What Is Gum Recession? Why Your Teeth May Look Longer and What You Can Do About It

Have you ever looked closely at your smile and thought that one of your teeth suddenly seemed longer than it used to?

Maybe you noticed a small notch near the gumline. Perhaps cold water started causing a quick jolt of sensitivity. Or your dentist mentioned that your gums were receding even though you hadn’t noticed anything unusual.

These can all be signs of gum recession.

Gum recession occurs when the margin of gum tissue surrounding a tooth moves away from its normal position, exposing more of the tooth and sometimes part of the root surface. It is extremely common, particularly as we get older, but I don’t consider recession something we should automatically dismiss as simply part of aging.

The important question isn’t only whether your gums are receding.

It is why they are receding, whether the recession is progressing, and whether anything needs to be done about it.

“When I see gum recession, I don’t immediately think about how to cover the exposed root. I first want to understand why the gum moved in the first place. If we don’t understand the cause, we’re only looking at half of the problem.”

— Marielaina Perrone, DDS

What Exactly Is Gum Recession?

Your gums do much more than frame your smile.

Healthy gum tissue surrounds and protects the teeth and helps create a stable environment around the roots and underlying bone. Normally, the crown of the tooth (the portion covered by enamel) is what you primarily see above the gumline.

When the gum margin moves away from its original position, more tooth becomes visible. If the recession progresses far enough, the root surface may become exposed. That distinction matters because the root isn’t protected by the same thick enamel that covers the crown.

The American Academy of Periodontology describes gum recession as a condition in which gum tissue pulls away from a tooth, potentially exposing the root. It can make teeth appear longer and may be associated with sensitivity and other problems.

Recession may affect a single tooth, several teeth, or much of the mouth. And it doesn’t always happen evenly.

You might have significant recession around one lower front tooth while the neighboring teeth appear completely normal.

That’s often a clue that something specific is influencing that area.

What Does Gum Recession Look Like?

One of the most recognizable signs is a tooth that appears longer than the teeth around it or longer than you remember it looking previously.

You may also notice a visible change in color near the gumline. The exposed root can look slightly more yellow than the enamel because root structure has different optical properties.

Sometimes there is a small indentation or notch where the crown and root meet.

Sensitivity is another common complaint, particularly with cold foods and drinks.

But here’s something important:

Gum recession doesn’t necessarily hurt.

It can develop slowly enough that patients don’t notice it until a dentist points it out during an examination. That is one reason regular periodontal evaluation matters. We can compare the position of the gums over time rather than relying entirely on symptoms.

Why Do Gums Recede?

There isn’t one universal cause.

In fact, gum recession is a good example of why dentistry often requires us to look beyond the most obvious explanation.

Periodontal disease can contribute to recession, but having gum recession does not automatically mean you have periodontal disease.

Aggressive brushing can contribute.

Thin gum tissue can contribute.

The position of a tooth within the jaw can matter. Orthodontic movement can matter.

Grinding, clenching and other mechanical factors may be relevant in some patients.

Plaque accumulation and inflammation matter.

Tobacco use can increase periodontal risk.

Oral piercings can repeatedly traumatize nearby gum tissue.

And sometimes several factors are occurring together.

A recent review of gingival recession emphasizes its multifactorial nature, with anatomical, inflammatory and mechanical factors all potentially contributing. That’s why simply telling someone, “You’re brushing too hard,” isn’t always enough.

Sometimes that’s true.

Sometimes it isn’t.

Can Brushing Too Hard Cause Gum Recession?

Yes, traumatic toothbrushing can contribute to gingival recession, particularly in susceptible areas. But I want to make an important distinction.

The problem isn’t that brushing is bad for your gums.

How you brush matters.

Scrubbing aggressively with a hard-bristled toothbrush or repeatedly traumatizing the same area can contribute to tissue damage over time.

Patients sometimes assume that harder brushing means cleaner teeth. It doesn’t.

