Close-up of a patient's mouth with a cheek retractor exposing the teeth and gumline

What You Should Know About Gum Recession in Matthews, NC

Date03 Sep 2026

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TLDR

Gum recession occurs when the gums wear away or pull back, creating pockets for bacteria and exposing tooth roots to sensitivity, decay, and bone loss. Often caused by periodontal disease, bruxism, or poor hygiene, recession can be identified early through periodontal probing.

Table of Contents

Healthy gum tissue shields tooth roots from bacteria and provides structural support.

Gum recession occurs when the surrounding tissue wears away or pulls back, gradually exposing the tooth roots. As it typically develops slowly, early stages often go unnoticed until symptoms emerge.

At Fine Arts Dentistry, we offer procedures for gum recession treatment in Matthews, NC, to help address the root causes early, stop their progression, and restore both the function and appearance of your smile.

Our dentists in Matthews, Dr. Patel and Dr. Alston, provide guidance on how to stop gum recession through early intervention and consistent oral hygiene, while also offering procedures on how to treat gum recession when it’s already present.

What is Gum Recession?

Gum recession is a common dental condition that occurs when the gums surrounding your teeth pull back or wear away, exposing the base of the crown and the tooth root. When the gum recedes, gaps form between the gumline and the tooth surface, creating spaces where bacteria can easily accumulate.

What Causes Gum Recession?

Gum recession develops from a combination of factors, which include:

Periodontal disease: Bacterial infections destroy the gum tissue and underlying bone that anchor the teeth, thereby causing the gums to recede.
Poor oral hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing allow plaque and hardened tartar to accumulate, leading to inflammation and gum tissue detachment.
Bruxism (teeth grinding): Clenching or grinding teeth places excessive, uneven pressure on the teeth, causing the gums to recede.

How is Gum Recession Diagnosed?

Dentists diagnose gum recession using visual exams and periodontal probing.

Dentists measure pocket depth, the space between the tooth and gum, using a small probe. Diagnosis is confirmed when pocket depths exceed 3 millimeters and are accompanied by root exposure, bleeding, or X-ray evidence of bone loss.

What are the Signs & Symptoms of Receding Gums?

Recognizing early warning signs and symptoms of receding gums is important for preventing severe dental issues and tooth loss.

Exposed tooth roots: Teeth appear longer than normal, or you can see the yellow root surface near the gumline.
Tooth sensitivity: Sharp pain or discomfort when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages.
Bleeding and swelling: Gums that appear red, tender, swollen, or bleed easily during brushing and flossing.

What are the Treatments for Receding Gums?

Receding gums treatment options include:

Scaling and root planing: A deep dental cleaning that removes hardened plaque beneath the gumline and smooths root surfaces to encourage gum reattachment.
Gum graft surgery: A procedure where tissue taken from a donor source is grafted over the exposed roots to restore lost gum coverage.
Orthodontic alignment: Straightening crowded or crooked teeth with braces or clear aligners to eliminate uneven bite pressure on the gums.

How Can I Prevent Gum Recession?

Adopting daily habits and scheduling regular dental care are the most effective ways to preserve your gum health and prevent gum recession.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: Brush gently using circular motions rather than scrubbing aggressively back and forth across the gumline.
Maintain daily oral hygiene: Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove plaque between teeth and beneath the gumline.
Wear a nightguard for bruxism: Use a dental guard while sleeping to protect teeth and gums from the pressure of grinding and clenching.

Restore Your Smile with Gum Recession Treatment in Matthews

Smiling patient wearing a dental bib seated in the treatment chair during a consultation

Whether you are dealing with tooth sensitivity or root exposure, our dental practice provides comprehensive solutions designed to restore your gums and preserve your natural teeth. We also provide gum disease treatment in Matthews to help patients understand how to stop gum recession from progressing.

Key Takeaways

Gum recession exposes root surfaces and creates deep pockets that trap harmful bacteria.
Key causes include gum infections, poor hygiene, and bruxism.
Diagnosis involves measuring pocket depths greater than 3 millimeters, checking for bleeding, and X-raying the bone levels.
Halt tissue loss and protect your smile by scheduling an evaluation for gum recession in Matthews with Dr. Patel and Dr. Alston at Fine Arts Dentistry!