4 Common Things That Happen When Gums Start to Recede

Have you ever wondered what happens to your mouth when your gums start to recede?

Gum recession is a common dental issue that can affect anyone, though it’s more common among adults and the elderly. It’s not just a cosmetic concern—it can have a significant impact on both your oral health and overall well-being.

In this post, we’ll explore 4 things that are more likely to occur when your gums begin to recede.

1. Root Decay and Wear

According to a CDC report, tooth decay is the most common health condition worldwide, affecting nearly 90% of adults aged 20 to 64.

Decay can occur on any part of a tooth—between teeth, on chewing surfaces, or along the front and back. On the other hand, roots are typically covered by healthy gums. So, decay is less likely to begin there compared to the exposed crown of the tooth.

However, once gums recede, this natural protection is lost. Exposed roots are weaker and more vulnerable, as they lack the strong enamel layer that shields the crown. As a result, they are more susceptible to acid attacks from food and bacteria, as well as to wear from brushing and chewing motions.

That's why people with receding gums need to pay extra attention to their oral hygiene.

Unfortunately, decay and wear on the root surfaces progress about twice as fast as they do on the crown of the tooth. If left untreated, the damage can quickly reach the tooth's nerve, potentially leading to severe complications, including infections.

2. Dental Sensitivity

Again, the roots of your teeth are designed to remain protected by healthy gums. When gums recede and the roots become exposed, dental sensitivity becomes almost unavoidable.

Unlike the crown of the tooth, the roots are not covered by the strong enamel layer. They're made of dentin, which contains tiny holes called tubules. These tubules are directly connected to the nerves inside the tooth.

When your tooth roots are exposed, anything you consume—cold, hot, sour, or sweet—can travel through these tiny channels and stimulate the nerves, triggering sharp, short-lived pain.

This sensitivity can make even simple activities like eating or drinking uncomfortable.

3. Longer Teeth

What makes our teeth appear aesthetically pleasing is a healthy gum line that hides the roots and fits snugly around the teeth. However, when gums recede and roots are exposed, teeth can appear unusually long.

Another common concern is black triangles. These are small black gaps that appear between the teeth when the gum tissue that once filled these spaces recedes.

Since both teeth and gums play a vital role in the look of our smile and overall facial appearance, gum recession can have a significant impact on self-confidence. Many individuals with receding gums become self-conscious about their smiles and may feel the need to hide their teeth when smiling or talking.

Gum recession isn’t just a dental issue—it’s a condition that can profoundly affect one’s quality of life.

4. Loose Teeth

Often, gum recession isn’t just limited to the soft tissue—it also affects the underlying bone. This usually occurs as a result of inflammation caused by bacteria.

When oral hygiene is neglected, plaque, a soft, sticky white film, accumulates on the teeth and along the gum line. The bacteria within plaque can invade tissues, traveling down as far as the bone that supports the teeth.

To fight off these bacteria, your body triggers an inflammatory response. As a result, you may experience symptoms such as red, swollen, sore, and bleeding gums.

Although inflammation initially acts as a defense mechanism, when it lasts too long, it can have the opposite effect. Over time, it can destroy the tissues that hold your teeth in place. This can lead to teeth shifting, becoming loose, or in severe cases, falling out entirely.

Stop the Damage and Heal Your Gums Before It’s Too Late

The most effective way to address receding gums is to tackle the issue early to prevent it from advancing and becoming harder to treat.

The first step to stopping gum recession is identifying and addressing its root cause, which typically falls into one of two categories: plaque or trauma (chronic irritation).

• Plaque: This sticky film harbors harmful bacteria that trigger inflammation, gradually eating away at the tissues around the tooth, including the gums and bone.


• Trauma: Persistent irritation, such as aggressive brushing or using a hard-bristled toothbrush, can wear away gum tissue over time.

Unless you identify and eliminate these factors, your gums won’t improve.

Stop plaque and heal your gums:

• Brush your teeth twice a day for a full two minutes, ensuring all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned.


• Clean between your teeth once a day using dental floss, an interdental brush, or a water flosser to remove plaque and debris from areas a toothbrush can’t reach.


• Make an appointment with your dentist to check if you need a professional deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing. This treatment is the standard approach for advanced gum disease and involves removing plaque, tartar, and infected tissues from both the surfaces of your teeth and deep within the gum line.

Stop Traumatizing Your Gums:

• Brush gently using circular motions.


• Avoid horizontal strokes, as they can be more damaging to your teeth and gums.


• Make sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including along the gum line, to help stimulate blood flow.


• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or, ideally, an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor that alerts you when you're applying too much pressure.


• If you grind or clench your teeth, ask your dentist for a mouthguard to protect your teeth and gums.