What Causes Receding Gums?
Written by Dr. Jesse Hofer, DMD November 28, 2024 14:23
At Precision Oyster Bay Family Dental, we know your smile is deeply personal—it’s what lights up your conversations, your photos, your everyday moments. But when gums start to recede, it can feel concerning, even a little scary. You’re not alone. Many of our neighbors here in Oyster Bay have come to us with questions about what causes receding gums, worried about sensitivity, appearance, or the health of their teeth.
Gum recession is one of the most common dental issues, yet it often goes unnoticed until it’s advanced. It occurs when the gum tissue surrounding your teeth pulls back, exposing the tooth roots. This can lead to increased sensitivity, tooth decay, and even tooth loss. Understanding what causes receding gums is the first step toward prevention and effective treatment.
In this article, we’ll cover what causes gums to recede, how to spot the early warning signs, and tips to prevent gum recession. If you’re noticing changes in your gums or smile, visit Precision Oyster Bay Family Dental for personalized treatment options, including advanced LANAP therapy (more on that later!), to help restore and protect your oral health. Call us at (516) 916-6056—we’d love to hear from you!
What Are Receding Gums?
Receding gums occur when the gumline pulls away from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth surface and sometimes the roots. Healthy gums fit snugly around the teeth, providing protection and support. When gums recede, it can create gaps or “pockets” between the teeth and gums, which become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Without treatment, gum recession can lead to:
- Increased Tooth Sensitivity: Exposed roots are highly sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
- Tooth Decay and Damage: The exposed root surfaces are more prone to decay and wear.
- Tooth Loss: Advanced gum recession weakens the support structure, putting teeth at risk.
We’ve seen cases where patients didn’t realize their gums were receding until they sat down in our chairs. One neighbor from Oyster Bay came in thinking their discomfort was just ‘sensitive teeth’ from eating ice cream, but a closer look revealed early signs of gum recession. Moments like this remind us how important it is to keep an eye on your gum health—not just for comfort but for long-term confidence in your smile.
Common Causes of Receding Gums
Several factors contribute to gum recession, and while some are preventable, others may be genetic or unavoidable.
Here are the most common causes we’ve seen among our patients here in Oyster Bay:
1. Periodontal Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is the leading cause of gum recession. Bacterial infection can gradually damage the gum tissue and bone supporting your teeth. Without treatment, the gums start to recede, creating pockets where bacteria thrive.
2. Aggressive Brushing
We often see patients who, with the best intentions, brush too hard. But using a heavy hand or a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down enamel and irritate gum tissue over time, leading to recession.
3. Poor Oral Hygiene
Inadequate brushing and flossing allow plaque and tartar to build up along the gumline, causing gum inflammation and eventually recession. It’s a preventable issue, and our team can help you get back on track with professional cleanings and tips tailored to your habits.
4. Genetics
Several patients we’ve treated have a family history of receding gums. Unfortunately, some people are just genetically predisposed to gum recession. If gum disease runs in your family, you may be at higher risk, and regular check-ups are essential.
5. Hormonal Changes
Fluctuations in hormone levels during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause can make gums more sensitive and prone to recession.
6. Tobacco Use
Tobacco products reduce blood flow to the gums, making them more vulnerable to infections and damage. It’s a tough habit to quit, but it’s worth it—for your gums and your overall health.
7. Misaligned Teeth or Grinding
If you grind or clench your teeth (a condition called bruxism), it can place excess pressure on your gums, leading to recession. Misaligned teeth can also create uneven pressure that affects gum health.
Receding Gums Symptoms and Warning Signs
Listen to your gums—more often than not, they’re trying to tell you something.
Some of the most common signs of gum recession include:
- Sensitive Teeth: If you’re wincing at your morning coffee or favorite ice cream, it could be an early sign of gum recession. Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods is often one of the first signs.
- Visible Gumline Changes: Gums that look like they’re shrinking or pulling back, or teeth that look longer or more exposed, are classic signs.
- Loose Teeth: In advanced cases, teeth may feel loose or shift, because advanced gum recession can weaken the foundation of your teeth.
