Why Do Gums Recede and How to Stop It
Gum recession means your gumline has moved down (or up) and more of the tooth, or the tooth root, is showing. It often happens slowly, so many people do not notice it until they see sensitivity, a “longer tooth” look, or a notch near the gumline.
Receding gums are common, but they are not something to ignore. Exposed roots can be more sensitive and more vulnerable to decay. The good news is that in many cases, you can stop recession from getting worse with the right home routine and the right dental care plan.
At 2nd Ave Family Dental in Durango, we take a prevention-first approach. We look for the cause, explain what it means for your long-term health, and guide you toward the simplest next steps. If you want a helpful foundation for prevention, start here: Dental Cleanings & Exams and how to maintain oral hygiene between visits.
The Short Answer: Why Gums Recede
Gum recession usually happens for one of two big reasons: irritation from bacteria (gum disease) or physical wear and strain on the gum tissue (like aggressive brushing or a thin gum type). Sometimes it is a combination.
Recession is often gradual: Many people notice it first as sensitivity to cold, touch, or brushing.
It does not usually “grow back” on its own: The goal is to stop it early, protect exposed roots, and treat the cause.
Gum disease is a common driver: If plaque and tartar stay along the gumline, inflammation can progress and damage the support around teeth.
Brushing too hard is also common: Scrubbing can wear away gum tissue, especially if your gums are naturally thin.
If sensitivity is one of your main symptoms, this companion article may help you connect the dots: why teeth feel sensitive to hot or cold.
How to Tell If Your Gums Are Receding
Some signs are obvious, and some are easy to miss. If you notice any of the patterns below, it is worth a quick evaluation so you know what is happening and what to do next.
Teeth look longer than before
As the gumline moves, more tooth structure becomes visible, especially near the front teeth or canines.
Sensitivity near the gumline
Roots are not protected by enamel like the crown of the tooth. When roots are exposed, cold and brushing can “zing.”
Notches or grooves at the base of teeth
You may feel a small dip near the gumline. This can happen with recession, enamel wear, or both.
Bleeding, swelling, or bad breath
These can be signs of gum inflammation. If bleeding persists, it can point to gingivitis or periodontal disease.
Loose feeling teeth or spaces changing
Advanced gum disease can affect the bone support around teeth. If anything feels loose, do not wait. Call for an exam.
If you are unsure whether a symptom is urgent, this guide can help you decide when to call: tooth pain, when to wait and when to call.
Common Causes of Gum Recession
Recession is rarely about one single habit. Most people have a few contributing factors. Identifying the main driver is how we build a plan that actually works.
Aggressive brushing or hard bristles
Scrubbing can traumatize gum tissue over time, especially near the canines and premolars.
Gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis)
Bacteria and tartar along the gumline can trigger inflammation, deeper pockets, and gradual loss of support.
Genetics and thin gum tissue
Some people naturally have a thinner gum type, which can be more prone to recession even with good home care.
Tobacco use
Smoking and smokeless tobacco can increase gum disease risk and slow healing.
Clenching, grinding, or bite stress
Excess force on teeth can contribute to wear near the gumline and strain on the supporting tissues.
Crooked teeth or previous orthodontics
When teeth sit outside the ideal bone and gum envelope, the tissue can be more vulnerable.
Oral piercings or chronic irritation
Repeated rubbing or trauma can damage gum tissue where it contacts teeth.
A Quick Reminder: Brushing Style Matters More Than People Think
This reel covers two of the most common drivers we see: aggressive brushing and genetics. If you have a thin gum type, gentle technique is even more important.
If you are not sure whether your brushing is too hard, a simple check is gum soreness or fraying bristles. We can also show you a technique that cleans thoroughly without trauma at your next visit.
How to Stop Gum Recession From Getting Worse at Home
Home care will not replace professional treatment if gum disease is present, but it can make a major difference in stopping progression and lowering inflammation.
Switch to a soft brush and a gentle technique
Use light pressure. Aim the bristles toward the gumline and clean slowly. The goal is thorough, not forceful.
Clean between teeth every day
Floss or use interdental brushes to remove plaque where a toothbrush cannot reach. This is one of the most effective ways to reduce gum inflammation.
Stay consistent with preventive visits
Professional cleanings remove tartar that brushing cannot. If gums are at risk, more frequent cleanings can help stabilize them over time.
Address clenching or grinding
If you wake up with jaw soreness, headaches, or tooth wear, ask about protective options. Bite stress can worsen sensitivity near the gumline.
Avoid tobacco and reduce chronic irritation
Smoking and other irritants can make gum disease more likely and healing slower. Small changes add up.
