What Causes Receding Gums? Early Warning Signs and Treatment Options

Maybe a tooth looks a little longer than it used to, or a sip of iced coffee sends a sharp zing through one spot. Receding gums tend to creep up slowly, which is why many people only notice them once a dentist points them out.

They are also very common. A review in the Journal of the American Dental Association reported that about half of adults aged 18 to 64, and 88 percent of adults 65 and older, have at least one area of gum recession. Below, we cover the most common receding gums causes, the early signs, how to stop receding gums from getting worse, and whether receded gums can grow back.

Key Takeaways

• Receding gums have several possible causes, including gum disease, brushing too hard, naturally thin gum tissue, tooth position, and tobacco use.
• Early signs include teeth that look longer, sensitivity near the gumline, and a darker band of root showing above the tooth.
• Receded gums do not grow back on their own, but progression can often be slowed or stopped.
• Treatment ranges from desensitizing care and bonding to gum grafting in suitable cases.

What Are Receding Gums?

Gum recession happens when the edge of the gum pulls back from a tooth, exposing part of the root. That matters because the root is not protected by enamel. According to Cleveland Clinic’s overview of gum recession, roots are covered by a softer layer called cementum, which is why exposed roots often feel sensitive and are more prone to decay.

Recession can affect a single tooth or many, and it is most often seen on the cheek-facing side of the teeth.

Receding Gums Causes

Recession is usually multifactorial, meaning more than one cause is often at work. The JADA review also found recession in people with both good and poor oral hygiene, so it is not always a sign that someone has been neglecting their teeth.

Gum Disease

Plaque and tartar buildup can inflame the gums. If that inflammation progresses to periodontitis, it breaks down the bone and tissue that support the teeth, and the gumline often follows the bone down.

Brushing Too Hard

Scrubbing with firm pressure or a hard-bristled brush can gradually wear the gum tissue back. Enthusiastic brushers are often surprised to learn that their dedication is part of the problem.

Naturally Thin Gum Tissue

Some people are simply born with thinner, more delicate gum tissue, which makes recession more likely even with excellent home care.

Tooth Position and Orthodontic History

Teeth that are crowded, tipped, or sitting toward the cheek may have a thinner layer of bone and gum covering them. A history of braces or other orthodontic treatment is also linked with a higher chance of recession.

Tobacco Use

Smoking and chewing tobacco are both associated with gum recession, and chewing tobacco can irritate the gum directly where it is held.

Piercings and Injury

Lip and tongue jewellery can rub against the gums over time. Trauma to the gum tissue, from an injury or even a habit like picking at the gums, can also contribute.

Clenching and Grinding

Some dentists link heavy clenching and grinding to wear and small notches near the gumline, although research on whether grinding directly causes recession is mixed. A bite evaluation can help sort out whether it is playing a role for you.

Early Warning Signs of Receding Gums

Because recession happens gradually, the early signs are easy to overlook. Watch for:

• Teeth that look longer than they used to
• A yellowish or darker band showing just above the tooth, where the root is exposed
• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
• Sensitivity while brushing, flossing, or during dental cleanings
• A small notch you can feel with your fingernail near the gumline
• Discomfort along the gumline

Left unchecked, recession can eventually contribute to bone loss and loose teeth, so it is worth having any of these signs looked at early.

How Your Dentist Checks for Gum Recession

Gum recession is usually picked up during a routine exam. Your dentist or hygienist uses a thin measuring instrument called a periodontal probe to measure how much root is showing and how deep the pockets around each tooth are. Healthy pockets generally measure about 1 to 3 millimetres.

Because bone loss is common in areas of recession, low-dose digital X-rays help show what is happening beneath the gums. In our London office, OVERJET AI software also helps highlight bone level changes on X-rays, alongside the dentist’s own review.

Tracking change over time is just as important as a single measurement. We can save 3D scans from our iTero Lumina 5D scanner and high-resolution intraoral photos, then compare them at later visits to see whether your gumline is holding steady or moving.