You don’t need to scrub your gums into submission to remove plaque.

A soft-bristled toothbrush, appropriate technique and gentle pressure are generally preferable. If your toothbrush bristles are dramatically splayed after a short period of use, that can be a clue that you are applying more force than necessary.

“Clean teeth don’t require aggressive brushing. I would rather see a patient use good technique consistently than try to compensate with force.”

— Marielaina Perrone, DDS

Is Gum Recession the Same as Gum Disease?

No.

This is one of the most important distinctions in this discussion.

Gum recession describes the position of the gum margin. Periodontal disease describes a disease process affecting the supporting structures around the teeth. They can occur together, but they are not synonymous.

Periodontitis involves inflammation and destruction of the tissues supporting the teeth, including periodontal attachment and bone. As periodontal disease progresses, gum recession can become visible. But someone can also develop localized recession without periodontitis.

This is why I don’t diagnose periodontal disease by looking at one exposed root. We need periodontal measurements, clinical examination, appropriate dental X-rays, evaluation of inflammation and bleeding, and assessment of the supporting bone.

The diagnosis matters because the treatment can be very different.

Why Thin Gums Can Be More Susceptible to Recession

Not everyone starts with the same periodontal anatomy. Some people naturally have relatively thick gum tissue.

Others have a thin periodontal phenotype, meaning the gum tissue is more delicate and the underlying bone may also be thinner in certain areas.

Neither is inherently abnormal. But thinner tissues can sometimes be more vulnerable when additional stresses are introduced.

Tooth position matters as well. If a tooth sits toward the outside edge of the supporting bone, the facial bone and gum tissue covering the root may be relatively thin.

That can become relevant when we evaluate recession or plan orthodontic movement.

This is one reason treatment should be based on the individual anatomy rather than assuming everyone’s gums will respond the same way.

Can Orthodontics Cause Gum Recession?

This deserves a more nuanced answer than simply yes or no.

Orthodontic treatment moves teeth through supporting bone. When movement is appropriately planned within the patient’s anatomical boundaries, treatment can be performed successfully.

However, existing gum thickness, bone anatomy, tooth position, oral hygiene and the direction of planned movement can influence recession risk.

Systematic reviews examining orthodontic treatment and gingival recession suggest the relationship is complex, and the quality of evidence has limitations. Tooth movement outside the alveolar envelope and individual periodontal anatomy are among the considerations discussed in the literature.

So I wouldn’t tell a patient that braces or aligners automatically cause recession.

I would say:

Look at the gums and bone before moving the teeth.

That is particularly important when recession already exists.

Does Grinding or Clenching Cause Gum Recession?

Patients often ask me this because they have both recession and signs of bruxism.

Grinding and clenching can generate significant forces on teeth and contribute to wear, fractures, muscle discomfort and other problems.

The relationship between occlusal forces and gum recession is less straightforward, however, and I would not tell someone that bruxism alone caused their gums to recede.

If I see recession in a patient who also has severe wear, cervical tooth defects, mobility or evidence of heavy bite forces, I consider the entire picture. But association isn’t the same as proving causation.

That’s an important distinction, particularly with conditions that have multiple possible contributors.

Why Are My Teeth Sensitive Where the Gums Have Receded?

When recession exposes a root surface, the tooth may become more sensitive to cold, touch, air, sweets or brushing.

Why?

The crown of your tooth is protected by enamel. The root is primarily covered by cementum, which is much thinner. When the root surface becomes exposed and dentinal tubules become accessible, temperature and other stimuli can more readily reach the sensory structures inside the tooth. This can produce the familiar short, sharp sensation of dentin hypersensitivity.

Not every exposed root becomes sensitive, and not every sensitive tooth has gum recession.

Decay, cracks, leaking restorations and other dental conditions can also cause sensitivity.

So persistent sensitivity deserves an examination rather than automatically being blamed on recession.