- Bleeding Gums: Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing may indicate inflammation or early gum disease.
- Persistent Bad Breath: This can be a sign of bacteria buildup in the pockets created by receding gums.
One patient shared how they were shocked to realize their bad breath wasn’t just diet-related—it was tied to gum health. Once we addressed their recession, the problem improved dramatically.
Stages of Gum Recession
Gum recession progresses in stages, and the earlier we catch it, the better.
Mild Recession
At this stage, the gums are just starting to pull back ever so slightly. Many patients don’t notice any symptoms beyond mild sensitivity or discomfort. The good news? With early intervention and improved oral hygiene, this can be reversible.
Moderate Recession
This is where more of the tooth becomes exposed, increasing sensitivity and the risk of decay. Professional deep cleanings or laser therapy may be recommended to halt the progression.
Severe Recession
Advanced recession can expose the roots, create deep pockets, and even lead to loose teeth or tooth loss. For severe cases, where there’s significant loss of gum tissue and supporting bone, advanced procedures like periodontal surgery or grafting may be necessary to restore your smile.
Can Receding Gums Be Reversed? Understanding Treatment Options
While gum recession can’t always be fully reversed, the right treatments can stop its progression and repair damage.
Here are some options we frequently offer at our Oyster Bay office:
1. Scaling and Root Planing
This deep cleaning removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline, promoting gum healing and reattachment.
2. LANAP Laser Therapy
The Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) targets infected gum tissue while preserving healthy tissue, stimulating gum regeneration and reducing inflammation. This laser treatment is minimally invasive and incredibly effective—a great alternative to surgery.
3. Gum Grafting
In severe cases, a gum graft may be necessary. Grafting restores lost gum tissue by taking healthy tissue from another area of the mouth and attaching it to the receding area.
4. Medication
Antibiotic gels or oral rinses can help manage bacterial infections and reduce inflammation.
As always, every patient’s needs are unique. That’s why we take the time to create a personalized treatment plan for you.
How to Prevent Receding Gums: Best Practices for Gum Health
Preventing gum recession is simpler than you might think. A few consistent habits can make a big difference:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a gentle hand to avoid damaging gums.
- Floss daily to remove plaque from areas that brushing can’t reach.
- Quit smoking, because tobacco use accelerates gum damage and hinders healing.
- Wear a custom mouthguard if you grind or clench your teeth to protect your gums at night.
- Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and early detection—these are key to preventing serious issues.
Lifestyle Changes to Support Healthy Gums
Small tweaks to your routine can help keep your gums healthy:
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking water helps rinse away food particles and bacteria.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Foods rich in vitamins and minerals, especially Vitamin C and calcium, support gum tissue repair.
- Manage Stress: High stress can lead to grinding or even weaken your immune system, making it harder to fight off gum infections.
Final Thoughts: Get in Touch About Your Gum Health
Your gums are the foundation of your smile, and taking care of them is one of the best investments you can make in your oral health. If you’re noticing changes, don’t wait—early intervention can make all the difference. At Precision Oyster Bay Family Dental, we’re here to help you restore your gums and confidence with personalized care and advanced treatments like LANAP therapy.
We’ve worked with patients from all walks of life—from a local artist who noticed her smile changing in photos, to a retired teacher who hadn’t realized their increased tooth sensitivity was linked to gum recession. Together, we tackled their concerns, uncovering the root causes and finding solutions to restore their confidence.
If you want to take the first step toward reclaiming your smile, health, and confidence, get in touch for personalized treatment options.
FAQs
Can receding gums grow back?
Gum tissue lost to recession doesn’t grow back naturally. However, treatments like LANAP therapy or gum grafting can restore the gumline and improve oral health.
How can you fix receding gums?
Treatments like scaling and root planing, laser therapy, and gum grafting can address gum recession effectively, depending on its severity.
What do receding gums look like?
Receding gums appear as a pulling back of the gumline, exposing more of the tooth or even the roots. Teeth may look longer, and gaps may form between the teeth and gums.
How to stop receding gums from getting worse?
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene, avoiding aggressive brushing, quitting smoking, and addressing conditions like bruxism are key to stopping further gum recession.