What Causes Gum Recession?
Sara M. George

Causes Gum Recession

Taking care of your gums is just as important as taking care of your teeth. Your gums have the important jobs of supporting your teeth and protecting their sensitive roots. If gums begin to recede, this can leave the teeth vulnerable and poorly supported. It’s vital for everyone to know the common causes of gum recession and available options for gum recession treatment.


Most Common Causes of Gum Recession

The germline is one of the most important and most vulnerable parts of the mouth when it comes to dental hygiene. As the germline recedes away from the teeth, pockets form in which bacteria can gather, eventually attacking the teeth and causing tooth decay. Gums may start to recede for several possible reasons, including:


  • Genes. Some people simply have genetic predispositions toward gum recession, so they must be extra careful with their dental hygiene.
  • Aggressive brushing. While it’s good to be enthusiastic about dental hygiene, brushing too hard can damage sensitive gum tissue, causing it to break down in some places and become vulnerable to bacteria.
  • Periodontal disease. An infection in the gum tissue can cause gums to recede quite rapidly. Gum disease is the leading cause of gum recession and can often lead to tooth decay.
  • Poor dental hygiene. Failing to brush and floss adequately can allow plaque on the teeth to evolve into tartar, which will require professional cleaning to remove. Tartar accumulation is another leading cause of gum recession.
  • Hormonal changes. Some women experience gum recession in response to hormonal changes at different phases of life.

When gum recession becomes noticeable, the underlying cause requires immediate treatment. It’s crucial to seek dental treatment for the symptoms of gum disease and periodontal disease as soon as you notice something as wrong.

Treatment for Gum Recession

The first line of defense against gum recession is proper preventative care. Practicing good daily dental hygiene and scheduling regular visits with your dentist for professional cleanings and exams are some of the best ways to prevent gum recession. However, if you have started noticing gum recession, your dentist will need to diagnose the underlying cause. In many mild cases, deep cleaning of the affected area can be enough to encourage the gum tissue to regrow properly. In some cases, a dentist may need to flush the affected area with antibiotics.


When gum recession has progressed to extreme levels, a dentist may need to resort to surgical methods to repair the damage. These methods may include open flap scaling, root planning, or regeneration using implanted tissues. The best outcomes occur when patients seek prompt care for gum recession. If you need assistance for the symptoms of gum recession, contact 24/7 local dentist online or call us 24/7 at (833) 220-2448 to be put in touch with a 24/7 local dentist care provider in your area.


Resource


Swollen Gums | Emergency or Not?
By Rabia Tingat • October 5, 2026
Swollen gums can be mild or serious. Learn the emergency signs, common causes, home remedies, and when to see a dentist.
Swelling After a Tooth Extraction: When to Worry
By Rabia Tingat • September 30, 2026
Some swelling after a tooth extraction is completely normal. Learn what to expect day by day, which warning signs mean trouble and exactly when to call your dentist or head to the emergency room.
Dental Emergencies During Pregnancy: What's Safe to Do?
By Rabia Tingat • September 27, 2026
Worried about dental treatment during pregnancy? Find out what is actually safe, when to get treated, which medications are okay and when a dental emergency cannot wait until after delivery.
Broken Braces Wire or Bracket: Is It an Emergency?
By Rabia Tingat • September 24, 2026
Broke a wire or bracket on your braces? Find out what counts as a real emergency, what can wait until morning, and exactly what to do right now to manage the pain and protect your mouth.
What to Do for a Child's Dental Emergency
By Rabia Tingat • September 21, 2026
A child's dental emergency can be scary. Learn what to do in the first few minutes for a knocked-out tooth, chipped tooth, or toothache, and when it's urgent.
How Soon Can I Get a Same-Day Dental Appointment?
By Rabia Tingat • September 18, 2026
In dental pain and need to be seen today? Learn what determines same-day availability and how to get an emergency dental appointment fast.
Bleeding Gums That Won't Stop: When to Worry
By Rabia Tingat • September 15, 2026
Occasional bleeding after brushing is common, but gums that won't stop could signal something more. Learn the causes and when to see a dentist.
Dry Socket After Extraction | Symptoms and What to Do
By Rabia Tingat • September 12, 2026
Pain getting worse a few days after a tooth extraction? Learn the signs of dry socket, why it happens, and how to get fast relief.
Wisdom Tooth Pain: Emergency Signs vs. Normal Eruption Discomfort
By Rabia Tingat • September 9, 2026
Is your wisdom tooth pain normal eruption soreness or a sign of infection? Learn the warning signs that mean it's time to call an emergency dentist.
Cracked Tooth Syndrome: How to Tell If Your Tooth Is Fractured
By Rabia Tingat • September 7, 2026
Sharp pain when you bite down that comes and goes? It could be cracked tooth syndrome. Learn the symptoms, causes, and when to see an emergency dentist.