If your teeth look longer than they used to, or a cold drink triggers a sharp twinge near the gumline, you may have gum recession - gums gradually pulling back to expose the softer root of the tooth. It’s common, often slow, and manageable when caught early. Here’s what causes it and how it’s treated.
Recession and gum disease often go together. Our guide to bleeding gums and gum disease covers the inflammation side of the picture.
What Causes Gums to Recede
- Brushing too hard or with a hard-bristled brush
- Gum disease - a leading cause, destroying the supporting tissue
- Teeth grinding and a heavy bite
- Poor cleaning allowing plaque and tartar to build up
- Genetics - some people have naturally thinner gums
- Tobacco use
- Tongue or lip piercings rubbing the gums
- Sometimes past orthodontic movement in thin gum areas
Why It Matters
- The exposed root is softer and more prone to decay
- It often causes sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweet
- It can make teeth look longer and uneven
- Advanced recession loosens teeth as support is lost
- It can signal underlying gum disease that needs treating
Key fact: Gum tissue that has receded does not grow back on its own. The goal of treatment is to stop it progressing and protect the exposed root - which is exactly why catching it early, before much gum is lost, makes such a difference.
How Recession Is Treated
- Correcting the cause - gentler brushing, a soft brush, treating grinding
- Professional cleaning and gum disease treatment where needed
- Desensitising treatments or fluoride for the exposed root
- Bonding to cover and protect a sensitive root surface
- Gum grafting - a minor surgical procedure for more advanced cases
- A night guard if grinding is a contributing factor
Protecting Your Gums at a Glance
| Cause | What Helps |
|---|---|
| Hard brushing | Soft brush, gentle technique |
| Gum disease | Professional cleaning & treatment |
| Grinding | Night guard |
| Tobacco | Quitting |
| Sensitivity | Desensitising products, bonding |
⚠ Important: Scrubbing harder to ‘clean better’ is one of the most common causes of recession - and it makes existing recession worse. If you press hard or use a firm brush, switch to a soft brush and a gentle technique before more gum is lost.
Noticed your gums pulling back?
Book a gum assessment at The Dentart, Sarjapura, Bengaluru. We’ll find the cause, stop it progressing, and protect the exposed roots - the sooner, the better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gum recession questions our patients in Sarjapura ask most.
Can receding gums grow back?
Not on their own. Treatment aims to stop further recession and protect the exposed root; grafting can cover it surgically in suitable cases.
Is gum recession serious?
It can be. Beyond sensitivity and appearance, it exposes the root to decay and may signal gum disease. Early assessment is worthwhile.
Why are my teeth sensitive at the gumline?
Often because recession has exposed the softer root surface, which reacts to hot, cold, and sweet. Desensitising treatment helps.
Am I brushing too hard?
If your brush bristles splay quickly or your gums are receding, likely yes. Switch to a soft brush and let it do the work gently.
Will I need gum surgery?
Only in more advanced cases. Many people are managed with gentler habits, gum treatment, and protecting the exposed root.
Final Takeaway
Gum recession creeps up slowly - longer-looking teeth and gumline sensitivity are the early clues. It won’t reverse on its own, but it can be stopped and managed, especially when caught early. Gentle brushing, healthy gums, and protecting exposed roots are the keys.
Book a gum assessment at The Dentart, Sarjapura, and protect your smile from further recession.
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