Gum recession is simply the process of your gums pulling away from your teeth, which exposes more of the tooth’s root. Receding gums may not be noticed right away, but it can become a problem without treatment. Read on in this blog from Smileplicity Dentistry to understand what causes gum recession and how it can be treated.
Stages of Gum Recession
Gum recession tends to progress gradually, and understanding roughly where it stands helps guide the right treatment approach.
| Stage | What It Looks Like | Typical Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Mild | Slight root exposure, minimal sensitivity | Improved hygiene, professional cleaning |
| Moderate | Noticeable root exposure, sensitivity to hot or cold, some bone loss | Scaling and root planing, closer monitoring |
| Severe | Significant root exposure, visible gum pockets, notable bone loss | Gum grafting or other surgical intervention |
Catching recession early, while it’s still mild, gives you the most options and typically the least invasive path back to healthy gums.
Causes of Gum Recession
Gum recession can be caused by an array of factors, but the most common causes are poor oral hygiene and damage to your teeth and gums. Periodontal disease is the number one cause of gum recession.
It’s worth noting that recession often develops slowly over years, which is exactly why so many people are surprised to learn how far it has progressed by the time they notice it. Unlike a cavity, which tends to announce itself with pain, gum recession is largely painless in its early stages, making regular dental checkups the main way most cases are caught before they become more advanced.
It is an infection of the supporting tissues surrounding your teeth and is caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar around the gum line. Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to plaque buildup that hardens into tartar. If not removed by a dentist, it will linger around, destroying the soft tissue in your mouth and causing bone loss.
If periodontal disease is the underlying cause behind your gum recession, it’s worth understanding what periodontal disease actually is and how it progresses, since treating the disease itself is often the key to slowing or stopping further recession.
Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism) can also wear down your gums by exerting excessive force onto the teeth over many years. People with a misaligned bite are also at risk of placing excess force on certain parts of the teeth and gums as well as more likely to grind their teeth.
Even brushing your teeth too hard can cause enamel erosion and gum recession. Some people are also at a predisposed risk for gum disease and gum recession, due to their genes or through certain periods of life that cause hormone fluctuations such as during pregnancy and menopause. There is also a strong link between smoking and gum recession.
If you’re currently pregnant and noticing gum sensitivity or early signs of recession, our dental guidelines for pregnant patients covers pregnancy gingivitis and how hormonal changes affect gum health during this specific window.
Symptoms to Watch For
Gum recession can be subtle at first, so it helps to know what signs to look out for.
- Teeth that appear longer than they used to
- Visible yellowish root surfaces near the gumline
- Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
- Notches or indentations felt near the gumline
- Gums that look uneven from one tooth to the next
- Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
If you notice any combination of these, it’s worth having your gums evaluated rather than waiting to see if it resolves on its own, since recession does not reverse itself without treatment.
What Happens If Gum Recession Goes Untreated?
Beyond the cosmetic changes, untreated gum recession leaves the exposed tooth root more vulnerable to decay, since root surfaces lack the protective enamel found on the crown of the tooth. Continued recession also tends to accompany ongoing bone loss, which can eventually loosen the affected teeth. In more advanced cases, this bone loss can affect future treatment options as well. Our article on how dental implants support jaw bone health explains why preserving bone matters, even if a tooth replacement isn’t currently on your radar.
Non-Surgical vs. Surgical Treatment: How Dentists Decide
Not every case of gum recession needs surgery, and dentists generally try the least invasive effective option first.
| Factor | Favors Non-Surgical Treatment | Favors Surgical Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Recession severity | Mild to moderate | Moderate to severe |
| Pocket depth | Shallower pockets that respond well to cleaning | Deep pockets that trap bacteria below the gumline |
| Bone loss | Minimal to none | Noticeable bone loss present |
| Root sensitivity | Manageable with desensitizing treatments | Persistent despite conservative care |
| Aesthetic concern | Minor visual change | Significant root exposure affecting appearance |
Your dentist will typically start with scaling and root planing when appropriate, then reassess healing before deciding whether a more involved procedure is necessary. This stepwise approach helps avoid surgery when a more conservative treatment can achieve the needed result.
How to Treat Gum Recession
Prevention is better than the cure. By practicing good oral hygiene and protecting your teeth and gums from wear and tear, you greatly reduce your risk of gum recession. However, some people can still suffer from gum recession due to causes that are outside of their control.
Treatment for receding gums will depend on the severity of the recession. The standard treatment for minor gum recession is a periodontal deep cleaning, which involves scaling and root planing. A scaler is used to scrape away plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing smoothes out the tooth’s roots to make reattachment of the gums easier.
Once gum recession becomes severe, you will require surgical intervention such as gum grafts, which transfer soft tissue material from somewhere else in the mouth and use it to replace missing gum material.
Gum flap surgery is like a surgical deep cleaning that enables us to reduce really deep gum pockets. The gums are opened so we can clean deep below the gum line. Finally, we can also open your gums and place a regenerative material that will encourage new bone and soft tissue formation.
Recovery time varies depending on which treatment path is needed. Scaling and root planing typically involves only mild soreness for a day or two, while gum grafting or flap surgery involves a longer healing window, often one to two weeks of soft-food eating and careful oral hygiene around the treated area. Your dentist will walk you through specific aftercare instructions based on the procedure performed.
Preventing Gum Recession
A few consistent habits can go a long way toward protecting your gums, especially if you know you’re at higher risk.
- Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, using light pressure rather than scrubbing.
- Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth before it hardens into tartar.
- Keep up with professional cleanings every six months, or more often if recommended.
- Wear a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth.
- Avoid tobacco products, given the strong link between smoking and gum recession.
- Ask your dentist about a bite evaluation if you suspect misalignment may be placing excess stress on certain teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Recession
Can receding gums grow back on their own?
No. Gum tissue does not regenerate naturally once it recedes. Treatment such as scaling, root planing, or grafting is needed to address exposed roots and restore gum coverage in more significant cases.
Is gum recession always caused by gum disease?
No, though periodontal disease is the most common cause. Aggressive brushing, teeth grinding, misaligned bite, hormonal changes, genetics, and smoking can all contribute as well.
Does gum recession hurt?
It’s not always painful, but many people experience increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods once the root surface becomes exposed.
How do I know if I need a gum graft?
A gum graft is typically recommended for more advanced recession where there isn’t enough remaining gum tissue for less invasive treatments to be effective. Your dentist can determine this during an exam.
Can gum recession be prevented entirely?
Not always, since some risk factors like genetics and hormonal changes are outside of your control. However, consistent oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and addressing habits like grinding or aggressive brushing can meaningfully reduce your risk.
Have Receding Gums? Schedule Your Consultation Today!
Gum recession should not be ignored. If you notice your gums pulling away from your teeth along with tooth sensitivity, bleeding, foul breath, or loose teeth, you could have an underlying oral health problem. Contact us at Smileplicity Dentistry to schedule a consultation with Dr. Daiana Atari.
