---
title: "What Is Gum recession? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "Gum recession is when gum tissue pulls back from the teeth and exposes the roots. It can make teeth sensitive and more open to decay."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/gum-recession
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Conditions

# Gum recession

Gum recession is when gum tissue pulls back from the teeth and exposes the roots. It can make teeth sensitive and more open to decay.

Gum recession is when your gum tissue pulls away from your teeth, exposing the roots underneath. It is a common dental problem. It often happens slowly, so many people do not notice it at first. The most apparent sign is that more of the tooth looks exposed.

Causes include gum disease, brushing too hard, smoking and genetics. Exposed roots are covered by [cementum](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cementum), which is softer than enamel. They can feel sensitive and are more open to [root decay](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/root-decay).

Treatment depends on the cause. It can include better cleaning habits, treating gum disease or, for some cases, a [gum graft](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/gum-graft). Ask your dentist to measure the recession at checkups so changes can be tracked. Our office describes gum care on its [periodontal care page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/periodontal-care).

[Town Center Dental can helpPeriodontal Care](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/periodontal-care)

## Related terms

-   [Gum graft](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/gum-graft)
-   [Root decay](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/root-decay)
-   [Cementum](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cementum)
-   [Tooth sensitivity](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tooth-sensitivity)
-   [Periodontitis](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/periodontitis)

## Sources

1.  [Cleveland Clinic: Gum Recession: Causes, Prevention, Surgery & Treatment](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22753-gum-recession)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)