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Receding Gums: Causes, Treatment Options, and Prevention Strategies

If you’ve noticed that your teeth appear longer than they used to, or you’re experiencing increased tooth sensitivity, you may be dealing with receding gums. This common dental condition affects millions of adults, yet many people don’t fully understand what causes it or how it can be effectively treated. As a board-certified prosthodontist and periodontal specialist at The Face Dental Group in Boston, I’ve helped countless patients address gum recession and restore both the health and appearance of their smiles.

Gum recession isn’t just a cosmetic concern—it’s a serious oral health issue that requires prompt attention. When gum tissue pulls away from your teeth, it exposes the sensitive tooth roots, creating pockets where bacteria can accumulate. This exposure increases your risk of tooth sensitivity, root cavities, infection, bone loss, and ultimately tooth loss if left untreated.

The good news is that with early intervention and appropriate treatment, we can halt the progression of gum recession and protect your oral health for years to come. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my expertise to help you understand everything you need to know about receding gums.

Understanding Gum Recession: More Common Than You Think

Many of my patients at our Boston practice are surprised to learn just how prevalent gum recession is among adults. The statistics are quite striking:

• Approximately 50% of adults experience some degree of gum recession after age 30
• About 38% of people aged 30-39 already show signs of recession
• An overwhelming 88% of people over 65 have gum recession on one or more teeth
• 47.2% of adults aged 30 and older have some form of gum disease, which is the leading cause of recession
• Nearly 70% of adults aged 65 and older have periodontal disease

These numbers tell us that gum recession is not an isolated problem—it’s a widespread condition that affects people across all adult age groups, with risk increasing significantly as we age. Understanding what causes gum recession is the first step toward preventing or treating it effectively.

What Causes Gums to Recede?

During my years of training at Tufts University and the University of Freiburg, and throughout my clinical practice, I’ve observed that gum recession rarely has a single cause. Instead, it typically results from a combination of factors. Let me walk you through the most common culprits:

Periodontal Disease: The Primary Offender

Periodontal disease is by far the most common cause of gum recession I see in my practice. This bacterial infection starts as gingivitis—characterized by swollen, red, and bleeding gums—and can progress to periodontitis if left untreated.

When bacteria accumulate along and below the gumline, they form plaque and tartar that trigger an inflammatory response. Over time, this inflammation destroys the gum tissue and underlying bone that support your teeth. As the disease advances, bacterial pockets form between your teeth and gums, causing the gum tissue to pull away and recede.

What makes periodontal disease particularly insidious is that it often progresses painlessly in its early stages. Many patients don’t realize they have it until significant damage has already occurred. This is why regular dental examinations are so crucial for early detection and intervention.

Aggressive Brushing and Flossing Techniques

It may seem counterintuitive, but being too enthusiastic with your oral hygiene can actually damage your gums. I frequently encounter patients who brush with excessive force or use hard-bristled toothbrushes, thinking they’re doing their teeth a favor. Unfortunately, this aggressive approach can wear away both enamel and delicate gum tissue over time.

Similarly, improper flossing technique—such as snapping the floss forcefully against your gums—can cause trauma and contribute to recession. The key is to be thorough but gentle with your oral care routine.

Genetic Predisposition

Some people are simply more susceptible to gum recession due to their genetic makeup. Research suggests that approximately one-third of the population may be genetically predisposed to gum disease, regardless of how well they care for their teeth.

If you have naturally thin gum tissue or a family history of periodontal problems, you’re at higher risk for recession. While you can’t change your genetics, being aware of this risk factor allows you to be more proactive with preventive care.

Tobacco Use

Whether smoked or chewed, tobacco products are highly detrimental to gum health. Tobacco use promotes plaque buildup, reduces blood flow to the gums, and impairs your body’s ability to fight infection. This creates the perfect environment for periodontal disease to develop and progress.

