Several factors could lead to gums that rest too low or too high on your teeth. For example, gums that cover a large portion of your teeth can make your teeth look smaller than they are. This is often the result of genetics or a particular health problem. Those who have gum that are too high and expose the tooth could be at risk for potential dental problems. This can include gum recession, where the gum pulls back from a tooth and exposes the tooth root. This can also lead to deterioration of the base of the tooth and could be a sign of periodontal disease or gingivitis.