On this page
At a glance
- Recession has several causes: brushing force, thin gum tissue, gum disease, grinding, tooth position and tobacco among them.
- Some causes you can change, like brushing technique and tobacco use; others, like thin tissue, are inherited.
- Gum disease and grinding can both play a part, though grinding's role in recession is debated.
- Recession on one tooth often points to a local cause nearby, such as a piercing or a tight frenum.
- Addressing the cause can help slow recession, even without a procedure.
What is gum recession, and why does it happen?
Gum recession happens when the gum edge pulls back and exposes more of a tooth or its root. It usually comes from a mix of causes: how you brush, the thickness of your gum tissue, and whether gum disease or grinding is involved.
Several causes are inherited or anatomical, so recession isn't always something you did. Once it happens, the gum tissue doesn't grow back on its own, which is why finding the cause matters before you look at gum recession treatment.
How do brushing, thin gums and gum disease cause recession?
Brushing too hard, or using a hard-bristled brush, can wear away gum tissue over time, especially where the gum is already thin. Thin gum tissue is often inherited, and it recedes more easily than thicker tissue under the same amount of force.
Gum disease is a common cause too: the infection breaks down the tissue and bone that hold the gum in place. A gentle brushing technique protects the gum you have, and managing gum disease risk factors protects it further.
| Cause | How it leads to recession | What helps |
|---|---|---|
| Hard brushing | Wears away thin gum tissue over time, especially with a hard-bristled brush | A soft brush and a gentler technique |
| Thin gum tissue | Recedes more easily than thicker tissue under the same force | A gum graft can add tissue that resists further recession |
| Gum disease | The infection breaks down the tissue and bone that hold the gum in place | Treating the gum disease itself |
| Grinding or clenching | May add extra force on teeth and gums, though the evidence is mixed | A night guard worn during sleep |
| Tooth position or braces | Can push a root against thin bone, thinning the gum over it | A dentist or orthodontist can flag teeth at higher risk |
| Tobacco use | Linked to a higher risk of recession and slower healing | Cutting back or quitting |
| A lip or tongue piercing | Rubs against the gum with everyday movement | Removing or repositioning the jewelry |
| A tight frenum | A short band of tissue pulls on the gum near one or two teeth | An exam can tell if it's a factor |
Can braces, grinding or piercings cause receding gums?
Moving a tooth with braces can sometimes push its root against thin bone, which thins the gum over it, though most people who wear braces never develop recession. Grinding or clenching may also add extra force on teeth and gums, but the evidence linking it to recession is mixed.
A lip or tongue piercing can rub against the gum every time you talk or eat, wearing it down near that spot. A tight band of tissue under the lip, called a frenum, can pull on the gum near one or two teeth in a similar way.
What happens if the cause isn't addressed?
If the cause keeps acting on the gum, recession tends to continue and can spread toward nearby teeth. Left unaddressed, exposed roots grow more sensitive and more prone to decay, since they lack the enamel that protects the rest of the tooth.
Recession also tends to add up with age, as the same forces act on the gum for more years. Addressing the cause you can change, even without a procedure, tends to keep recession from getting worse.
How can you slow receding gums?
You can change some causes and manage others. A gentler brushing technique, a night guard for grinding, and prompt gum disease treatment address the causes you have the most control over.
For recession that has already progressed, a gum graft is sometimes used to add thickness where tissue is thin. Regular dental visits catch new recession early, while it's still easy to manage.
Care at Perio One
At Perio One in Lafayette, we start by finding what's causing your recession, since that shapes the plan. Dr. Randal Comeaux, DDS, Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, explains the findings in plain language before recommending any treatment.
We coordinate with your general dentist and welcome referrals. If a graft or the Pinhole® Surgical Technique would help, we discuss the timing alongside addressing the cause itself.
When to call us
- Recession on several teeth, or recession that is getting worse
- Sensitivity where the gum has pulled back
- Recession along with bleeding gums
- Recession that appeared during or after orthodontic treatment
Our periodontists, Dr. Randal Comeaux and Dr. Lauren Langlois, can talk through what you’re noticing.
Call to scheduleWhat to expect
- Call or get a referral
Reach out to us directly, or have your dentist send a referral.
- Your examination
We check which teeth are affected and look for signs of gum disease, grinding, or a piercing or frenum nearby.
- Finding the cause
Dr. Comeaux explains what's likely causing your recession and what you can do about it.
- A plan for your gums
If a procedure would help, we discuss gum graft surgery or the Pinhole technique and when it makes sense.
- Ongoing care
Brushing technique, a night guard or maintenance visits help keep the cause from acting further.
Common questions
Can brushing too hard cause gum recession?
Yes, brushing with too much force or a hard-bristled brush can wear away gum tissue over time, especially where it's already thin. A soft brush and a gentler technique protect the gum you have.
Can braces cause gum recession years later?
Moving a tooth can sometimes push its root against thin bone, which thins the gum over it, and that can show up well after braces come off. Most people who wear braces never develop recession, so other factors, like thin tissue, usually play a part too.
Can grinding teeth cause receding gums?
Grinding or clenching may add extra force on teeth and gums, but the evidence linking it to recession is mixed. A night guard is a reasonable step either way, since it protects teeth from wear.
Does smoking cause receding gums?
Tobacco use is linked to a higher risk of recession and can slow healing if you're treated for it later. Cutting back or quitting helps your gums as well as the rest of your health.
Why are my gums receding on one tooth?
Recession on a single tooth often points to a local cause nearby, such as a lip or tongue piercing, a tight frenum, or extra brushing force in that one spot. An exam can usually narrow it down.
Sources
- Cleveland Clinic: Gum recession
- American Academy of Periodontology: Gum disease risk factors
- MouthHealthy (American Dental Association): Brushing your teeth
This page is general education, not a diagnosis. Your periodontist will recommend care after an examination.