Receding Gums: Causes, Prevention and Treatment Options

If your teeth look a little longer than they used to, or you feel a twinge from cold near the gumline, your gums may be receding. Gum recession happens when the gum tissue around a tooth pulls back and exposes more of the tooth, sometimes including the root. It usually develops slowly, so many people don't notice it at first. The good news is that it can often be slowed or stopped, and in some cases treated.

Signs of gum recession

• Teeth that look longer than before
• Sensitivity to cold, heat or sweets near the gumline
• A notch or ledge you can feel where the tooth meets the gum
• Visible root surfaces, which are often slightly darker or more yellow than enamel
• Spaces between teeth that seem to be getting larger
• In more advanced cases, loose teeth

Common causes

• Gum disease. Bacterial infection damages the gum tissue and supporting bone, causing gums to pull away. It's one of the most common causes. Read about the signs of gum disease.
• Brushing too hard or with a hard-bristled brush, which gradually wears gums away.
• Teeth grinding and clenching, which put extra stress on teeth and the tissues around them.
• Tobacco use, including chewing tobacco held against the gums.
• Tooth position. Teeth that sit outside the normal arch, or a thin natural gum type, are more prone to recession.
• Genetics. Some people are simply more susceptible.
• Lip or tongue piercings that rub against the gums.

Why it matters

Exposed roots don't have enamel to protect them, so they're more prone to sensitivity and cavities. Recession caused by gum disease can also come with bone loss, which over time can loosen teeth. Catching recession early gives you the most options, and usually means simpler, less invasive treatment.

How to prevent or slow it

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle pressure. An electric brush with a pressure sensor can help.
• Brush at the gumline with small, gentle motions instead of hard scrubbing.
• Clean between your teeth every day to control plaque.
• Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth.
• Don't smoke, vape or chew tobacco.
• Keep regular cleanings and checkups, so we can measure your gums over time and spot changes early.

Treatment options

Treatment depends on the cause and how far the recession has progressed:

• Treating gum disease with a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) to remove bacteria and tartar below the gumline
• Desensitizing treatments, such as fluoride varnish and desensitizing toothpaste, to calm sensitivity
• Tooth-colored bonding to cover exposed root surfaces and notches
• Addressing the cause, such as a night guard for grinding or adjusting brushing technique
• Gum grafting, a procedure performed by a gum specialist (periodontist) to rebuild lost gum tissue in more advanced cases; we'll refer you when it's the right option

Gum tissue that has receded doesn't grow back on its own, which is why stopping it early matters so much.

Have your gums checked

If you've noticed sensitivity or teeth that look longer, we can measure your gums, find the cause and recommend the right next step. Learn more about our periodontal treatment, then request an appointment online or call Zen Family Dental at (703) 385-2772.