What causes receding gums?

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Receding gums means the tissue margin is creeping down the tooth, exposing root - and roots have no enamel, which is why recession shows up as sensitivity and longer-looking teeth. NIDCR and dental references list the main drivers. First, gum disease: chronic bacterial inflammation destroys the attachment between gum and tooth - the most important cause, because it is progressive and painless until late. Second, mechanical wear: aggressive brushing with a hard brush literally scrubs tissue away over years. Third, grinding and clenching, which flex teeth at the gumline. Then the smaller contributors: genetics - some people simply have thin, fragile gum tissue - tobacco, lip or tongue piercings rubbing the gum, and past braces.

The hard truth: receded gum does not grow back, so the goal is stopping the retreat. Switch to a soft brush and gentle circles, treat any gum disease - deep cleaning at the dentist, sometimes more - get a night guard if you grind, and quit tobacco. Significant recession can be covered with gum graft surgery, which works well but is better avoided by early action.

See a dentist soon if recession is progressing, teeth are getting loose, or you see pus or persistent bleeding - those are gum-disease activity signs, and treatment now prevents tooth loss later.

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