Receding Gums? Protect Your Smile Before It Goes Further
If your teeth look longer or feel more sensitive near the gum line, your gums may be receding. Recession does not reverse on its own, but the right care can stop it from getting worse and protect the roots underneath.
- Mesquite
- Garland
- Balch Springs
Why Gums Recede
Gum recession usually builds slowly over years, and more than one factor is often at play. These are the most common reasons gums pull back from the teeth.
Brushing Too Hard
Scrubbing with a stiff brush or heavy pressure wears the gums down over time. It is one of the most common and most preventable causes.
Gum Disease
Periodontal disease destroys the tissue and bone that hold the gums in place, which is the leading cause of gums pulling away from the teeth.
Age and Genetics
Recession becomes more common with age, and some people are simply more prone to it because of thinner gum tissue they inherited.
Teeth Grinding and Clenching
The constant pressure of grinding or clenching stresses the teeth and gums, which can speed up recession over time.
Tobacco Use
Smoking and chewing tobacco make gum tissue more likely to pull back and slow the healing the gums need to stay healthy.
Crowding or a Misaligned Bite
Crooked teeth or an uneven bite can push unevenly on the gums, leaving some areas more exposed and prone to receding.
The Four Stages of Gum Recession
Recession moves slowly through clear stages. Knowing where you are helps us protect the roots and stop it from going further.
Healthy Gum Line
Gums sit snug and high around each tooth, fully covering the root with no sensitivity.
Early Recession
Gums begin to pull back slightly. You may notice mild sensitivity to cold near the gum line.
Moderate Recession
Roots are visibly exposed, teeth look longer, and sensitivity and root decay risk increase.
Advanced Recession
Significant root exposure with bone loss. Teeth may feel loose and need prompt periodontal care.
When Receding Gums Need Attention Soon
A little gum recession is common and not always urgent, but some signs mean you should be seen before it advances. Call your nearest Inspire Dental location if you notice any of the following:
- Teeth that look noticeably longer, or visible notches near the gum line
- New or growing sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods at the roots
- Gums that keep pulling back, or recession spreading to more teeth
- Bleeding, redness, or swelling along with the recession
- Any tooth that feels loose or has started to shift
Gum recession does not grow back on its own, but catching it early lets us stop the progression and protect the exposed roots.
How We Stop Gums From Receding Further
The goal is to halt the recession, protect the exposed roots, and ease any sensitivity. We start with the gentlest approach that addresses the cause.
Cleanings to Halt Gum Disease
When gum disease is driving the recession, regular professional cleanings remove the plaque and tartar fueling it and help the remaining gum tissue stay healthy and stable.
Learn about teeth cleanings →Protecting Sensitive, Exposed Roots
Exposed roots are prone to sensitivity and decay. A tooth-colored filling can cover a worn or decayed root surface, sealing it and calming the sensitivity.
Learn about tooth-colored fillings →For more advanced recession, we will talk through your options and refer you for gum grafting when it is the right choice. We always explain what we find first. For trusted background reading, the Cleveland Clinic covers gum recession causes and treatment, and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research explains periodontal (gum) disease, the leading cause of recession.
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Stoppable
Recession can be halted with early care
Since 2017
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Stop Gum Recession Before It Advances
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Trusted Care to Protect Your Gums
Inspire Dental & Orthodontics was founded in 2017 by Dr. Patel and Dr. Paul, two dentists who grew up in this community. Every case of recession is examined by a licensed dentist, measured with a careful periodontal exam, and treated with a plan you understand before we begin. Our bilingual team has earned more than 2,700 five-star reviews from families at our offices in Mesquite, Garland, and Balch Springs.
Gums Protected, Smiles Preserved
Real reviews from patients who came in worried about receding gums and left with a clear plan to protect their smile.
I noticed my teeth looked longer and one was getting sensitive. They showed me exactly where my gums had receded, fixed how I was brushing, and treated the sensitive root. It has not gotten any worse since. So glad I came in early.
My gums had been slowly pulling back for years and no one had ever really explained it. The dentist here took the time to walk me through it and set up a plan with regular cleanings. I finally feel like I am protecting my teeth.
Mis encías se estaban retrayendo y mis dientes se veían más largos. El doctor me explicó la causa con calma y me ayudó a cambiar mi forma de cepillarme. Ahora la recesión está controlada. Excelente equipo, muy amables y profesionales.