Can Gum Recession Cause Cavities?

It can increase vulnerability to root caries. Once a root surface is exposed to the oral environment, it does not have enamel’s level of protection. That becomes especially important as patients age.

Dry mouth, medications, reduced salivary flow, dietary habits and difficulty maintaining certain areas can increase the risk of root decay.

This is one reason I pay attention to apparently minor recession in older adults.

The recession itself may be stable and require no surgical treatment, but the exposed root still needs to be maintained and protected.

Sometimes the most appropriate treatment isn’t rebuilding the gumline.

It’s preventing the root from becoming a problem.

Can Receding Gums Grow Back?

This is where terminology can become confusing. Once gum tissue has significantly receded and the root is exposed, it generally does not simply regenerate back to its original position on its own.

That doesn’t mean nothing can be done.

If inflammation is contributing, controlling plaque and improving periodontal health can improve the condition of the surrounding tissues.

Sensitivity can often be managed.

Progression may be reduced by addressing contributing factors. And in selected cases, periodontal plastic surgery—including gum grafting or other root-coverage procedures—may be used to increase tissue thickness or cover exposed roots.

But the appropriate goal isn’t always to make the gumline look exactly the way it did years ago.

Sometimes the correct goal is simply:

Keep it healthy and stable.

Does Every Case of Gum Recession Need Treatment?

No.

This is an important part of my philosophy.

A patient may have a small area of recession that has been completely stable for many years. The tissue may be healthy, the patient has no sensitivity, the root is easy to clean and there is no significant esthetic concern.

In that situation, monitoring may be entirely appropriate.

Another patient may have progressive recession, severe sensitivity, inadequate tissue, root decay, difficulty cleaning the area or significant cosmetic concerns.

That is a very different situation.

“Not every abnormal-looking measurement needs to become a procedure. If recession is healthy, stable and maintainable, sometimes the most conservative treatment is simply to understand it, protect it and watch it.”

— Marielaina Perrone, DDS

When Is Gum Grafting Considered?

A gum graft is one possible treatment for certain forms of recession.

Periodontal plastic surgery can use tissue from the patient’s own mouth or other grafting materials, depending on the procedure and clinical situation, to increase tissue thickness and potentially cover exposed root surfaces.

The American Academy of Periodontology notes that gum graft surgery may be used to cover exposed roots, protect them from decay and additional recession, reduce sensitivity and improve appearance. But gum grafting isn’t automatically appropriate every time a root becomes visible.

Before discussing surgery, I want to understand the cause, anatomy, periodontal health and likelihood that the area can remain stable afterward.

If aggressive brushing contributed to the problem and the brushing habit doesn’t change, covering the root without addressing that behavior makes little sense.

Likewise, if active periodontal disease is present, controlling the disease becomes a priority.

Treat the environment, not just the appearance.

What About Cosmetic Gum Recession?

Recession can absolutely affect the appearance of a smile. When gum levels become uneven, one tooth may look noticeably longer than another. This is particularly visible in the upper front teeth.

In cosmetic dentistry, however, I don’t evaluate the teeth independently from the gums. A beautiful smile depends on the relationship between tooth shape, tooth length, gingival contours, lip position, symmetry and facial proportions.

Sometimes a patient comes to me thinking they need porcelain veneers because one tooth looks too long. But if the actual problem is the position of the gumline, changing the porcelain alone may not address the real issue.

Conversely, there are situations where recession exists around an older crown or veneer and the restoration itself may also need to be evaluated.

This is where cosmetic dentistry and periodontal health overlap.

“The gums are part of smile design. You can create beautiful porcelain, but if you ignore the tissue framing the teeth, you’re ignoring an important part of the smile.”

— Marielaina Perrone, DDS

Can Gum Recession Affect Porcelain Veneers or Crowns?

Yes.

If the gumline recedes around an existing crown or veneer, the margin of the restoration may become more visible.

