I Think My Gums Are Receding: Receding Gum Treatment

Receding Gum Treatment & Prevention Tips

If your smile looks a little “longer” than it used to, your gums might be trying to tell you something. Gum recession is a lot more common than people think—and it doesn’t always mean you’ve been slacking on your brushing. In fact, it can happen to people with great hygiene habits. That said, it’s not something to ignore. Receding gums can lead to increased sensitivity, changes in your smile, or even bigger issues down the line.

The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 3.5 billion people around the world are affected by oral diseases. Seeing a dental professional early—before things get worse—can make all the difference.

For many patients, solutions for gum recession can enhance both their appearance and overall dental health. Gum recession can happen even to people with good oral hygiene. There are many options available to treat receding gums.

Solutions for gum recession are available at Miami Smile Dental in Miami and the surrounding area. Call us today to schedule an appointment and learn more.

Signs of Gum Recession

For some patients, gum recession may set in subtly and go unnoticed for some time. The aesthetic changes following gum recession are the most apparent. These include visibly shrinking gums and exposed tooth roots. You might also notice your teeth looking longer—that's one of the clearest signs the gums are pulling away. However, other common symptoms include:

1. Bad breath
2. Bleeding after brushing or flossing
3. Loose teeth
4. Pain at the gum line
5. Red, swollen gums

Patients may experience concerns about their appearance during this time, as well as a fear of losing teeth. Additionally, teeth may be particularly sensitive to cold and heat (due to the exposed tooth roots).

“The aesthetic changes that follow gum recession are the most apparent.”

Causes of Gum Recession

Several factors can cause a person's gums to recede, regardless of the state of their oral hygiene. These include aggressive toothbrushing, body piercing, clenching or grinding teeth, crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, hormonal changes, insufficient dental care, periodontal disease, and tobacco products. Genetics may also be a factor. For example, parents may pass down weak, thin gums to their children.

Some patients may also find that their gums are receding only on one side. Usually, this is due to plaque concentrating in one area of the mouth. This may be due to neglecting oral hygiene on one side of the mouth, as excess plaque and bacteria at the gum line may release toxic substances that destroy gum tissue. Alternatively, a misaligned bite may cause more wear and tear to one side of the mouth than the other. Gum recession may happen on only one tooth for similar reasons or some physical trauma.

“Several different factors can cause a person’s gums to recede, regardless of the state of their oral hygiene.”

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Quick Facts About Receding Gums

1. Teeth looking longer? That’s often the first thing people notice—and one of the clearest signs that your gums may be pulling back.
2. Daily brushing and flossing matters. Gentle, consistent care is your best bet for keeping gums healthy and preserving results after treatment.
3. Oral health issues are widespread. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 3.5 billion people globally deal with oral disease. Gum recession is one of the most overlooked.
4. Untreated gum recession can lead to serious problems. That includes loose teeth, exposed roots, gum infections, and eventually, bone loss if left unchecked.
5. Gum recession isn’t always symmetrical. It might affect just one tooth or one side of your mouth, depending on your brushing habits or bite alignment.
6. Genetics can play a role. Thin or fragile gum tissue often runs in families, which means even good hygiene isn’t always enough.
7. Smoking and tobacco use raise your risk. These habits make it easier for plaque to stick to teeth and harder for your gums to heal.
8. You might not feel it at first. Gum recession often starts without pain, which is why regular checkups matter more than people realize.
9. Hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy or menopause, can make gums more vulnerable to recession.

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Treating Gum Recession

Some cases of gum recession are mild enough that they do not need treatment. Still, several treatment options are available for those who need it. These include composite restoration; desensitizing agents, varnishes, and dentin bonding agents; orthodontics; pink porcelain or composite; removable gum veneers; and surgery. Composite restorations are natural-looking, tooth-colored composite resins that cover the surface of the tooth root. They may be used to close any black gaps between the teeth.

Desensitizing agents, varnishes, and dentin bonding agents may help reduce the exposed tooth root's sensitivity. By lessening the nerve symptoms, desensitizing agents may ease the brushing of sensitive teeth and promote oral hygiene. Orthodontics (or braces) are more of a long-term treatment that moves a tooth slowly over time. This repositioning can help correct the margin of the gum.

