Gum recession, also known as gingival recession, happens when the soft tissue protecting your teeth starts to wear away, gradually exposing the roots. While it often begins subtly, untreated gum recession can lead to sensitivity, bone loss, decay, and even tooth loss.
According to Dr. Nidhi Pai, cosmetic dentist and co-founder of ZERObrush, many people only recognize gum recession once it has already affected their smile or caused permanent damage.
“Patients come in saying they hate the way their gums look or feel. But what most don’t realize is that gum recession is a symptom, not a root cause. Unless we fix the reason behind it, it will keep coming back.”
Top Causes of Gum Recession
If your teeth appear longer than before or you’re experiencing increased sensitivity, gum recession could be caused by:
Periodontal Disease (Gum Infection): The leading cause of gum recession. It begins as gingivitis and can progress into periodontitis, where bacteria destroy the bone and tissue that support your teeth.
- Plaque and Tartar Buildup: Hardened plaque under the gumline creates inflammation that gradually erodes gum tissue.
- Aggressive Brushing: Using too much force—or the wrong toothbrush—can wear away delicate gum tissue.
- Teeth Grinding or Clenching (Bruxism): Unnatural pressure at the gumline can cause trauma and gum recession.
- Tooth Misalignment: When teeth sit outside their natural bone structure, gums are placed under stress and may recede.
- Poor Oral Hygiene Technique: Over-flossing or using improper tools can injure gum tissue.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco reduces blood flow to the gums, weakening their defenses.
- Thin Gum Biotype or Aging: Some people naturally have thinner gums, which are more prone to recession over time.
Why Traditional Treatments Often Fall Short
Traditional treatments like gum grafting, transplanting tissue from the palate to cover exposed roots, can be effective, but only temporarily.
“Six months later, the recession was back. Because no one had addressed the why,” Dr. Pai notes.
If patients continue brushing too hard, using abrasive tools, or failing to clean effectively beneath the gumline, gum recession often returns.
This insight led Dr. Pai to co-develop ZERObrush, a fully customized full-mouth cleaning system that cleans all 192 tooth surfaces evenly, without aggressive brushing. By reducing human error and ensuring precise plaque removal, ZERObrush helps prevent gum recession from recurring.
ZERObrush: A Smarter Way to Protect Your Gum Health
Gum health depends on more than just treating symptoms—it requires prevention. ZERObrush was designed to make that possible at home by combining clinical precision with daily usability.
By replacing aggressive brushing with a custom-fit cleaning device, ZERObrush helps:
- Prevent gum recession caused by over-brushing
- Reduce plaque and tartar buildup
- Minimize gum irritation and sensitivity
- Support long-term oral and overall health
Receding gums can be slowed—and sometimes even stabilized—when we act early and intentionally.
Gum Recession Is Not Just Cosmetic
Receding gums are more than an aesthetic concern. Left untreated, gum recession can compromise the teeth, bone structure, and overall oral health. If you are experiencing sensitivity, worried about gum changes, or simply want to protect your smile, the key is to address the cause, not just the symptom.
ZERObrush is helping people worldwide take control of their gum health—by preventing gum recession before it starts.
