Gum recession is one of those things that sneaks up on people. One day, your smile looks the same as always, and then suddenly, your teeth seem longer, or you start feeling sensitivity when drinking something cold. It’s a common issue, especially as we age, but it’s not something you have to accept. At Tatum Dentistry, our Charleston dentist team wants to help you keep your gums healthy for life.

In this blog, we’ll explore why gum recession happens, how to slow it down, and what to do if your gums are already receding.

What Exactly Is Gum Recession?

Gum recession happens when the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, exposing the roots. Unlike enamel, the roots of your teeth don’t have a protective coating, which makes them more sensitive to temperature changes, bacteria, and even decay.

It doesn’t happen overnight—it’s usually a gradual process. Many people don’t notice until tooth sensitivity kicks in or they see changes in their smile.

What Causes Gum Recession?

There are several reasons your gums might be pulling back. Some are preventable, and some are just part of aging or genetics. Here are the biggest causes:

Brushing Too Hard: It sounds counterintuitive, but scrubbing your teeth aggressively can wear down gum tissue over time.

Gum Disease: Bacteria from plaque buildup leads to inflammation and gum recession if left untreated.

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): The constant pressure from clenching and grinding can weaken the gums and cause them to recede.

Crooked Teeth or a Bad Bite: If your teeth aren’t aligned properly, uneven pressure on your gums can lead to recession over time.

Tobacco Use: Smoking and chewing tobacco reduce blood flow to the gums, weakening them and making them more likely to recede.

Hormonal Changes: Women are especially prone to gum recession during pregnancy, menopause, or other hormonal shifts.

The good news is that most of these factors can be controlled, meaning there’s a lot you can do to prevent or slow down gum recession.

How to Protect Your Gums and Prevent Recession

If you want to keep your gums strong and healthy, start with these simple but essential habits:

1. Switch to a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush

A hard-bristled toothbrush might feel like it’s cleaning better, but it’s actually wearing down your gums. Use gentle pressure and circular motions when brushing—there’s no need to scrub!

2. Improve Your Brushing & Flossing Routine

Good oral hygiene is the first line of defense against gum disease, one of the biggest causes of gum recession.

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

Floss daily to remove plaque from between teeth and along the gumline.

Use an antibacterial mouthwash if your dentist recommends it to help fight plaque buildup.

3. Wear a Night Guard if You Grind Your Teeth

Teeth grinding puts enormous pressure on your gums, leading to both recession and enamel wear. If you wake up with a sore jaw or headaches, you might be grinding your teeth at night. A custom night guard can protect your teeth and gums from long-term damage.

4. Quit Smoking & Limit Alcohol

Smoking isn’t just bad for your lungs—it’s one of the worst things for your gums. It reduces blood flow, slows healing, and makes gum disease more likely. Cutting back or quitting can help your gums stay healthy and strong.

5. Keep Up with Regular Dental Checkups

Your dentist can catch early signs of gum recession before it gets worse. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that brushing alone can’t get, reducing your risk of gum disease.

We also check for warning signs of grinding, misalignment, or other risk factors, so we can recommend solutions before they cause permanent damage.

What If Your Gums Are Already Receding?

If you’ve already noticed gum recession, don’t panic. There are ways to slow it down and even some treatments to restore lost gum tissue.

Non-Surgical Options:

Desensitizing toothpaste can help if you have sensitive teeth from exposed roots.

Fluoride treatments strengthen enamel and help prevent further damage.

Scaling & root planing (a deep cleaning) can remove bacteria under the gumline if gum disease is a factor.

Surgical Options (For More Advanced Recession):

Gum grafts: A small amount of tissue is taken from another area and attached to the receding gums to restore coverage.

Pinhole Surgical Technique: A minimally invasive procedure that gently pulls existing gum tissue back over the exposed roots.

LANAP (Laser Treatment): If gum disease is causing the recession, laser therapy can help remove bacteria and stimulate gum regeneration.

The best treatment depends on how severe your gum recession is and what’s causing it. If you’re unsure, your best bet is to get it checked by a dentist sooner rather than later.

Protect Your Gums with Regular Dental Services at Tatum Dentistry

Gum recession isn’t just a cosmetic issue—if left unchecked, it can lead to sensitivity, tooth decay, and even tooth loss. The good news is that you can do a lot to prevent it.

Be gentle when brushing—use a soft toothbrush.

Floss daily and use fluoride to keep enamel strong.

Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth.

Quit smoking and keep up with regular dental checkups.

At Tatum Dentistry, we help patients keep their gums healthy and their smiles strong for a lifetime. If you’re worried about gum recession or want to prioritize your oral health, schedule an appointment today.