Gum Recession Causes and Treatment
Receding gums expose sensitive roots and change how your smile looks. The cause dictates the fix.
Common causes
Aggressive brushing with a hard brush, untreated gum disease, clenching and grinding, tobacco, and genetics all contribute.
Why it matters
Root surfaces have no enamel, so they decay faster and feel sensitive to cold. Continued recession can loosen teeth.
Conservative treatment
Often the first step is changing the cause: a soft brush, gentler technique, a nightguard for grinding, and periodontal therapy if disease is present.
When grafting helps
Where recession is significant, a gum graft or a pinhole technique can cover exposed root, reduce sensitivity and restore a balanced gumline.
Written by the team at Uptown Dentistry, led by Dr. Nicki Tajalli, DDS, in Uptown Houston. This article is general information, not a substitute for an exam.