What does gum recession look like?

What does gum recession look like?

Cleveland Clinic says the most obvious sign is that the tooth root is exposed, so teeth can look longer as the gum pulls back. Healthline lists gums that appear to be pulling back or shrinking and exposed tooth roots. The sources we read do not describe a notch or a specific shape at the gum line. Healthy gums are usually described as pink and snug around the tooth; the exposed root of a receded tooth often looks darker or more yellow than the enamel, which is general knowledge and not stated in the sources.

How can you tell if your gums are receding?

Cleveland Clinic says if you notice your tooth roots look more visible than before, or your teeth are more sensitive, you may have gum recession, and advises calling a dentist or periodontist at the first sign of trouble. Comparing a recent photo of your smile with an older one can help you see change, which is our suggestion and not from the sources. Healthline says a dentist can catch early signs even without symptoms during regular cleanings and checkups.

What does it feel like?

Cleveland Clinic lists pain or discomfort near the gum line, sensitivity to hot, cold and sweets, and sensitivity when brushing or flossing and during dental cleanings. Healthline lists gums that bleed when you brush or floss, look red or puffy, persistent bad breath, pain along the gum line and teeth that feel loose. Untreated, Cleveland Clinic says recession can progress to bone loss, loose teeth or tooth loss.

How do dentists measure it?

Cleveland Clinic says a dentist can usually diagnose recession during a routine exam, measures recession on each tooth with a periodontal probe, and also measures the gum pockets around each tooth since bone loss is common where gums recede. It gives typical readings of 1 to 3 mm as healthy, 4 mm as consistent with gingivitis and 5 mm or more as consistent with periodontal disease. Healthline says pockets of 1 to 3 mm are considered normal and larger ones suggest gum disease, and that a referral to a periodontist may follow.

How severe is it?

Cleveland Clinic says it describes recession as mild, moderate or severe, that it may affect one tooth or several, that mild cases may be managed without surgery and that moderate to severe cases usually lead to a referral for gum grafting. See our guides on whether gums grow back and on treatment.

What causes it?

Healthline lists brushing too hard over a long period, tartar, smoking, hormonal changes in women, a family history of gum disease, diabetes, HIV and medicines that cause dry mouth, and says receding gums are most common in adults over 40 and more frequent in men, though often wrongly dismissed as a normal part of aging. Cleveland Clinic lists aggressive brushing, plaque or tartar, periodontal disease, injury to the gums, misaligned teeth, tobacco and lip or tongue piercings, and a genetic tendency to thin gum tissue.

Is it normal to have gum recession with age?

Healthline says receding gums are most common in adults over 40 and are often wrongly dismissed as a normal part of aging, so do not assume it is harmless. Early treatment gives the best chance of protecting the tooth, according to Cleveland Clinic, because untreated recession can progress to bone loss, loose teeth or tooth loss. See our guides on what causes gum recession.

Questions to ask your dentist

Take these to your appointment.

• How much have my gums receded, and which teeth are affected?
• What are my pocket measurements?
• What is causing it for me?
• Is it stable, or is it getting worse?
• Do I need a periodontist?

Frequently asked questions