Sometimes patients notice a darker line or a change in color near the gumline. That may be related to exposed root structure, the underlying restorative material, the crown margin or a combination of factors.

That doesn’t automatically mean the restoration needs replacement. Again, we need to determine why the tissue changed and whether the tooth and restoration remain healthy.

If replacement is being considered for cosmetic reasons, the gum position needs to be part of the treatment plan.

Otherwise, we may replace the restoration without solving the reason the appearance changed.

Gum Recession Becomes More Relevant as We Age

Recession becomes increasingly common with age, but I don’t think the right message is:

“You’re getting older. Your gums recede. Nothing to worry about.”

Instead, aging gives us another reason to pay closer attention.

Over decades, teeth have been exposed to brushing, chewing forces, dental treatment, inflammation, medications, changes in saliva and changes in general health.

An older adult may also have crowns, fillings, implants or bridges that interact with the surrounding gum tissue.

At the same time, preserving natural teeth becomes increasingly valuable.

This is where healthy aging dentistry becomes important.

We’re not trying to make a 65-year-old mouth look biologically 25.

We’re trying to preserve comfortable, maintainable teeth and healthy supporting tissues for the decades ahead.

How Do I Know If My Gum Recession Is Getting Worse?

Photographs can be useful, but periodontal measurements and clinical examinations provide much better information.

If I see recession today, I want to know whether it is new.

Has the gum margin changed since previous examinations?

Has sensitivity increased?

Has periodontal attachment changed?

Is inflammation present?

Has the patient’s brushing technique changed?

Has the tooth moved?

Is there new restorative work in the area?

That longitudinal information is valuable because stable recession and progressive recession are different clinical situations. One snapshot tells us what your gums look like today. Repeated examinations tell us what they’re doing over time.

What Can You Do to Help Prevent Gum Recession?

You cannot control every risk factor. Your anatomy, tissue thickness and tooth position aren’t things you can change with better brushing. But you can reduce avoidable stress on the tissues.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and appropriate technique rather than aggressive scrubbing. Maintain excellent plaque control. Keep regular professional dental and periodontal evaluations. Avoid tobacco. If you have periodontal disease, treat and maintain it. If you grind or clench, discuss it with your dentist. And don’t ignore changes in the gumline simply because they aren’t painful.

If you’re planning orthodontic or extensive restorative treatment and already have recession or very thin gum tissue, periodontal considerations should be part of the treatment plan from the beginning.

Prevention isn’t about trying to guarantee that the gums will never change. It’s about controlling the factors we actually can control.

When Should You See a Dentist About Receding Gums?

If you’ve noticed that a tooth looks longer, the gumline has changed, a root has become exposed, sensitivity is increasing or recession seems to be progressing, it is worth having the area evaluated.

I would also recommend evaluation if recession occurs with bleeding, swollen gums, persistent bad breath, loose teeth or changes in the way your teeth fit together.

Those findings can suggest a larger periodontal problem that shouldn’t simply be attributed to brushing or age.

And if you’re considering cosmetic dentistry, veneers, crowns or orthodontics in an area where recession is already present, evaluate the periodontal foundation first.

It is much easier to design treatment around healthy, understood tissues than to address an overlooked periodontal problem afterward.

What Is Gum Recession? The Bottom Line

Gum recession occurs when the gum margin moves away from its normal position around a tooth, exposing more of the tooth or its root.

It can result from several different factors, including periodontal disease, traumatic brushing, thin periodontal tissues, tooth position, inflammation, orthodontic considerations and local mechanical factors.

It may cause sensitivity, affect the appearance of the smile and increase the vulnerability of exposed roots to decay. But recession does not automatically mean you have periodontal disease. And it does not automatically mean you need gum graft surgery.

The first step is understanding what is causing it and whether it is stable.

Sometimes we treat the periodontal disease.

Sometimes we change brushing technique.

Sometimes we manage sensitivity.

Sometimes we consider periodontal grafting.

