Key Takeaways

Gum recession happens when gum tissue pulls back and exposes the roots of your teeth.
Hard brushing, plaque buildup, teeth grinding, and family history can all play a part.
Longer-looking teeth, sensitivity, and a small notch near the gumline are signs to watch for.
Regular dental cleanings and treatment options can help slow recession and protect your smile.
Gentle brushing, daily flossing, and regular exams support healthier gums.

Healthy gums help protect the roots of your teeth, so it can feel unsettling when they start to pull back. If your teeth look longer than they used to or feel more sensitive near the gumline, it may be time to have your gums checked at Sundance Dental Clinic.

Your gums may be receding because of hard brushing, plaque buildup along the gumline, teeth grinding, or family history, and each of these can pull the tissue away from your teeth over time. The good news is that regular dental cleanings and a few gentler habits can help slow the change.

What Gum Recession Actually Means

You glance in the mirror and notice your teeth look a little longer than they used to. That change often points to gum recession, where the gum tissue slowly pulls back from your teeth.

As the tissue moves back, the roots of your teeth become exposed. Roots don’t have the same hard outer layer that the tops of your teeth do, so they feel more sensitive and need extra care.

This shows up in families and older adults alike. It tends to happen gradually, which is why many people don’t catch it until the change feels noticeable.

Common Reasons Your Gums Pull Back

Gum disease is one of the more frequent reasons gums start to recede. When plaque and tartar build up along the gumline, the tissue can become irritated and begin to separate from the teeth.

How you brush matters too. Scrubbing hard or using a worn-out toothbrush with frayed bristles can wear the gum tissue down over time.

Other factors are harder to control. Grinding your teeth at night puts steady pressure on the gums, and family history can make some people more prone to recession than others.

Signs to Watch For

Gum recession can move slowly, so small clues are worth paying attention to. Catching them early gives you more options to protect your teeth.

Here are a few things to keep an eye on:

Your teeth look longer than they did before.
You feel a sharp twinge with hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
You can feel a small notch or dip near the gumline when you run your tongue over it.

If any of these sound familiar, a quick exam can help you figure out what’s going on.

Person in a teal sweater brushing their teeth at a bathroom sink in front of a m

How a Calgary Dentist Can Help

Your dentist can look closely at your gums, measure the tissue around each tooth, and suggest steps that fit your situation. The goal is to slow the change and keep your teeth comfortable.

Routine Teeth Cleaning

A professional teeth cleaning clears away plaque that builds up in spots your toothbrush can’t reach. Even with a steady home routine, some buildup can collect near the gumline.

Scaling is the part of a cleaning that removes hardened tartar from around the teeth and gumline. If deeper pockets are present, your dentist or hygienist can explain whether more targeted gum care is needed.

Treatment Options Worth Knowing

When roots are already exposed, your dentist can talk through options to reduce sensitivity and protect the area from further wear.

Crowded or crooked teeth can make some areas harder to clean and may put extra pressure on certain spots. In some cases, Invisalign may help improve tooth position and make daily cleaning easier.

Simple Ways to Protect Your Gums

Small habits at home go a long way toward keeping your gums healthy. None of them take much time once they become part of your day.

Try these steps to support your gums:

Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, using light pressure instead of scrubbing.
Floss once a day to clear food and plaque from between your teeth.
Book regular exams so the team can spot early changes and help you stay ahead of them.

These habits work together. Gentle brushing protects the tissue you have, flossing keeps the gumline clean, and regular visits help you track any changes over time.

Receding gums can feel worrying, but you have plenty of ways to care for them. The team at Sundance Dental Clinic can check your gums, talk through your options, and help you build a plan that works for your smile.

Why Are My Gums Receding?