Receding Gums: Why They Happen and What Treatment Options Exist

Why are my gums receding?

Gums recede for several reasons, and often more than one at once. Cleveland Clinic says gum recession happens when gum tissue pulls away from the teeth and exposes the roots underneath. Common causes include gum disease, brushing too hard, and tobacco use.

Cleveland Clinic lists these causes:

• Brushing too hard or too aggressively
• Plaque or tartar buildup
• Periodontal (gum) disease
• Injury or trauma to the gum tissue
• Teeth that sit out of position
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Lip and tongue piercings

Genetics also matter. Cleveland Clinic says many people simply have a genetic tendency toward thin gum tissue, so recession is not always about how well you clean your teeth. It also says gum recession can affect people of all ages and is most common in people over 65.

How do I know my gums are receding?

You may see more of your tooth than before, or notice a notch where the tooth meets the gum. NIDCR says gums can pull away from the teeth and make them look longer. Teeth may also feel sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods, or when you brush or floss.

Cleveland Clinic says recession can be mild, moderate, or severe, and it may affect one tooth or many. It is common. Cleveland Clinic reports that approximately 88% of people over 65 have recession on one or more teeth.

Recession can also happen with no pain at all. Cleveland Clinic says it is important to have your dentist evaluate receding gums even if you have no pain or sensitivity, so you know how serious it is and what you can do.

Why does recession cause sensitivity and cavities?

The tooth root is not covered by enamel the way the crown of the tooth is. Cleveland Clinic explains that exposed roots are covered with a material called cementum, which is not as strong. That is why roots feel sensitive and decay more easily. Exposed roots can get root decay, and the discomfort is a form of tooth sensitivity.

Cleveland Clinic says your dentist can apply fluoride varnish or another desensitizing agent, and you can use a desensitizing toothpaste at home. Our guide on sensitive teeth covers other causes of sensitivity.

Can receding gums grow back?

No. Cleveland Clinic says receding gums cannot grow back on their own. That sounds discouraging, but it is not the whole story. Recession can be managed, and in some cases a graft can cover the exposed root.

Cleveland Clinic says that with proper treatment and care, recession can be successfully managed. The first aim is to stop it from getting worse. The second is to protect the exposed roots from decay and sensitivity. The third, if you want it, is to cover the roots for comfort or appearance.

What are the treatment options for receding gums?

Treatment depends on the cause and on how far the recession has gone. Cleveland Clinic says mild cases may improve with nonsurgical care, and that surgery is needed in most cases to correct the problem fully. The table lays out the options.

Cleveland Clinic says that when gum disease causes the recession, the dentist or hygienist works with you to clean your teeth more effectively, and a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) may be done under local anesthesia. It also says bonding can camouflage the area, which covers the root and makes it less noticeable and more comfortable.

Your dentist will tell you which of these fit your mouth and which the office offers. Some treatments are done by dentists who completed extra training in gum care. Ask what applies in your case.

How does a gum graft work?

A gum graft places new tissue over the area of recession. Cleveland Clinic says gum graft surgery is the most predictable and long-lasting treatment option for gum recession. The tissue usually comes from the roof of your mouth, though sometimes from sterilized donor tissue.

Cleveland Clinic describes the usual steps:

1. You receive local anesthesia to numb the area.
2. The dentist or periodontist (a dentist with extra training in gum care) makes a small flap in the gum and cleans the tooth roots.
3. The graft tissue is placed over the exposed root.
4. The tissue is stitched into place.

Cleveland Clinic says the numbness means you will not feel the procedure, and that you will probably have mild soreness afterward. Bleeding should ease within the first day or two, and swelling lasts three to four days. You eat soft foods at first and add firmer foods as you improve. Your dentist or surgeon will tell you when to resume normal brushing and flossing.