Sometimes recession becomes part of a larger cosmetic or restorative treatment plan.

And sometimes we simply monitor it.

That is why I come back to the same principle again and again:

Diagnose first. Treat second.

“The goal isn’t to make every gumline mathematically perfect. The goal is to create an environment that is healthy, stable, comfortable and maintainable for the patient over the long term.”

— Marielaina Perrone, DDS

Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Recession

What is the first sign of gum recession?
A tooth appearing longer, a change in the gumline or new sensitivity near the root can be early clues. Recession can also be discovered during a dental examination before the patient notices it.

Can gums grow back after they recede?
Significantly receded gum tissue generally does not simply grow back to its original position on its own. However, contributing factors can often be controlled, and periodontal procedures may be able to increase tissue thickness or cover exposed roots in selected cases.

Does gum recession mean I have gum disease?
No. Periodontal disease can cause recession, but recession can also occur without periodontitis. A periodontal examination helps distinguish between them.

Can brushing too hard cause receding gums?
Aggressive brushing can contribute to recession, particularly in susceptible areas. A soft toothbrush and gentle, effective technique are generally preferable to forceful scrubbing.

Why does gum recession make my teeth sensitive?
Recession can expose root surfaces that don’t have the thick enamel protection found on the crowns of teeth. This can make temperature and other stimuli easier to feel.

Can gum recession cause tooth loss?
Recession itself does not necessarily mean a tooth will be lost. However, when recession occurs as part of advanced periodontal disease with significant loss of supporting bone and attachment, tooth stability can eventually be affected.

Does every receding gum need a graft?
No. Stable, healthy, maintainable recession may simply be monitored. Grafting may be considered when there is progressive recession, inadequate tissue, sensitivity, root vulnerability or esthetic concerns.

Can veneers fix gum recession?
Porcelain veneers can change tooth shape and appearance but do not regenerate missing gum tissue. If recession is affecting a cosmetic result, the gums and restorative treatment should be evaluated together.

Is gum recession normal as you get older?
Recession becomes more common with age, but age alone doesn’t explain why a particular area is receding. Periodontal health, brushing, anatomy, restorations and other factors should still be evaluated.

When should I worry about receding gums?
Have recession evaluated if it appears to be progressing or occurs with bleeding, swelling, persistent sensitivity, loose teeth, exposed roots or other periodontal changes.

About Marielaina Perrone, DDS

Dr. Marielaina Perrone, DDS, is a trusted cosmetic and family dentist in Henderson, NV, known for helping patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles through personalized, compassionate care. With more than 20 years of clinical experience, she combines advanced dental expertise with an artistic eye to deliver exceptional results in porcelain veneers, dental implants, smile makeovers, periodontal therapy, Botox, dermal fillers, and facial aesthetic treatments.

A graduate with honors from Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Perrone remains committed to lifelong learning and regularly pursues advanced continuing education in cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry, and facial aesthetics. Her comprehensive approach focuses on enhancing oral health, facial harmony, and overall confidence through customized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique goals.

Dr. Perrone is passionate about patient education, preventive care, and building lasting relationships founded on trust, communication, and comfort. She believes every patient deserves individualized attention and treatment that supports both long-term health and a confident smile.

Proudly serving Henderson, Green Valley, Seven Hills, Anthem, Las Vegas, Summerlin, and surrounding communities, Dr. Perrone is dedicated to providing modern, patient-centered dentistry in a welcoming environment. Outside the office, she enjoys cooking, staying active, spending time with family, and participating in community activities throughout the Las Vegas Valley.

Reviewed for Clinical Accuracy

Every article published on drperrone.com is personally written or clinically reviewed by Marielaina Perrone, DDS to ensure it reflects current evidence-based dentistry, modern treatment recommendations, and her philosophy that beautiful smiles are created through personalized care, facial harmony, and long-term oral health.

Last Reviewed: September 2026