Noticing that your gums are pulling back and that your teeth look “longer” over time is a sign of gum recession, a process in which the gum tissue moves toward the root of the tooth and leaves it more exposed. It can be caused by brushing too hard, by periodontal disease, by grinding, by smoking or by a genetic predisposition, among other causes.
In this article we explain what gum recession is, why it happens, what symptoms come with it and what treatments exist to stop or correct it.
What does it mean to have less and less gum?
Having less and less gum means that the gum margin (the edge of the gum that surrounds the tooth) is moving down toward the root instead of staying at its usual height. In dentistry this process is known as gum recession or receding gums, and it leaves exposed a part of the tooth root that would normally be covered.
The most common causes of gum recession
Why do gums recede? Gums recede mainly because of excess mechanical force on the tissue, because of chronic inflammation caused by bacteria, or because of anatomical and hormonal factors that weaken the tissue over time. The most common causes are:
- Brushing your teeth too hard: brushing with too much force or with a hard-bristled brush wears the gum down little by little and encourages it to recede.
- Periodontal disease (periodontitis): the build-up of plaque and tartar causes a chronic infection of the gums that destroys the tissue and the supporting bone, making the gum recede.
- Grinding or excessive bite forces: clenching or grinding your teeth puts extra strain on the gum that can speed up its loss.
- Smoking: smoking reduces the blood supply to the gums and makes it harder for them to heal, which encourages recession.
- Thin gums or a genetic predisposition: some people are born with a thinner, more fragile gum biotype that is more likely to recede at the slightest insult.
- Poor tooth position or an inadequate bite: when a tooth is out of place or takes more pressure than it should, the gum covering it tends to be thinner and to recede sooner.
- Oral piercings: the constant rubbing of a lip or tongue piercing against the gum can wear it down over time.
- Hormonal changes: at times such as pregnancy or menopause, hormonal shifts can make the gum more vulnerable.
In short, gum recession is usually the result of a combination of habits (brushing, smoking, grinding), infection (periodontitis) and factors particular to each person (genetics, gum biotype), which is why identifying the specific cause is key to stopping the process.
Symptoms that usually come with gum loss
How do I know if I am losing gum? Besides seeing your teeth look “longer”, gum recession usually comes with other signs worth watching for:
- Tooth sensitivity: especially with cold, hot or sweet food and drink, because the root of the tooth is exposed.
- Teeth that look longer: as the gum margin pulls back, more of the root becomes visible.
- Bleeding when brushing: common when the underlying cause is active periodontal disease.
- More visible gaps between the teeth: as the gum pulls back it can reveal small spaces that were not noticeable before.
- Loose teeth: in more advanced cases, when supporting bone has been lost as well.
Can lost gum tissue be recovered?
Do gums grow back on their own? In most cases lost gum tissue does not come back on its own, because gum tissue does not regenerate the way other tissues in the body do. There are, however, dental treatments that can stop the recession from progressing and even cover part of the exposed root.
Treatments to stop or correct gum recession
- Correcting habits: adjusting your brushing technique and pressure, using a soft-bristled brush and controlling grinding (with a night guard, for example) helps stop it from progressing.
- Treating periodontal disease: a deep professional cleaning (scaling and root planing) clears the underlying infection and stabilizes the gum.
- Gum grafts: in advanced recession, a tissue graft can cover the exposed root again and restore volume to the gum.
- Tissue regeneration techniques: there are procedures that stimulate the regeneration of lost gum and bone tissue.
- Correcting tooth position: when the recession is related to the position of a tooth, treating that malocclusion can reduce the pressure on the gum and stop the process.
A real case from our practice
In this patient, severe crowding of the lower teeth kept constant pressure on very thin gum tissue and had caused marked recession. Straightening the teeth with orthodontics removed the cause of that pressure, and the gum regained its height and a healthy appearance. Drag the handle to compare before and after.
Recession from severe crowding, before and after orthodontics
When should I see a dentist about losing gum?
It is worth booking an appointment as soon as possible if any of these signs appear:
- Tooth sensitivity that keeps increasing.
- Gums that bleed often when you brush.
- A feeling that one or more teeth look “longer” than before.
- Any loose tooth.
An early diagnosis makes it possible to identify the exact cause and apply the most conservative treatment available before the recession advances.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal to lose gum with age?
Some degree of recession can come with the years, but a marked, progressive loss should not be considered normal and is worth having a specialist look at.
Does an electric toothbrush help prevent gum recession?
It can help if it is used with the right pressure, since many electric brushes have pressure sensors that prevent aggressive brushing.
Can gum recession be stopped without surgery?
In the early stages, correcting your habits and treating the cause (periodontitis, for example) can stop it from progressing without surgery.
Noticing less and less gum is a sign of gum recession, a process with very identifiable causes (aggressive brushing, periodontitis, grinding, smoking, genetics or hormones) that is easier to stop the sooner it is diagnosed. If you have noticed that your teeth look longer or that you have increasing sensitivity, the best thing to do is book a check-up to identify the specific cause and consider the most suitable treatment.