Pink porcelain or composite that matches the color of the gums can be applied to the "gaps" to reduce the appearance of receded gums. Similarly, removable gum veneers, which usually consist of acrylic or silicone, can be applied in the "gaps." Finally, more severe cases of gum recession may necessitate surgery, usually a gum graft.

“Some cases of gum recession are mild enough not to need treatment.”

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Preventing Gum Recession

Proper dental care is the number one way to prevent gum recession. To maintain good results, patients should brush and floss daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle technique. Keeping that routine going after treatment helps prevent future problems. Patients should also see a dentist at least twice a year. At-risk patients may require more frequent visits, and a dentist that notices signs of gum recession may want to keep a vigilant watch that it does not worsen.

Patients may want to consider asking their dentist how to properly brush their teeth to ensure that they are not brushing too aggressively. Additionally, healthy lifestyle choices like eating a well-balanced diet and not smoking can lessen one's chances of gum recession dramatically.

It can be dangerous to leave gum recession untreated. Left untreated, gum recession can lead to loose teeth or even infections—another reason not to ignore the signs. Exposed tooth roots may decay very quickly, necessitating various expensive, painful procedures. Teeth may get more sensitive, and the appearance of the smile may become imbalanced. It is also possible that what patients are experiencing is not gum recession but undetected, worsening gum disease.

“…healthy lifestyle choices like eating a well-balanced diet and not smoking can lessen one’s chances of gum recession dramatically.”

Questions Answered on This Page

Q. What are the symptoms of gum recession?

Q. Why are my gums receding?

Q. What can I do about receding gums?

Q. How can I prevent gum recession?

Q. Am I at risk for receding gums?

People Also Ask

Q. Why would someone get gum reshaping?

Q. What causes bleeding gums?

Q. What should be included in an at home oral health routine?

Q. How do lifestyle choices affect dental health?

Q. Am I at high risk for developing oral cancer?

Q. What should patients do if they have sensitive teeth?

Risk Factors for Gum Recession

Certain populations may be more at risk for gum recession than others. For instance, age is a leading risk factor for receding gums, with almost 90% of people older than 65 reporting a receding gum in at least one tooth. Those who smoke or use other tobacco products also face an increased risk of receding gums, as they are more likely to develop sticky plaque.

Some genetic conditions, like thin or weak gums, may also increase one's chances of gum recession. Patients with diabetes may also be more likely to have their gums recede, as the disease might reduce the blood supply to the gums.

“Certain populations may be more at risk for gum recession than others.”

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is gum recession correlated with bone loss?

A. Yes. The bone around the tooth dissolves when the gum recedes. It is crucial to address gum recession right away to prevent further bone loss.

Q. Will gum grafting cover all my exposed tooth roots?

A. Some teeth are easier to treat with gum grafting than others. Teeth with long, exposed roots, fillings, or notches can be difficult to cover, as can teeth with lost bone between the teeth. Early treatment is key for optimum results. Our team can help go over the options with you.

Q. Can poor-fitting partial dentures cause gum recession?

A. Anything that causes excess wear and tear on the gums and jaw can contribute to gum recession. Contact us if you are unsure if your dentures are fitting correctly.

Q. How is gum recession diagnosed?

A. Our team will start with reviewing your medical history to identify any factors that could be causing or aggravating your symptoms. Then, you will undergo an examination to look for any plaque and tartar buildup, along with any easy bleeding. The dentist will then measure the pocket depth of the groove between your gums and teeth. If necessary, our team will take X-rays to check for any bone loss.

Q. Can gum recession cause me to lose teeth?

A. Yes. Gum recession involves the loss of attached tissue, which protects the tooth and gums from any foreign materials that can infect the bone. Losing the attached tissue leads to a significant loss of bone support for the tooth.

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Think Your Gums Might Be Receding?

Let’s take a closer look—early care makes all the difference. Call Miami Smile Dental today or request a visit online. We’ll walk you through every step.