What Counts as a Dental Emergency? (And What to Do)
Knocked-out teeth, swelling and severe pain need care fast. Here is what counts as a dental emergency and what to do until you are seen.
Receding gums treatment starts with finding and fixing the cause, such as gum disease, hard brushing or grinding. From there, options include deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), desensitizing treatments, tooth-coloured bonding over exposed roots and, when needed, gum grafts. Lost gum tissue does not grow back on its own, so early care helps protect your teeth.
Gum recession happens when the edge of the gum tissue around a tooth pulls back, exposing more of the tooth or its root. Healthy gums sit snugly around each tooth and form a seal that protects the root and the bone underneath. When that edge moves down (or up, on the upper teeth), the root surface is left uncovered.
Unlike the crown of the tooth, which is covered by hard enamel, the root is covered by a thinner, softer layer called cementum, with dentin underneath. Dentin contains tiny channels that lead toward the nerve of the tooth. That is why exposed roots often feel sensitive and why they are more prone to decay and wear.
Recession usually develops slowly, over months or years. Many people do not notice it until a tooth starts to look longer, a gap appears near the gumline, or cold drinks suddenly sting.
There is rarely just one reason. Your dentist will look at your gums, bite, habits and history to work out which factors apply to you, because treatment works much better when the cause is addressed.
Periodontitis is a very common cause. Bacteria in plaque and tartar trigger inflammation that gradually destroys the gum attachment and the bone that supports the teeth. As the bone is lost, the gum tissue follows it down, and the root becomes exposed. Our article on the early signs of gum disease explains what to watch for.
Scrubbing back and forth with a hard-bristled brush can wear away gum tissue over time, especially on teeth that stick out slightly, such as canines and premolars.
Grinding (bruxism) and clenching place heavy forces on the teeth. These forces can contribute to recession and to notches in the tooth near the gumline. Many people grind at night without knowing it.
Some people are born with thin, delicate gums or thin bone over the roots of their teeth. This tissue type is more likely to recede, even with good care.
Tobacco and nicotine products affect blood flow to the gums and the way the tissues heal. They are linked with a higher risk of gum disease and recession, and they can hide warning signs such as bleeding.
A tooth that sits outside the normal arch may have very little bone and gum covering its root. Uneven bite forces can also put extra stress on certain teeth.
Moving teeth with braces or aligners is generally safe, but if a tooth is moved toward an area where the bone and gum are already thin, recession can develop. Your dental team will usually check the gums before and during treatment such as Invisalign.
Jewellery that rubs against the gums can irritate and wear away tissue, often on the lower front teeth.
Gum recession is often painless in its early stages, so it helps to know the signs:
If you notice any of these, it is worth booking a dental exam. Some causes, like gum disease, progress quietly, and the sooner they are found, the more options you usually have.
Your dentist or periodontal specialist will not simply look and guess. Recession is measured so it can be tracked over time and so treatment can be planned properly.
Dental professionals also classify recession based on whether the bone and gum between the teeth are still intact. In simple terms, when the tissue between the teeth is healthy, there is usually a better chance of covering an exposed root with a graft. When bone and gum between the teeth have also been lost, full root coverage becomes less likely, and the goal may shift to stopping progression and protecting the tooth. Your dentist will explain where your gums fit and what that means for your options.
Treatment depends on the cause, how much tissue has been lost, whether the recession is getting worse, and your goals (comfort, appearance or protecting the tooth long term). Many people need a combination of approaches.
If gum disease is present, it is treated before anything else. If brushing technique is the problem, your hygienist will show you a gentler method and suggest a soft brush. If you clench or grind, a custom night guard may be recommended to reduce the forces on your teeth. Quitting smoking or vaping also helps the gums respond to treatment.
For recession linked to gum disease, a deep cleaning is often the first step. The area is usually numbed, and plaque and tartar are removed from below the gumline. The root surfaces are then smoothed so the gums can heal and reattach more closely to the tooth. This does not regrow lost gum, but it can stop the disease process that is causing it. Ongoing preventive care and maintenance cleanings help keep it under control.
