Teeth appearing longer is generally not due to the teeth growing, but rather a change in the surrounding soft tissue. This visual change is a common sign of gingival recession, where the gum tissue margin pulls away from the tooth surface. When the protective gum line retracts, it exposes the tooth’s root surface, which was previously concealed. This newly visible portion consists of cementum and dentin, not the highly protective enamel that covers the crown. Recognizing this exposure indicates a change in oral health status that should be addressed.
Understanding Gum Recession
Gum recession is a medical condition known as gingival retraction, involving the progressive loss of the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth. While it may seem like the gums are simply moving away, this is often the result of an underlying disease process. The most frequent cause of significant tissue loss is periodontal disease, a bacterial infection that affects the supporting structures of the teeth.
This infection begins with the accumulation of dental plaque, leading to gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, the inflammation progresses to periodontitis, where bacterial toxins trigger an immune response that destroys the underlying connective tissue and alveolar bone. As the bone level drops, the gum tissue loses support and migrates downward, exposing the root surface.
Habits and Conditions That Accelerate Exposure
While disease is a primary driver, other factors physically contribute to the breakdown or wear of the gum tissue. Mechanical trauma is a significant cause, often stemming from aggressive or incorrect toothbrushing technique. Using a hard-bristled brush or applying excessive force can physically wear away the delicate gum tissue, causing it to recede. This constant friction can also erode the softer root structure near the gumline.
Another factor is bruxism, the habitual clenching or grinding of teeth, usually during sleep. This intense pressure places excessive stress on the supporting structures, sometimes contributing to the breakdown of bone and soft tissue attachment. Additionally, genetics dictates the natural thickness of gum tissue, making those with thin gingiva more predisposed to recession. Aging also plays a role, as gum tissue naturally becomes thinner and more susceptible to wear.
Why Exposed Tooth Roots Cause Sensitivity and Risk
The exposure of the tooth root creates immediate issues because the structure is fundamentally different from the crown’s enamel. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but the root is covered by a much softer layer called cementum, which quickly wears away when exposed. Beneath the cementum lies dentin, a porous material riddled with microscopic channels called dentinal tubules.
These tubules lead directly to the tooth’s pulp, which contains the nerve. When dentin loses its protective covering, external stimuli such as hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks can travel through these tubules to irritate the nerve, resulting in sharp, temporary pain known as dentinal hypersensitivity. The exposed dentin and cementum are significantly softer than enamel, making them highly vulnerable to abrasion from brushing and more susceptible to root decay. This decay can progress rapidly since the root surface is far less mineralized than the protective crown.
Correcting and Preventing Further Change
Addressing receding gums requires both modifying personal habits and seeking professional intervention to stabilize the gum line. A primary preventive measure involves changing to a soft-bristled toothbrush and adopting a gentler, circular brushing technique, rather than aggressive horizontal scrubbing. Using desensitizing toothpaste can help manage sensitivity by blocking the openings of the dentinal tubules. If bruxism is a factor, wearing a custom-fitted night guard can mitigate the damaging forces of clenching and grinding.
Professional treatments focus on halting the disease process and restoring lost tissue.
Non-Surgical Treatments
For cases involving periodontal disease, a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing is performed to remove hardened plaque and bacteria from below the gumline.
Surgical Treatments
In more advanced cases, a periodontist may recommend gum grafting procedures, where tissue is surgically placed to cover the exposed root surfaces. This procedure not only prevents further recession but also provides a renewed protective barrier against decay and sensitivity.