TL;DR
- Gum recession usually happens so slowly that most people don’t realize it until there’s a problem.
- Being gentle when you brush and floss can make a big difference in keeping your gums healthy.
- What you drink and eat every day actually affects how strong and healthy your gums stay.
- Smoking, tobacco use, and teeth grinding quietly wear down gums over time.
- Catching gum recession early can help prevent pain, sensitivity, and more serious dental issues later.
- Small daily habits, done consistently, are the best way to protect your gums in the long run.
What is Gum Recession?
Gum recession happens when the gum tissue pulls back from the teeth, exposing the tooth root underneath. It usually develops slowly, so many people don’t notice it at first. Over time, untreated gum recession can lead to tooth sensitivity, infections, decay, and even tooth loss.
Gum recession is very common as we age. In fact, nearly 88% of people over the age of 65 experience gum recession on one or more teeth. The good news is that simple daily habits, like brushing gently and flossing properly, can help keep gums healthy.
In this article, we’ll explain what causes gum recession, the early signs to watch for, daily habits to protect your gums, and professional gum treatment options available.
What Causes Gum Recession?
Understanding the causes of gum recession can help you protect your gums. Several factors often work together, including:
- Aggressive or Improper Brushing: Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down gum tissue.
- Gum Disease From Plaque: Plaque build-up can inflame gums and damage the bone that supports teeth.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing or flossing regularly lets plaque and tartar accumulate, increasing the risk of recession.
- Teeth Grinding or Clenching: Constant pressure from grinding or clenching can pull the gums back.
- Misaligned Bite or Uneven Pressure: Uneven forces on teeth put extra strain on gums, leading to recession.
- Smoking or Tobacco use: Tobacco weakens gums and slows healing, making them more vulnerable.
- Genetics: Some people naturally have thinner gums or are more prone to gum problems.
Early Warning Signs to Watch For
Gum recession develops gradually and can start with subtle signs:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks may occur when the tooth roots are exposed.
- Teeth can start to look longer as the gums pull back over time.
- The tooth roots may become visible along the gum line.
- Gums may bleed during brushing or flossing, which can signal irritation or inflammation.
- Chronic gum problems can lead to ongoing bad breath due to bacterial build-up.
Daily Habits to Prevent Gum Recession
Protecting your gums doesn’t have to be complicated. With consistent care and the right techniques, you can make a big difference in gum health. Here are some tips from our experts at Osseo Family Dental on how to stop gum recession through simple daily habits:
1. Brush Gently With a Soft-Bristle Toothbrush
Brushing too hard can wear down gums and enamel. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and gentle, circular motions, focusing on the gum line. Replace your brush regularly, about every 3–4 months, or earlier if it shows signs of wear.
2. Switch to a Fluoride Toothpaste for Gum Protection
Fluoride strengthens enamel and protects exposed areas as gums recede. Choose a toothpaste made for gum health rather than harsh whitening formulas, which can be abrasive and worsen sensitivity.
3. Floss the Right Way Every Day
Flossing removes plaque and food debris where your toothbrush can’t reach. Gently curve the floss around each tooth and clean just below the gum line. Avoid snapping the floss down, which can irritate gums.
4. Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash
Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash once or twice a day reduces harmful bacteria along the gum line, lowering the risk of gum disease, a major contributor to recession.
5. Stay Hydrated Throughout the Day
Saliva helps neutralize acids and wash away bacteria. Drinking enough water keeps saliva flowing and prevents dry mouth, which can accelerate gum problems.
6. Eat a Gum-Friendly Diet
Nutrition affects gum health directly. Focus on foods rich in vitamin C for tissue repair, calcium for teeth and bone strength, and antioxidants to reduce inflammation. Crunchy fruits and vegetables stimulate saliva and help clean teeth, while sugary foods should be limited.
7. Avoid Tobacco Products
Smoking and tobacco reduce blood flow to the gums, slow down healing, and increase infection risk. Avoiding tobacco lowers the chance of gum disease and recession.
8. Using a Mouthguard
Grinding or clenching teeth puts extra pressure on gums and teeth. Using a custom night guard, practicing relaxation techniques, and managing stress can help reduce this habit.
Treatment Options If Gum Recession Has Already Started
If your gums have started to recede, professional care may be needed. Professional gum recession treatment can protect your teeth and restore gum health.
The following are common procedures used for gum treatment:
| Treatment | Description | Cost |
| Scaling and Root Planing | This is a deep cleaning done below the gum line. It removes hardened plaque and bacteria, allowing the gums to heal and fit more closely around the teeth. | $200-$400 |
| Gum Graft Surgery | Healthy gum tissue is placed over areas where the roots are exposed. This helps protect the tooth, improves appearance, and reduces sensitivity. | $600-$1200 |
| Pinhole Surgical Technique | Small openings are made in the gums so that the tissue can be gently moved back over exposed roots. It usually heals faster than traditional graft surgery. | $1600-$3200 |
| Desensitizing Treatments | Protective materials are applied to exposed roots to calm sensitivity and lower the risk of decay. These are often used in early stages. | $20 to $50 per tooth |
| Laser Therapy | Laser treatment is used to clean out infected gum tissue and reduce bacteria around the teeth. It helps the gums recover and is commonly paired with other treatments to improve healing. | $1,000 to $3,000 per quadrant |
Conclusion
Gum recession is not something to ignore. When gums pull back, teeth lose protection, which can lead to sensitivity, decay, and infection. Even small changes in the gum line can worsen if they are left untreated.
Getting help early can make a real difference. A dentist can identify the cause, slow further damage, and help protect your teeth before the problem becomes more serious.
If you are noticing signs of gum recession, a dentist in Osseo, MN, can help you decide the right next step. At Osseo Family Dental, care is focused on keeping treatment gentle and practical.
Call 763-425-2626 or visit us at 30 Central Ave, Osseo, MN 55369 to schedule an appointment.
FAQs
Can gum recession grow back naturally?
No. Gum recession cannot grow back naturally because lost gum tissue does not regenerate on its own. The best you can do is stop it from getting worse.
Is gum recession reversible?
Not really. You can’t reverse it on your own, but good brushing and flossing can slow it down.
How long does it take for the gum recession to get worse?
It’s different for everyone. If you don’t care for your gums, they can get worse over time. Good oral habits can keep it in check.
Are home remedies effective for receding gums?
Home remedies may help soothe soreness or reduce mild swelling, but they cannot reverse gum recession or restore lost gum tissue.
Can diabetes increase the risk of gum recession?
Yes. Diabetes can increase the risk of gum recession because high blood sugar levels weaken the immune system and reduce the body’s ability to fight infections.
