Receding Gums: Causes and Treatment | Mint Hill Smiles

Gum recession is when the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth pulls back or wears away, exposing more of the tooth or its root.

It tends to happen gradually, which is why many people do not notice it until a tooth looks longer than it used to or becomes sensitive.

Why Receding Gums Matter

When gums recede, the root of the tooth becomes exposed. Unlike the crown of the tooth, the root is not protected by hard enamel, so it is more vulnerable to sensitivity, decay, and further recession. Recession can also be a sign of underlying gum disease. Left unaddressed, significant recession can eventually threaten the stability of the tooth.

What Causes Gum Recession

Several things contribute to receding gums: brushing too hard or with a hard-bristled brush, gum disease, grinding and clenching, genetics, smoking, and the natural effects of aging. Aggressive brushing is one of the most common and most preventable causes. Many people believe scrubbing harder cleans better, when in fact it wears away both enamel and gum tissue over time.

How Gum Recession Is Treated

The right approach depends on the cause and the severity. For mild recession, the focus is on stopping the progression: switching to a soft-bristled brush and gentle technique, treating any underlying gum disease, and addressing grinding with a nightguard if that is a factor. For more significant recession, especially where the root is exposed and sensitive or at risk, a gum grafting procedure can restore the lost tissue.

Receding gums do not grow back on their own, so the goal is to stop further loss and, where needed, restore the tissue.

Call (704) 323-7577 to have your gums evaluated.

FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can receding gums grow back?

Gum tissue does not grow back on its own once it has receded. Treatment focuses on stopping further recession and, for significant cases, restoring tissue with a gum grafting procedure. Catching it early and addressing the cause prevents it from worsening.

What causes gums to recede?

Common causes include brushing too hard, gum disease, teeth grinding, genetics, smoking, and aging. Aggressive brushing with a hard-bristled brush is one of the most common and most preventable causes.

Are receding gums serious?

Receding gums expose the tooth root, which is more vulnerable to sensitivity, decay, and further recession, and can be a sign of gum disease. Significant recession left untreated can eventually affect the stability of the tooth, so it is worth evaluating.

How do I stop my gums from receding further?

Switch to a soft-bristled brush and gentle technique, keep up with cleanings, treat any gum disease, and address grinding with a nightguard if needed. An evaluation determines the cause and the right approach for your situation.

Let Us Get Your Gums Healthy

If you notice your gums are receding, the most important thing you can do right now is get a professional evaluation. The sooner we can address the underlying cause of the recession the more we protect your gums.

We serve patients from Mint Hill, Matthews, Indian Trail, Stallings, Weddington, Midland, Albemarle, and southeast Charlotte, NC. We accept most major insurance plans including Delta Dental, Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and United Healthcare.

Call (704) 323-7577 or visit minthillsmiles.dentist to schedule. We are at 11300 Cresthill Drive, Suite 105, Mint Hill, NC 28227.

Your gums are the foundation everything else rests on. We are going to take good care of them.