On results, Cleveland Clinic says gum grafting boasts high success rates of over 90%. Complications are uncommon but can happen. Cleveland Clinic lists infection, heavy bleeding, and graft failure. Contact your dentist or surgeon right away if you see heavy bleeding, pus, or a fever.

Recovery usually takes one to two weeks. Cleveland Clinic says most people return to work or school in one to two days and feel back to normal in about two weeks, though it may take longer when several areas are treated.

What does recovery from a gum graft look like week by week?

Cleveland Clinic gives a general timeline, and your own instructions come first. The table summarizes it.

Cleveland Clinic says not to brush or floss directly on the gum graft, because that can damage it and lead to failure. You can brush your other teeth as comfort allows. If you notice heavy bleeding, pus, or anything that does not look right, contact your surgeon right away.

Is gum recession the same as gum disease?

Not always. Cleveland Clinic describes gum recession as a form of gum disease, and it also lists hard brushing, injury, and tooth position as causes. In many cases, receding gums are a symptom of severe gum disease, but people can also be genetically prone to thin gums.

That is why your dentist checks for both. The exam looks at how far the gums have pulled back and measures the pockets around your teeth with a probe. NIDCR says pockets in a healthy mouth are usually 1 to 3 millimeters deep, and that deeper pockets can be a sign of gum disease. X-rays show whether bone has been lost. If gum disease is present, treating it comes first, and our guide to gum disease explains how.

Which brushing habits wear gums down?

Pressing hard, scrubbing back and forth, and using a stiff brush can wear gum tissue away. Cleveland Clinic lists aggressive brushing as a cause of recession and suggests a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use light pressure, and let the bristles do the work.

Other habits matter too. Chewing tobacco and smoking are on Cleveland Clinic’s list of causes. Lip and tongue piercings can rub against the gums.

Who treats receding gums?

A general dentist can evaluate recession, treat gum disease, and discuss options. Cleveland Clinic says that for moderate to severe recession a dentist will likely refer you for a gum grafting consultation with a periodontist or oral surgeon. These are dentists who completed extra training.

Whether your grafting is done in one office or another depends on your case. The practice’s periodontal care page lists what it describes offering. Ask at your exam what can be done in the office and what would be referred.

Can I stop recession from getting worse?

You can lower the risk of more recession, although you may not stop it completely. Cleveland Clinic suggests these steps:

• Brush thoroughly twice a day.
• Floss once a day.
• Use an antimicrobial mouthwash twice a day.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Do not smoke or use chewing tobacco.
• Follow your dentist’s advice on cleanings. Many people can maintain healthy gums with six-month cleanings, but some may need more frequent visits.
• See your dentist if you notice signs of recession.

Brush gently. Hard scrubbing wears away gum tissue over time. If you are not sure whether you brush too hard, ask your hygienist to watch your technique at your next cleaning.

The same steps help prevent gum disease, one of the most common causes of recession.

What does treatment cost?

Cost depends on the cause, how many teeth are involved, and which treatment you choose. The practice gives each patient their own estimate. Insurance rules vary by plan. See insurance and financing for how to ask about your plan.

What should I ask my dentist about receding gums?

Bring a short list to your visit:

• How much have my gums receded, and how do you measure it?
• What do you think caused it in my case?
• Do I have gum disease along with the recession?
• Which treatment do you suggest first, and what would change that advice?
• Can your office do the treatment, or would I be referred?
• What can I do at home to protect my exposed roots?
• How often should you re-measure, so we can see whether it is changing?

Ask for the answers in writing if you can. They help you compare options and track change over time.

When should I see a dentist about receding gums?

See your dentist when you first notice your gums pulling back, when a tooth turns sensitive, or when you see a notch at the gumline. Early attention gives you more choices, and Cleveland Clinic says the sooner recession is found and treated, the better your chance of keeping your mouth healthy.

Next step

Learn what the practice offers on our periodontal care page. Call Town Center Dental at (636) 273-5866 or request an appointment, and your dentist will talk with you about what to expect.