Have you noticed that your teeth look a little longer than they used to? Or maybe they’ve started to feel extra sensitive when you eat something cold? These could be signs of gum recession, a common dental issue that many people don’t even realize they have.
At Fort Washington Dental Associates, we care about more than just your teeth. We care about your comfort, overall wellbeing, and gum health, too. Your gums play a big role in protecting your teeth and keeping your smile healthy. When your gums start to pull back or “recede,” it can lead to problems if it’s not treated.
In this post, we’ll help you understand what gum recession is, what causes it, how to spot the signs, and what you can do to treat or prevent it.
What Is Gum Recession?
Gum recession happens when your gum tissue pulls away from the surface of your teeth, exposing more of the tooth, or even the tooth root. It can happen slowly over time, and many people don’t notice until they feel sensitivity or see a change in how their teeth look.
When your gums recede, they leave your teeth more vulnerable to damage. The roots of your teeth aren’t covered with enamel, so they can become more sensitive to hot, cold, and sweet foods. Exposed roots are also more susceptible to a specific type of tooth decay that can cause catastrophic damage and even tooth loss.
The good news? Gum recession can often be prevented. But if you already have receding gums, don’t worry! Our periodontist in Washington Heights, Dr. Noam Saltzburg, provides advanced treatments to repair the damage and stabilize your gum health.
What Causes Receding Gums?
If you’re asking yourself “why do my teeth look longer than they used to,” we can help you get to the bottom of the issue. Which can be complicated because there isn’t just one cause of gum recession. It’s often a mix of daily habits, genetics, and overall oral health. Here are some of the most common reasons people develop receding gums:
- Teeth grinding or clenching: Clenching your jaw, especially at night, can cause the teeth to shift slightly in the socket. Like wiggling a fence post in the dirt a little bit every day, this can eventually compromise the stability of the gums and bone sockets, leading to recession.
- Brushing too hard: Using too much pressure or a hard-bristled toothbrush can erode your enamel, making it harder for your gums to adhere properly to the teeth. Very abrasive toothpaste (such as whitening and tartar-control formulas) can also be a contributing factor.
- Gum disease: Just below your gum line, there is a collar of connective tissue that connects the gums to the tooth root. If plaque and tartar build up below the gum line, it can cause inflammation that compromises this attachment, causing it to lose its ideal position. As the attachment point moves down, the gum line will follow, making gum disease one of the leading causes of gum recession.
- Genetics: Some people have a higher risk for gum problems, even if they take good care of their teeth. For example, if you have a “thin biotype,” you may have naturally thinner and more fragile gums that are more prone to recession.
- Misaligned teeth or bite issues: When your teeth don’t come together properly, it can create uneven pressure on the gums. Teeth that don’t sit in the center of the jawbone, such as teeth that stick out toward the lips or cheeks, are also at higher risk for recession, since there is less bone tissue available to properly surround the tooth root.
- Tobacco use: Nicotine causes the tiny blood vessels in your gums to shrink, starving the tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Smoking, chewing tobacco, and even using a nicotine vape can significantly increase your risks for gum disease and recession.
The key takeaway? Your daily habits matter, but even people who brush and floss regularly can still develop gum recession, so regular checkups and prevention are essential.
How Do You Know If You Have Gum Recession?
Because gum recession is a progressive issue that tends to happen slowly, it can be easy to miss early signs. Here are a few symptoms to watch for:
- Teeth that look longer than before
- A darker area of tooth near the gums that’s not plaque or tartar
- Increased sensitivity to cold, heat, or sweets
- Visible “notches” or grooves at the gumline
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Loose teeth in more advanced cases
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to schedule a visit. The sooner we catch it, the easier it is to treat.
How to Prevent Gum Recession
The best way to avoid gum recession is to take good care of your teeth and gums every day. Here are a few easy habits that can help:
- Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Avoid hard toothbrushes and abrasive pastes. And stay away from DIY teeth whitening hacks like charcoal toothpaste or brushing with baking soda.
- Floss daily to remove plaque between the teeth and along the gumline.
- Avoid brushing too hard. Use gentle but effective pressure.
- Cut down on nicotine use. Quitting is ideal, but increasing the time you can wait between use can give your gums time to recover slightly.
- Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups so we can identify signs of gum recession and intervene as early as possible.
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth while sleeping. Over-the-counter night guards can make things worse, so be sure to ask your dentist about a custom guard that’s properly balanced for your bite.
A few small changes in your routine can go a long way in protecting your gum health.
We’re Here to Help You Enjoy a Comfortable, Confident Smile With Gum Recession Treatments in Washington Heights, NYC!
If you’re concerned about your gums or just want to stay ahead of future issues, Fort Washington Dental Associates is here for you. Our compassionate team will take the time to understand your needs and guide you toward the best care possible.
Call us at 212.928.9000 or get in touch through the website to schedule your consultation for gum recession treatment today! We offer preventive interventions like custom night guards and advanced care including gum grafting in Washington Heights so you can enjoy a healthy smile for life.
