Notches at the Gumline: What Causes Them and How to Stop Them Getting Worse

By Dr. Boris Zusin · Published October 12, 2026

Many adults have small grooves, flat spots, or V-shaped notches where the tooth meets the gum. Dentists call them non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs), meaning they are not caused by decay. They affect roughly half of adults and a majority of older adults, show up most often on premolars, and can make teeth sensitive to cold and air because the softer root-side dentin is exposed.

What Wears the Notch Away

Acid (erosion). Frequent acidic drinks and foods, and stomach acid from reflux, soften the surface of the tooth near the gumline and open the tiny channels in dentin. This is considered the main starting factor. See our guides on acidic drinks and reflux.

Brushing wear (abrasion). Hard, side-to-side scrubbing and abrasive toothpaste wear softened tooth away faster. Acid plus abrasion together removes more tooth than either one alone.

Bite forces (abfraction). Some dentists believe heavy chewing or grinding flexes teeth at the gumline and contributes. This idea is still debated, and the clinical proof is limited, so we treat it as a possible contributor rather than the cause.

Gum recession and age. Receded gums expose root surface, which wears more easily. Dry mouth from medications, asthma, and clenching or grinding can also play a role.

How to Slow It Down

• Cut back on sipping acidic drinks between meals. Have acidic foods with meals, and pair them with cheese or dairy.
• Do not brush right after acid. Rinse with water and wait before brushing, since softened enamel and dentin are easier to wear.
• Brush gently. Use a soft brush, light pressure, and small strokes rather than hard horizontal scrubbing, with a low-abrasion toothpaste.
• Use fluoride and a desensitizing toothpaste if teeth are sensitive. See all about tooth sensitivity.
• Treat reflux with your physician if heartburn, chronic cough, or sour taste are present.
• Protect from grinding with a night guard if we find signs of clenching. The evidence here is weaker, but it may help.

Advice alone does not always change habits, so we will look at your routine at checkups and compare notches over time.

When Do Notches Need a Filling?

Not every notch needs one. We usually wait as long as it is safe, because restorations in this area can be difficult to keep bonded. We recommend a tooth-colored filling when there is persistent sensitivity, decay at the edge, a notch deep enough to weaken the tooth, or an appearance concern. This is a good question to ask at your next exam. Learn about tooth-colored fillings or schedule an exam.