If you want a simple, structured approach you can follow between visits, this guide is a helpful next step: how to maintain oral hygiene between dental visits.
Stopping Recession vs Treating the Damage: What’s the Difference?
One of the biggest misunderstandings is thinking all recession needs surgery. Many cases can be stabilized by removing inflammation and fixing the cause. Other cases need added protection, and sometimes gum grafting, to cover roots and reduce risk.
| Goal | Best for | Common approach | What you can expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stop it from worsening | Early recession with mild symptoms | Gentle brushing, daily interdental cleaning, regular cleanings | Less inflammation, fewer triggers, better long-term stability |
| Treat gum disease | Bleeding, swelling, deeper pockets, tartar buildup | Professional periodontal care (often deeper cleaning when needed) | Healthier gums, lower infection risk, improved support over time |
| Protect exposed roots | Root sensitivity or root cavity risk | Fluoride support, desensitizing options, sometimes bonding | More comfort with cold and brushing, added protection |
| Rebuild coverage | Moderate to severe recession, aesthetic or sensitivity concerns | Referral-based periodontal procedures like gum grafting when appropriate | Improved root coverage and tissue thickness in eligible cases |
If you are due for preventive care, a cleaning and exam is often the best first step because it tells us whether recession is mostly mechanical, bacterial, or both. Start here: what is included in a routine dental cleaning and exam.
Watch: A Clear Explanation of Why Gums Recede (and What Dentists Can Do)
If you prefer to learn visually, this video explains why gum recession happens, why prevention matters, and how a dental team can help protect exposed roots and gum health.
If you have been avoiding care due to worry or past discomfort, you are not alone. This guide may help: tips for overcoming fear of the dentist.
How Dentists Treat Receding Gums
The right treatment depends on what is causing the recession and how active the problem is today. Our goal is to keep recommendations simple, explain the “why,” and protect your long-term comfort and function.
Targeted cleaning and gum evaluation
We check gum measurements, inflammation, and buildup, then recommend the right type of cleaning based on your gum health.
Deeper cleaning when gum disease is present
If bacteria and tartar are below the gumline, a deeper periodontal cleaning may be recommended so gums can heal.
Sensitivity and root protection
Fluoride support and desensitizing options can reduce symptoms and help protect exposed root surfaces.
Bite and grinding support
If clenching or grinding is contributing, a protective plan can help reduce ongoing stress near the gumline.
Cosmetic and protective repairs
In some cases, bonding can protect worn areas near the gumline and improve comfort.
Gum grafting when appropriate
For certain recession patterns, gum grafting can improve tissue thickness and coverage. We will explain when it helps and when it is not needed.
Comfort-first options for anxious patients
If anxiety is a barrier, we can talk about comfort planning and sedation options when appropriate. Learn more here: Sedation Dentistry.
If you are noticing bleeding or swelling along with recession, do not wait it out. Consistent bleeding is a warning sign that deserves a professional look. You can also review: how often you should visit the dentist for checkups.
Gum Recession Is Often Multifactorial
This reel highlights an important truth: gum recession usually has more than one cause. That is why the best plan is personalized, based on your gum health, habits, and bite.
If you want the most effective “next step,” it is usually a gum evaluation during a cleaning and exam. That tells us whether recession is mostly from brushing and anatomy, or whether bacteria and deeper buildup are the main driver.
What’s Normal (and What’s Not) When You’re Addressing Recession
Once you start treating the cause, many patients notice less bleeding, less tenderness, and fewer sensitivity triggers. Some changes take time, especially if gums have been inflamed for a while.
Less bleeding with brushing and flossing: When plaque is controlled, gums often calm down within a couple of weeks.
Sensitivity improvements: Desensitizing options and better technique can reduce symptoms, even if the gumline does not move back up.
When to call: New swelling, pus, worsening pain, loose teeth, or a bad taste should be evaluated promptly.
Long-term goal: Stable gums, protected roots, and a routine you can keep up with between visits.
If it has been a long time since your last cleaning, starting with prevention is often the easiest way to make progress. Learn what a typical visit includes: routine dental cleaning and exam.
Want Help Stopping Gum Recession Early?
If you are noticing sensitivity, bleeding gums, or changes in your gumline, we can help you get a clear diagnosis and a simple plan. We will evaluate your gum health, identify the most likely cause, and recommend the right next step, whether that is preventive care, periodontal treatment, or protective options for exposed roots.
Schedule an appointment or contact our Durango team with questions. We will help you feel informed, comfortable, and confident about your next steps.
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