For sensitive roots, your dentist may suggest a desensitizing toothpaste, in-office fluoride varnish or a protective coating. These do not change the gumline, but they can make eating and drinking more comfortable.
When a root is exposed and has a notch, sensitivity or early wear, a tooth-coloured filling can be bonded over it. This can protect the root and reduce sensitivity. It is a good choice in some situations, though it does not replace lost gum tissue. Learn more about dental fillings.
Gum grafting is a surgical procedure that adds tissue to an area of recession. The aims are to cover exposed roots where possible, thicken thin gums so they are less likely to recede further, reduce sensitivity and improve the look of the gumline. Common types include:
At Shore Side Dentistry, gum grafting is planned and performed by Dr. Tina Kokosis, our certified specialist in periodontics. She will explain which approach suits your situation and what result is realistic.
You may have heard of “pinhole” or tunnel-style techniques, where the gum is loosened through small openings and repositioned without large incisions. These approaches can be suitable for some patients but not for others, depending on the thickness of the tissue and the amount of bone. Ask your periodontal specialist whether any of these are appropriate for you rather than choosing a technique first.
Healing varies from person to person, but here is a general picture:
Whether you have recession now or want to avoid it, daily habits make a real difference:
Our office is on Lakeshore Road East in downtown Oakville, a short drive from Old Oakville, Bronte Village and Glen Abbey, and easy to reach from the QEW. Because Dr. Kokosis works alongside our family dentists in the same office, your exams, deep cleanings and any gum surgery can be coordinated in one place, with your records and X-rays shared by the team. Read more about our periodontics services.
Look for teeth that seem longer, uneven gumlines, sensitivity to cold, or a notch you can feel near the gumline. Gaps or dark triangles between teeth can also appear. Your dentist will measure your gums with a small probe to confirm whether recession is present and whether it is changing.
No. Once gum tissue has receded, it does not grow back on its own. Treatment can stop recession from getting worse, and a gum graft can often cover or protect exposed roots, but the original tissue does not regenerate without help.
There is no natural remedy, rinse or supplement that rebuilds lost gum tissue. What you can do at home is stop recession from progressing: brush gently, clean between your teeth, avoid tobacco and keep up with cleanings. Healthier gums may look less red and puffy, which can make them appear fuller, but lost tissue only returns with professional treatment such as grafting.
Newer options include donor tissue and collagen materials that avoid taking tissue from the palate, and less invasive techniques that reposition the gum through small openings. These can suit some patients, but not everyone. A periodontal specialist can tell you whether they fit your gum thickness and bone levels.
If you have noticed your gums pulling back or your teeth feeling more sensitive, we can help you understand why and what your options are. Book a visit or call us at 905-842-2364.
Please note: This article is general information to help you understand common dental topics. It is not a diagnosis or a substitute for an exam. Every mouth is different, so please book a visit or call 905-842-2364 so one of our dentists can look at your situation and talk through your options.
Care for gum disease and gum recession from our periodontal team.
Cleanings, fluoride, sealants and habits that help prevent problems.
Regular checkups to catch problems early, when they are easier to treat.
Shore Side Dentistry has cared for Oakville families since 1990. Our four dentists, including a certified specialist in periodontics, work together in one office on Lakeshore Road East.
Our office at 345 Lakeshore Rd E #401 in downtown Oakville welcomes patients from across Halton, including Old Oakville, Glen Abbey, River Oaks, Joshua Creek and nearby Mississauga.
Our home neighbourhood in downtown Oakville, steps from Lakeshore Road shops and the waterfront.
A short drive along Lakeshore Road for families in Bronte and west Oakville.
An easy trip along the QEW or Lakeshore Road for patients coming from Burlington.
A straight drive south on Trafalgar Road for families in Milton.
Knocked-out teeth, swelling and severe pain need care fast. Here is what counts as a dental emergency and what to do until you are seen.
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