What Causes Gum Recession?

Gum recession can occur for many reasons, including:

• Periodontal disease (gum disease)
• Teeth grinding or clenching
• Excessive biting forces
• Aggressive tooth brushing
• Thin gum tissue
• Tobacco use
• Orthodontic tooth movement in certain situations
• Poor oral hygiene

Often, more than one factor contributes to gum recession.

At Total Dentistry, we don’t simply measure how much gum has receded—we work to identify why it happened in the first place.

Signs and Symptoms

Gum recession may cause:

• Teeth that appear longer than before
• Exposed tooth roots
• Sensitivity to hot or cold
• Notches or grooves near the gumline
• Food collecting between the teeth
• Bleeding gums
• Spaces developing between the teeth
• Changes in the appearance of your smile

Many patients notice the appearance of gum recession long before they experience discomfort.

Should Gum Recession Be Evaluated?

Yes.

Even if gum recession isn’t causing pain, it should be evaluated because it may indicate an underlying problem.

You should schedule an examination if:

• Your teeth appear longer than before.
• You notice exposed tooth roots.
• Your teeth have become more sensitive.
• Your gums continue to recede.
• You’ve noticed changes in the way your teeth fit together.
• You have bleeding gums or loose teeth.

Early evaluation often helps prevent additional gum and bone loss.

How Is Gum Recession Diagnosed?

Determining why your gums are receding involves more than simply measuring the gumline.

During your examination, Dr. Omeltschenko may evaluate:

• Gum measurements
• Periodontal pocket depths
• Gum thickness
• Bone levels using digital X-rays
• Tooth wear
• Bite alignment
• Signs of grinding or clenching
• Plaque and tartar buildup

Evaluating your gums, teeth, and bite together allows us to determine the factors contributing to the recession and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

What Happens If Gum Recession Is Left Untreated?

Depending on the cause, untreated gum recession may lead to:

• Increasing tooth sensitivity
• Root decay
• Continued loss of gum tissue
• Progressive bone loss
• Loose teeth
• Tooth loss
• Cosmetic concerns

Treating the underlying cause early can often help slow or stop the progression of gum recession.

Possible Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the recession.

Possible treatment options include:

• Periodontal Therapy – If gum disease is causing the recession, periodontal therapy may be recommended to control the infection and help prevent further damage.

• Home Care Modifications – Adjusting brushing technique and improving plaque removal may help reduce additional irritation to the gums.

• Nightguard Therapy – If grinding or clenching is contributing to excessive forces on the teeth and gums, a custom nightguard may be recommended.

• Monitoring – Mild, stable recession may simply be monitored during your routine examinations if the underlying cause has been addressed.

• Referral for Gum Grafting – In some cases, significant recession may benefit from evaluation by a periodontist for soft tissue grafting to help protect exposed roots and improve gum coverage.

Our goal is to identify and address the underlying cause of the recession while helping you preserve your natural teeth for the long term.

Looking Beyond the Receding Gums

Gum recession is often the result of a combination of factors—not just one.

At Total Dentistry, we believe successful treatment begins with understanding the complete picture. That’s why every comprehensive examination evaluates the health of your gums, teeth, and bite to determine why recession is occurring and what can be done to reduce the risk of future damage.