Many people notice gum recession from visual inspection when flossing, or when they run their tongue along the interior gum line to find that the root of a tooth is beginning to jut out. When recession of the gingiva occurs, your oral cavity exhibits a loss of natural defense against both bacterial penetration and trauma. When the recession is minor (one or two teeth), it means that some healthy gingiva likely remains and will continue to protect the tooth with proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups.