Gum Recession

Gum Recession. Kitchener, ON

The Wasting Margin: Understanding Gum Recession and Its Hidden Causes

More Than Just Gum Disease

Gum recession occurs when the margin of gum tissue surrounding a tooth pulls back, exposing more of the tooth surface or root. While many people assume this always means gum disease, recession can occur even in the absence of inflammation or bone loss.

When the gumline retreats, it exposes cementum, the softer layer of the root surface. This not only affects appearance but also increases vulnerability to wear, decay and sensitivity. The first step in protecting your smile is understanding why recession happens and how it can be managed.

Key Causes of Gum Recession

Aggressive Brushing (Mechanical Trauma)

Brushing too hard, especially with a firm-bristled brush, can slowly wear gums away. The horizontal “scrubbing” action acts like sandpaper on delicate gum tissue and root surfaces.

• Typical pattern: Recession often appears on the side opposite your dominant hand (e.g., left side for right-handed people).
• Result: Generalized gumline wear, plus surface damage to the exposed root.

Occlusal Trauma (Bite Force Stress)

Sometimes gums recede not from plaque but from forces in your bite:

• Primary occlusal trauma: Excessive force on a tooth with healthy support (e.g., a high filling or premature bite contact).
• Secondary occlusal trauma: Normal chewing forces become “excessive” when gums and bone are already weakened.

In both cases, repeated bite stress stretches periodontal fibers and causes gum and bone to retreat, even without active gum disease.

Periodontal Disease

Of course, chronic plaque buildup and inflammation can also trigger gum loss, but it’s not the only pathway.

The Painful Consequences

Sensitivity

Exposed roots contain thousands of tiny tubules that connect to the tooth’s nerve. Cold drinks, sweet foods, or even air can trigger sharp, fleeting pain.

Abfraction Defects

Recession combined with bite stress often causes abfractions—wedge-shaped notches at the gumline. As teeth flex under pressure, tiny fragments of enamel or cementum fracture away, and toothbrush bristles enlarge the defect.

Aesthetic & Structural Impact

Longer-looking teeth, root cavities, and weakened support structures may follow if recession is not addressed.

Treatment and Intervention

The good news: gum recession can be managed and repaired.

• Brushing Trauma: Patient education, switching to a soft-bristled brush, and adopting gentler technique.
• Sensitivity: Desensitizing toothpastes, varnishes, or bonding agents to seal exposed tubules.
• Abfractions: Composite restorations placed to restore shape and protect the pulp.
• Occlusal Trauma: Bite adjustments or a custom night guard to reduce destructive forces.
• Severe Recession: Referral to a periodontist for gum grafting to cover exposed roots and restore natural gum contours.

Fun Fact

Before modern periodontics, some dentists attempted to treat gum recession by cauterizing the exposed area with heat or chemicals. Thankfully, today’s treatments are far more refined, using predictable tissue grafting and gentle restorations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can my gums grow back naturally after they recede?
No. Gum tissue does not regenerate on its own. Only surgical grafting can replace lost gum coverage.

Q2: Can electric toothbrushes cause recession?
Yes—if too much pressure is applied. Many modern models include pressure sensors to prevent this problem.

Q3: Are abfraction fillings permanent?
Composite restorations protect the root, but if bite forces aren’t corrected, they may eventually fail. Addressing the underlying trauma is key.

Q4: Is gum recession always caused by gum disease?
Not always. Many cases are linked to trauma, brushing, or anatomy, rather than active infection.

Conclusion

Gum recession is a complex condition with multiple causes—ranging from brushing and bite forces to inflammation. While it may start silently, it can cause sensitivity, root damage, and aesthetic concerns over time.

At MI Dental, we identify the root cause, relieve symptoms, and provide personalized solutions—from restorations and desensitizing treatments to grafting and bite correction. Protecting your gums means protecting your smile for life.