In my practice, I’ve observed that patients who quit tobacco use often see significant improvements in their gum health and respond better to periodontal treatments.

Hormonal Changes in Women

Throughout a woman’s life, hormonal fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause can make gum tissue more vulnerable to recession. These hormonal changes increase blood flow to the gums and alter the body’s response to the bacteria that cause periodontal disease.

Pregnant patients at The Face Dental Group receive special attention to their gum health, as pregnancy gingivitis is extremely common and can progress if not properly managed.

Additional Contributing Factors

Several other factors can contribute to gum recession, including:

• Bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching): The excessive force placed on teeth can cause gum tissue to recede
• Misaligned teeth or bite problems: Uneven forces on certain teeth can lead to localized recession
• Oral piercings: Lip and tongue jewelry can rub against gum tissue, causing irritation and recession
• Orthodontic treatment: In some cases, moving teeth through thin bone can result in gum recession
• Diabetes: This condition affects your body’s ability to fight infection, including periodontal disease
• Certain medications: Some drugs cause dry mouth, which increases cavity and gum disease risk
• Stress: Chronic stress can weaken your immune system and make it harder to fight off infections

Recognizing the Signs of Gum Recession

Early detection of gum recession allows for more conservative and effective treatment. Here are the warning signs I encourage my patients to watch for:

• Teeth that appear longer than they used to
• Visible tooth roots
• Increased tooth sensitivity, especially to cold, hot, or sweet stimuli
• A notch or indentation near the gumline
• Changes in the color or texture of gum tissue
• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
• Loose teeth (in advanced cases)

If you notice any of these symptoms, I recommend scheduling an examination as soon as possible. The earlier we catch gum recession, the more options we have for treatment and the better the long-term outcome.

Treatment Options for Receding Gums

One of the most common questions I hear is: “Can receding gums grow back?” While it’s true that gum tissue cannot regenerate on its own once it has receded, we have several effective treatment options that can halt progression, protect exposed roots, and in many cases, restore gum coverage through surgical techniques.

The appropriate treatment depends on the severity of recession and its underlying cause. Here’s an overview of the options we offer at The Face Dental Group:

Non-Surgical Treatments

Improved Oral Hygiene: For mild recession, optimizing your home care routine may be all that’s needed to prevent further deterioration. I work with patients to ensure they’re using proper brushing technique with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing correctly, and using antibacterial mouthwash to reduce harmful bacteria.

Professional Cleanings and Scaling: Regular professional cleanings are essential for removing plaque and tartar that contribute to gum disease. For patients with deeper pockets or early periodontal disease, I may recommend scaling and root planing—a deep cleaning procedure that removes bacteria and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces to help gums reattach.

Medications: Depending on the situation, I might prescribe antibiotics or antimicrobial mouth rinses to control bacterial infection and inflammation. These medications work best when combined with improved oral hygiene and professional cleanings.

Surgical Treatments

When recession is more advanced or when non-surgical approaches aren’t sufficient, surgical intervention may be necessary. As a board-certified prosthodontist with extensive training in periodontics and oral surgery, I’m equipped to perform these procedures or coordinate with specialists when needed.

Gum Grafting: This is the most common surgical treatment for gum recession. During a gum graft procedure, tissue is taken from the roof of your mouth (palate) or from a donor source and attached to the area of recession. This covers the exposed root, reduces sensitivity, and helps prevent further recession and bone loss.

Recent advances in regenerative techniques have made gum grafting even more effective. For instance, studies have shown promising results using recombinant human fibroblast growth factor-2 (rhFGF-2) with connective tissue grafts to enhance root coverage and healing outcomes. These innovations represent the cutting edge of periodontal treatment, and staying current with such research is essential to providing the best care for my patients.

Pocket Reduction Surgery: When deep pockets have formed due to periodontal disease, pocket reduction surgery may be necessary. This procedure involves folding back the gum tissue, removing disease-causing bacteria, and securing the tissue back in place to reduce pocket depth.

