How Grinding Leads to Gum Recession

Your gums are delicate structures that protect the roots of your teeth and anchor them to bone. When you grind or clench your teeth, you create excessive force that travels down to the gumline.

Over time, this can cause:

• Tissue trauma – The gum tissue begins to pull away or recede.

• Bone loss – The bone supporting your teeth weakens under pressure.

• Sensitivity – Exposed roots make it painful to eat or drink hot, cold, or sweet foods.

• Aesthetic changes – Teeth appear longer or uneven as the gum-line recedes.

Even if you practice excellent brushing and flossing habits, chronic grinding can still cause recession—making it crucial to identify and treat the source of the problem.