This is general patient information, not a diagnosis. Whether your gums are receding, and why, is assessed by a dentist.
Quick Answer
Gum recession means the gum margin has moved down the tooth, exposing part of the root. Common causes are gum disease, brushing too hard or with a hard brush, a naturally thin gum type, teeth positioned towards the outside of the jaw, grinding, smoking, and sometimes orthodontic movement or piercings. Receded gum does not grow back by itself. The first aim is to find the cause and stop it progressing, through gentler brushing, treatment of gum disease and regular monitoring. Exposed roots can be sensitive and more prone to decay, which can be managed. Where recession is significant, causing sensitivity or an appearance concern, or threatening a tooth, a periodontal surgical procedure such as a gum graft may be considered.
Key Takeaways
- Recession exposes the root surface, which has no enamel and is more sensitive and decay-prone.
- The two most common drivers are gum disease and over-vigorous brushing.
- Gum that has receded does not regrow on its own, but progression can usually be stopped.
- Treatment ranges from changing brushing habits and treating gum disease to surgical grafting.
- Recession before orthodontics, implants or veneers should be assessed first.
Common Causes
- Gum disease. Inflammation destroys the attachment and bone around the teeth, and the gum follows the bone down. See gum disease treatment.
- Brushing trauma. Hard brushes and a scrubbing, side-to-side action wear the gum and the root surface.
- Thin gum tissue. Some people naturally have thinner gums, which recede more easily.
- Tooth position. Teeth that sit further out in the jaw may have very thin bone and gum over the root.
- Grinding and heavy bite forces.
- Smoking, which affects gum health and can mask bleeding. See smoking and dental implants.
- Orthodontic movement that moves a tooth outside its bony envelope.
- Lip or tongue piercings rubbing against the gum.
Signs to Notice
- Teeth that look longer than before
- A visible line or notch where the enamel ends and the root begins
- Sensitivity to cold, especially along the gumline. See tooth sensitivity.
- Gaps between teeth near the gum that trap food
- Bleeding gums, if gum disease is present
How Recession Is Assessed
The dentist measures how far the gum has receded, checks for gum disease with pocket measurements, looks at the thickness of the gum and the position of the tooth, and may take X-rays to assess the bone. Photographs are useful to compare over time.
What Can Be Done
Stop the cause.
- Switch to a soft brush and gentle technique, with the brush angled towards the gumline in small movements. An electric brush with a pressure sensor helps many people.
- Treat any gum disease.
- Address grinding, smoking or a piercing if relevant.
Manage the effects.
- Sensitivity toothpaste and fluoride varnish for exposed roots
- Tooth-coloured bonding over worn notches at the gumline where needed
- Extra attention to cleaning between teeth, as gaps may increase
Repair, where appropriate.
Surgical procedures, usually carried out by a dentist with periodontal training, can cover exposed roots in suitable cases. The most common approach takes or uses tissue to graft onto the area. How much root coverage is achievable depends on the type of recession and whether bone between the teeth has been lost. Ask what outcome is realistic for your specific teeth.
Recession and Other Treatment
If you are planning orthodontics, implants, veneers or crowns, recession should be assessed first. Thin gum tissue can recede further during orthodontic movement, and gum level affects how crowns and veneers look at the margin. See orthodontics before veneers or implants.
Conclusion
Receding gums are a sign, not a sentence. Most recession can be stopped by dealing with the cause, and where it matters for comfort, appearance or the tooth's future, there are treatments worth discussing.
Send photos of your gums on WhatsApp or request an appointment.