in the mouth begin to move away from the tooth. This can cause long-term problems, and without treatment, tooth loss may be imminent.
Slight Periodontitis
If gingivitis is left untreated, the infection can spread from the gums to the bone. This process begins to destroy the bone that supports the teeth.
Moderate to Severe Periodontitis
As the infection progresses, more bone and tissue are destroyed. The most severe form of the disease includes extensive bone and tissue loss. Teeth often become loose and may drift from their original position.