| ✅ Reviewed by Dr. Tom McCawley | 🕒 Reading time: three minutes |
Gum recession develops gradually. In many cases, it is not caused by a single event but by repeated stress on the gum tissue over time. Patients are often surprised to learn that common daily habits can contribute directly to gums pulling away from the teeth.
Here are seven common habits that are closely linked to gum recession.
1. Aggressive brushing
Brushing with excessive pressure or using a hard-bristled toothbrush places repeated mechanical stress on the gumline. Over time, this wears away delicate gum tissue, especially near the neck of the tooth where support is limited.
Gentle brushing with a soft-bristled brush and controlled pressure helps protect the gum margin from further breakdown.
2. Inconsistent oral hygiene
When brushing or flossing is skipped or done incorrectly, plaque accumulates along the gumline and hardens into tartar. This triggers chronic inflammation that weakens the attachment between the gums and teeth. As inflammation progresses, the tissue begins to recede.
Consistent daily cleaning and regular professional care help control inflammation and reduce tissue damage.
3. Tobacco use
Smoking and chewing tobacco reduce blood flow to the gums and interfere with the body’s ability to fight infection. This allows gum disease and tissue breakdown to progress more quickly, often without noticeable symptoms in the early stages.
Reducing or stopping tobacco use supports healthier circulation and improves tissue stability.
4. Teeth grinding or clenching
Excessive biting forces place stress on the bone and tissue supporting the teeth. Over time, this can contribute to bone loss and gum recession.
Managing bite forces with a nightguard and addressing clenching habits helps reduce this strain.
5. Crowded or misaligned teeth
Teeth that are crowded are more difficult to clean and often experience uneven biting forces. These factors increase the risk of localized gum recession in specific areas of the mouth.
Improving alignment and bite balance can help protect gum tissue long-term.
6. Oral piercings
Lip and tongue jewelry repeatedly contact the gumline during speaking and chewing. This constant friction can slowly wear away gum tissue, often leading to isolated areas of recession near the piercing site.
Early monitoring and addressing tissue changes promptly can help limit further damage.
7. Habitual gum picking or aggressive toothpick use
Pulling at the gums or forcefully using toothpicks or flossers creates repeated trauma to already delicate tissue. This disrupts healing and accelerates recession over time.
Replacing these habits with gentler cleaning methods helps preserve gum tissue.
Treatment Options for Gum Recession
When gum recession is already present, changing habits alone cannot restore lost tissue. Treatment depends on the extent of recession, the thickness of the remaining gums, and whether exposed roots are causing sensitivity or other concerns.
Gum grafting is a proven treatment that thickens and strengthens the gum tissue to protect exposed roots and help prevent further recession, though it typically provides only limited root coverage.
In appropriate cases, minimally invasive options such as the Pinhole Surgical Technique can be used to reposition existing gum tissue over exposed root surfaces without traditional grafting. This approach avoids cutting and sutures and may allow multiple areas to be treated in a single visit.
Protecting Your Gums Moving Forward
Understanding which habits contribute to gum recession is an important step in protecting your long-term oral health. Addressing these habits early can help preserve existing gum tissue and reduce the risk of further recession.
If you are concerned about your gum health, a consultation can help determine whether gum recession is present. To book an appointment at our periodontal office in Fort Lauderdale, FL, call (954) 807-4829 or visit us at 800 East Broward Blvd #706 Fort Lauderdale, FL.
FAQs
Gum recession does not have a single cause. It most often develops due to repeated stress on the gum tissue over time, such as aggressive brushing, chronic inflammation from plaque buildup, or excessive biting forces. Genetics and thin gum tissue can increase susceptibility, but habits usually play a significant role.Orthodontic tooth movement can move the teeth outside the bone and lead to gum recession.
Once gum tissue has receded, it does not grow back on its own. Correcting harmful habits can help prevent further recession, but existing tissue loss will remain unless treatment is performed.
The habits most commonly linked to gum recession include aggressive brushing, inconsistent oral hygiene, tobacco use, teeth grinding or clenching, crowded or misaligned teeth, oral piercings, and habitual gum picking or aggressive use of toothpicks or flossers.
