Gums pulling away from your teeth? You're not imagining it, and you're not alone. Here's what's happening, what causes it and how we can stop it.
★★★★★ 4.9 from 1,500+ Albuquerque patientsGum recession means the gum tissue surrounding your teeth is pulling back, exposing more of the tooth or its root. It's surprisingly common. Even people with good oral hygiene develop receding gums for reasons that have nothing to do with how often they brush.
The tricky part is that recession develops gradually. By the time most people notice, several millimeters of tissue have already been lost. The exposed roots become sensitive to hot and cold, look longer than your other teeth and are more vulnerable to decay because they don't have enamel protection.
The good news: treatment options exist for every stage from mild to severe. Mild recession often responds to simple composite restorations and habit changes. Moderate cases benefit from bonding or orthodontic adjustments. Severe recession can be treated with gum grafting surgery to restore lost tissue.
At Osuna Dental Care, Drs. Chris Kim and Christopher Graham assess each case individually and recommend treatment based on your specific situation, comfort level and goals.
Find out exactly how much recession you have, what's causing it and which treatment fits your case.
Don't wait until it gets worse
Early treatment offers the best outcomesRecession develops gradually, so it's easy to miss until changes become visible. Here are the signs to watch for.
Visible shrinking or pulling back of gum tissue from teeth.
Yellow root surface visible below the white crown of the tooth.
Sharp pain to temperature changes from exposed root surfaces.
Pink in the sink during brushing or flossing signals inflammation.
Bacteria collect in pockets formed by receding gums, causing chronic odor.
Tender, inflamed gums often signal underlying gum disease.
Advanced sign — bone loss accompanying recession affects tooth stability.
Teeth appear longer than they used to because more root is exposed.
Recession is graded by how much tissue has been lost. Knowing where you fall determines the right treatment approach.
Gums slightly pulled back, just barely exposing the root junction. Often catches you off guard at a routine cleaning. No bone loss yet.
Visible root exposure, sensitivity present. Some bone loss possible but not severe. Teeth appear longer. Cosmetic concerns become noticeable.
Significant root exposure with associated bone loss. Tooth instability possible. Immediate treatment needed to prevent tooth loss.
Recession isn't always caused by one thing. Most patients have a combination of these factors. Identifying yours helps us prevent further loss.
Hard bristles or scrubbing motion damages gum tissue over time.
Bruxism puts excessive force on teeth and surrounding gum tissue.
Crooked teeth or uneven bite create localized stress on gums.
Periodontal disease destroys tissue and bone, causing significant recession.
Pregnancy, menopause and hormonal shifts make gums more sensitive.
Smoking and chewing tobacco damage gum tissue and impair healing.
Plaque buildup leads to gum disease, the leading cause of recession.
Some people are born with thinner, more fragile gum tissue.
From simple non-invasive options to surgical solutions, here's the full ladder of treatments available based on your case.
Tooth-colored composite material applied to cover exposed root surfaces. Restores natural appearance and reduces sensitivity. No anesthesia required.
Special agents or bonding materials applied to reduce hot and cold sensitivity from exposed roots. Often combined with home desensitizing toothpaste.
Realigns teeth to reduce strain on gums and correct bite-related recession. Especially helpful when crowding or misalignment caused recession.
Gum-colored composite material restores an even gum line appearance. Great cosmetic option when surgical grafting isn't ideal.
Acrylic or silicone veneers worn over gums to mask significant gum loss across multiple teeth. Good non-surgical option for advanced cases.
Tissue transferred from another area of the mouth (or donor) to rebuild and protect receded areas. Best long-term solution for severe recession with root exposure.
Even after treatment, prevention matters. These habits significantly reduce your risk of recession progression and protect the work we've done.
Adults over 65 experience some gum loss in nearly all teeth. Catching recession in the mild stage gives you the most options and the best outcomes. Don't wait until it's severe.
Anyone can develop gum recession, but certain groups are at significantly higher risk. If you fit any of these, schedule an evaluation sooner.
Nearly 90% experience gum loss in at least one tooth.
Tobacco impairs gum tissue and accelerates recession.
Affect blood flow and immune response in gum tissue.
Naturally thin, fragile tissue more prone to recession.
Pricing varies based on the treatment chosen and number of teeth involved. Most insurance covers a portion when treatment is medically necessary.
Per tooth. Tooth-colored or pink composite to cover exposed roots.
Per arch. Custom-fit removable acrylic or silicone veneer.
Per tooth. Tissue transfer for permanent root coverage.
Family-owned since 1993. Two experienced doctors. Modern technology. We catch recession early and treat it gently.
Family-owned and operated since 1993, with deep community roots.
Over 1,500 verified reviews from real patients across New Mexico.
Non-surgical to surgical, matched to your specific case and goals.
Detailed bone health assessment for accurate diagnosis and planning.
Quick answers to what Albuquerque patients ask us most. Don't see yours? Just call.
Book a free gum evaluation at Osuna Dental Care. We'll assess your gum health honestly, identify the cause and recommend the right treatment for your stage. Mild cases respond best, so don't put it off.