The Chairside Instructor 19 Gum Recession Gum Disease You can develop gum recession at any place in your mouth and on any tooth. Causes: • periodontal (gum) disease • brushing your teeth too hard or using a toothbrush with hard bristles • trauma to gum tissues, such as a sports injury • partial dentures that don’t fit right • genetics — some people are born with gums that are thin or weak • larger-than-normal tooth roots or attachment muscles that can push gums out of place • smoking and using any kind of tobacco If your gum tissue begins to pull away from your teeth, you may have gum recession. This can leave your tooth’s roots exposed and they may become sensitive to hot and cold. Plus, they are more at risk for decay. Even if you take good care of your teeth, it’s possible that gum recession may still happen. exposed tooth root gum recession inflamed gum tissue