Regeneration Procedures: In cases where bone loss has occurred along with gum recession, regenerative procedures can stimulate the regrowth of lost bone and tissue. These techniques often involve using membranes, bone grafts, or tissue-stimulating proteins.

Addressing Underlying Causes

Successful treatment of gum recession requires addressing the factors that caused it in the first place:

• Bite adjustment or orthodontics: If misalignment is contributing to recession, we may recommend orthodontic treatment or bite adjustment
• Night guards: For patients who grind or clench their teeth, a custom night guard can protect both teeth and gums from excessive force
• Tobacco cessation support: I provide resources and encouragement to help patients quit tobacco use
• Piercing removal: If oral jewelry is causing recession, removing it allows the tissue to heal

The Importance of Digital Dentistry in Diagnosis and Treatment

At The Face Dental Group, we utilize advanced digital dentistry technology to diagnose and treat gum recession with unprecedented precision. Digital imaging allows me to carefully measure recession, track changes over time, and plan surgical procedures with millimeter accuracy.

These technologies also help me communicate more effectively with patients. When you can see detailed images of your own gum tissue and understand exactly what’s happening in your mouth, you’re better equipped to make informed decisions about your treatment.

Prevention: Your Best Defense Against Gum Recession

While my expertise lies in treating gum recession and performing complex full mouth rehabilitation when needed, I’m equally passionate about helping patients prevent problems before they start. Here are my top recommendations for maintaining healthy gums:

Perfect Your Oral Hygiene Routine

• Brush twice daily for two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, circular motions
• Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gumline
• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months
• Floss daily using proper technique—curve the floss around each tooth in a C-shape
• Consider using an electric toothbrush, which can be more effective and gentler than manual brushing
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce plaque-causing bacteria

Schedule Regular Dental Visits

I cannot overstate the importance of regular dental examinations and cleanings. For most patients, I recommend visits every six months, though those with periodontal disease or high risk factors may need more frequent appointments—sometimes every three to four months.

These visits allow me to catch problems early, remove hardened tartar that you can’t eliminate at home, and monitor any areas of concern before they become serious issues.

Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices

• Quit tobacco use in all forms
• Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals that support gum health
• Stay hydrated to maintain adequate saliva production
• Manage stress through healthy coping mechanisms
• Control systemic conditions like diabetes that affect oral health

Protect Your Teeth from Grinding

If you grind or clench your teeth, especially at night, talk to me about a custom night guard. This simple appliance can protect your teeth and gums from the excessive forces that contribute to recession.

When to Seek Professional Help

Don’t wait until you’re experiencing pain or significant recession to seek help. If you’re over 30, have a family history of gum disease, notice any changes in your gums, or haven’t had a dental examination in more than six months, it’s time to schedule an appointment.

At our Boston practice, I take a comprehensive approach to evaluating gum health. Using my training in prosthodontics, periodontics, and implantology, I can assess not just your current gum condition but also how recession might impact your long-term oral health and any future restorative needs.

The Connection Between Gum Health and Overall Wellness

It’s worth noting that gum disease isn’t just an isolated oral health problem—it’s connected to your overall health. Research has established links between periodontal disease and conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, and stroke. By maintaining healthy gums, you’re not just protecting your smile; you’re supporting your entire body’s wellness.

Take Action to Protect Your Smile

Receding gums are a serious condition, but with proper treatment and prevention strategies, you can maintain healthy gums and a beautiful smile throughout your life. The key is taking action before minor recession becomes a major problem.

If you’ve noticed signs of gum recession or simply want to ensure your gums are as healthy as possible, I invite you to schedule a comprehensive examination at The Face Dental Group in Boston. With my specialized training in prosthodontics, periodontics, and advanced surgical techniques, along with our state-of-the-art digital dentistry capabilities, we can develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs.

Don’t let gum recession compromise your oral health or confidence in your smile.