by Malavi Sivakanesan • 17 March 2025 • 5 min read
If you have sensitive teeth lately or one of your teeth looks longer than normal, the chances are higher that you have gum recession. Even though it is quite a common issue, you should not ignore it. If you do so, you will need to face the consequences along with the severe condition of tooth loss. So, what causes receding gums? Since it is a slow process, many people will fail to identify the issue until it becomes severe. Thus, knowing the causes will help you prevent this dental condition. To find out more about the same, keep on scrolling.
What are the Signs of Gum Recession?
If you are asking yourself why are my gums red, they might be due to gum recession. Besides, you should look for the following signs:
- Sensitivity while drinking or eating something cold, hot, and even spicy.
- Feeling a notch around your gum line.
- Redness and margin between the tooth and gum line.
Note: After assessing the signs and severity, your dentist will suggest procedures such as a root canal, scaling, gum grafting, and more.
What Causes Receding Gum Lines?
Numerous factors are responsible for gum recession. Even though they may look common, you should immediately connect with your dentist as soon as you notice something unusual. Besides, the following are the main reasons for the queries like why are my gums red and painful:
Genetic Conditions
You cannot deny the fact that our family genes affect our overall physical and mental health to a great extent. Oral health and the condition of your teeth are also somehow connected to this factor. Anyone with a family history of dental and gum disease has a higher chance of getting one, irrespective of taking good and proper care.
Poor Oral Care
Well! Not everything and everyone is attributed to genes and heredity. Some people do not pay attention to the importance of good oral health and care routines. Insufficient and inappropriate brushing and flossing are some reasons that make your teeth more vulnerable to plaque build-up and tartar (thickest plaque) that will lead to gum diseases and ultimately, gum recession.
Periodontal Disease
What happens if you have periodontal disease? The answer is quite simple – you are more prone to bacterial infection and, of course- receding gums. However, you can eliminate this condition by opting for regular dental checks. Through this, you can get rid of the bacteria causing infections and destroying the gum tissue and bone.
Aggressive Brushing
Yes, your brushing style can also cause gum recession. Some people have a habit of putting lots of pressure on their teeth while brushing. Yes, brushing your teeth is critical, but doing it harshly will damage your gums. When you do it regularly, the tooth enamel will start wearing and tearing. As a result, you will get gum recession. In severe cases, gum graft surgery will be advised.
Hormonal Changes
If you are wondering why are my gums red and sore, this is a critical reason for gum recession. In some cases, (women specifically) go through a massive shift in their hormones. This could be due to pregnancy, menopause, or puberty. When this happens, women’s gum becomes even more sensitive which will ultimately result in gum recession.
Other Possible Causes
In addition to the causes discussed above, several reasons are also there that can cause gum recession. These include teeth grinding, crooked teeth, consuming tobacco and tobacco-based products, and tongue or lip piercings. Anything that can irritate your gums can lead to recession.
How is Gum Recession Treated?
Based on the severity, your dentist will decide whether you need gum graft surgery or any other treatment. Some possible treatment options may include the following:
- Deep cleaning
- Root canal treatment
- Open flap scaling
- Regeneration
- Soft tissue graftingor gum grafting
Final Thoughts
When you have gum recession, your orthodontist will evaluate your condition and decide on the best line of treatment. For further assistance and a thorough dental check-up, book your appointment with Complete Smiles. This dental clinic offers various dental solutions, including root planning, gum graft surgery, scaling, and more.
Malavi Sivakanesan
Malavi Sivakanesan is the principal dentist and co-founder at Complete Smiles in Harrow, Greater London. She is responsible for establishing the Complete Smiles brand throughout the United Kingdom and Europe and has 5 successful practices under her strong leadership.