Gum Recession in Dogs and Cats: What Exposed Tooth Roots Can Mean
If your pet’s teeth look longer than they used to—or you can see a yellowish area near the gumline—the gums may have receded. Gum recession can signal loss of the tissues that support a tooth, and the change may be hidden below the gumline.
A veterinary dental exam is the way to determine what is happening beneath the visible gumline.
Veterinary dental case image illustrating gingival recession. Image and case source.
Visible recession deserves an exam. Contact your veterinarian if you notice exposed roots, bleeding or swollen gums, a loose tooth, discomfort while eating, or a sudden change in your pet’s mouth.
Call DVDP: (302) 463-2879When the gumline moves away from the tooth
Gingival recession—also called gum recession—happens when the gum margin shifts away from its usual position on the tooth. Part of the root may become visible. Recession can affect one tooth or several, and it may occur alongside periodontal disease, trauma, or an abnormal bite.
The visible change is only part of the picture. A tooth can lose supporting attachment or bone beneath the gums, even when the mouth looks fairly normal from the outside.
Recession is a finding, not a complete diagnosis. An examination helps identify the cause, how much support remains, and whether the tooth is painful or unstable.
Simplified educational illustration. A veterinarian uses an oral exam, periodontal measurements, and dental X-rays to evaluate the tooth and the supporting structures.
Small changes around the gumline can matter
Pets often hide oral discomfort. You may see a change before your pet shows an obvious sign of pain.
Teeth that look longer
The gumline may sit lower, making more of the tooth visible.
Yellow or darker areas near the gumline
Exposed root surfaces can look different from the enamel crown.
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
Inflammation may occur with periodontal disease or local irritation.
Bad breath or visible tartar
These can accompany disease affecting the gums and tooth support.
Chewing differently
Your pet may drop food, chew on one side, or avoid hard items.
A loose or sensitive tooth
Mobility or discomfort needs veterinary assessment.
Why might gums recede?
The cause is not always obvious from a quick look. More than one factor may be involved, and dogs and cats can have different patterns of oral disease.
Periodontal disease
Inflammation and loss of the tissues supporting the teeth can lead to gum recession, bone loss, tooth mobility, and eventual tooth loss.
Trauma or local injury
Injury to the gum or tooth-supporting tissues may change the gumline around an affected area.
Abnormal tooth contact
A tooth that contacts soft tissue or another tooth abnormally can contribute to local trauma and recession.
Important: A photo or visual check cannot show the full extent of bone or attachment loss. A veterinarian may recommend a more complete dental evaluation.
The important part may be below the gumline
A complete dental assessment helps determine whether recession is associated with periodontal disease, injury, bite-related trauma, or another problem.
Oral examination
The veterinary team checks the gum tissue, teeth, bite, and signs of discomfort or mobility.
Dental charting and X-rays
Under anesthesia, periodontal measurements and dental radiographs can help assess tooth roots and supporting bone.
Individual treatment plan
Care depends on the cause, the amount of support remaining, and whether a tooth can be predictably maintained.
Care focuses on comfort and a healthy mouth
Treatment may address periodontal disease, remove a source of ongoing irritation, or manage a tooth that has lost too much support. Depending on the findings, options can include professional periodontal treatment, extraction, or selected periodontal procedures.
- Identify and treat the underlying cause where possible.
- Assess how much tooth and bone support remain.
- Choose care based on comfort, function, and expected outcome.
- Plan follow-up and home dental care with your veterinary team.
Can receded gums grow back?
Gum tissue does not simply return to its former position on its own. Some carefully selected cases may be considered for periodontal procedures, but suitability depends on the individual tooth and the condition of the surrounding tissues.
A veterinary dental specialist can explain which options are realistic after examining the pet and reviewing dental X-rays.
Concerned about your pet’s gumline?
Delaware Veterinary Dental Practice provides dental care for dogs and cats and works with referring veterinarians on oral health cases. If you have noticed gum recession or your veterinarian has raised concerns about periodontal support, request an appointment to discuss evaluation and care options.
For veterinarians
Need input on a patient with gingival recession, periodontal attachment loss, or bite-related trauma? Contact DVDP to discuss referral and coordinated care with the veterinary dental team.
Veterinary referral informationGingival recession FAQs
What is gingival recession in dogs and cats?
Gingival recession is when the gum margin moves away from its usual position on the tooth. It may expose part of the root and can be associated with periodontal disease, trauma, or abnormal tooth contact.
Does gum recession mean my pet has periodontal disease?
Recession can be a sign of periodontal disease, but it is not the only possible cause. A veterinary exam and, when indicated, dental X-rays help determine what is happening.
Is gingival recession painful?
It may or may not be painful, and pets can hide oral discomfort. Changes in chewing, appetite, behavior, or sensitivity should be discussed with a veterinarian.
Can a tooth with gum recession be saved?
Whether a tooth can be maintained depends on its remaining support, the cause of recession, and the overall dental findings. A dental evaluation helps determine the appropriate options.
Can I treat receding gums at home?
Home care cannot diagnose or restore lost tooth support. Ask your veterinarian what brushing or other home care is safe for your pet, especially if the gums are inflamed or the mouth is painful.
When should I schedule a veterinary dental exam?
Contact your veterinarian when you notice exposed roots, bleeding or swollen gums, bad breath, a loose tooth, or a change in eating behavior. Sudden swelling, bleeding, significant pain, or inability to eat should be assessed promptly.