Why Are My Gums Pulling Back?
If your teeth look longer than they used to, or you can see the root, your gums are receding. Here's what's going on and what you can do about it.
Quick Answer
Receding gums happen when the gum tissue around your teeth wears away or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth or even the root. The most common causes are aggressive brushing, gum disease, genetics, and grinding your teeth. It's a gradual process, so many people don't notice until their teeth look longer or feel more sensitive. Left untreated, gum recession can lead to root decay, increased sensitivity, and eventually tooth loss.
What You Need to Know
Gum recession is one of those things that sneaks up on you. It happens so slowly that most people don't notice until they look in the mirror one day and think, 'Huh, my teeth look longer.' That's because the gum tissue has gradually pulled away, exposing parts of the tooth that are normally hidden.
The number one cause? Believe it or not, it's often brushing too hard. A lot of people think scrubbing harder means cleaner teeth, but it actually wears away the delicate gum tissue over time. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush makes it even worse. Switch to a soft brush and use gentle, circular motions.
Gum disease (periodontitis) is the other major cause. When plaque and tartar build up below the gum line, they cause an infection that destroys the gum tissue and the bone supporting your teeth. This is why regular dental cleanings are so important. Once the bone is gone, it doesn't come back on its own.
Other factors include genetics (some people are just more prone to thin gums), teeth grinding (which puts excessive force on the gums), smoking (which reduces blood flow to the gums), hormonal changes, and even tongue or lip piercings that rub against the gums. The good news is that mild recession can be managed, and more advanced cases can be treated with grafting procedures.
Possible Causes
Aggressive Brushing
low urgencyBrushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush wears away gum tissue over time.
Gum Disease
high urgencyBacterial infection destroys gum tissue and the bone that supports your teeth.
Genetics
low urgencySome people are born with thinner or weaker gum tissue that's more prone to recession.
Teeth Grinding
medium urgencyChronic grinding puts excessive force on teeth and gums, causing them to recede.
Smoking or Tobacco Use
medium urgencyTobacco reduces blood flow to the gums, making them more vulnerable to recession.
Misaligned Teeth
low urgencyCrooked teeth or a bad bite can put uneven pressure on certain areas, causing localized recession.
What You Can Do at Home
Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and use gentle, circular motions instead of scrubbing.
Use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth to help with any root exposure.
Floss daily but gently. Don't snap the floss into your gums.
Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash to help control bacteria.
If you grind your teeth, ask your dentist about a night guard.
Upload a photo to DentaSmart to get an initial assessment of your gum health.
When to See a Dentist Urgently
This information is for education only and does not replace professional dental care. See a dentist as soon as possible if:
- You can see the roots of your teeth or they look noticeably longer.
- Your teeth are becoming more sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods.
- Your gums bleed when you brush or floss.
- You notice gaps forming between your teeth at the gum line.
- A tooth feels loose or wobbly.
- You have persistent bad breath that won't go away.
Experiencing this symptom?
Take our free 60-second symptom quiz to find out what it could mean and what to do next.
What To Do Next
Take the free 60-second symptom quiz to understand what your symptoms could mean.
Start Symptom QuizUpload a photo of the affected area for a more detailed AI assessment.
If symptoms are severe or worsening, see a dentist within 24-48 hours.
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Key Takeaways
Receding gums are usually caused by brushing too hard, gum disease, or grinding your teeth.
Once gums recede, they don't grow back on their own, but treatment can stop it from getting worse.
Switching to a soft toothbrush and gentle technique is the single most impactful change you can make.
Early detection is key. DentaSmart can help you spot gum recession before it becomes serious.
