Have you noticed that one of your teeth suddenly looks a little longer than it used to? Maybe you’ve developed sensitivity near the gumline that wasn’t there before.
These can be signs of gum recession, which happens when gum tissue pulls away from the teeth and exposes more of the tooth or its root.
Gum recession can develop gradually, which means you may not notice it right away. Once gum tissue has receded, however, it doesn’t simply grow back on its own. That’s why identifying the cause and preventing additional recession is important.
The good news is that there are ways to manage gum recession, protect exposed teeth and, when necessary, restore areas where significant gum tissue has been lost.
What Does Gum Recession Look and Feel Like?
Gum recession isn’t always painful. In fact, some people first notice it because their smile looks slightly different.
Possible signs include:
- Teeth that appear longer than they used to.
- An exposed tooth root.
- Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks.
- Tenderness near the gumline.
- A visible notch or change where the tooth meets the gums.
- Gums that appear to be pulling away from one or more teeth.
Recession can affect a single tooth or several teeth.
If you notice a change in your gumline, don’t assume it’s simply part of getting older. A dentist can examine the area and help determine what’s causing it.
What Causes Gum Recession?
There isn’t one single cause of receding gums. Sometimes several factors are involved, which is one reason the right treatment depends on the individual patient.
Gum Disease
Periodontal (gum) disease is an important cause of gum recession.
Plaque and bacteria accumulating around and below the gumline can cause inflammation and damage the tissues supporting the teeth. As periodontal disease progresses, gums can pull away from the teeth and supporting bone can also be lost.
Treating the underlying gum disease becomes especially important in these situations.
Brushing Too Aggressively
Yes, it is possible to be too enthusiastic about brushing your teeth. Brushing aggressively or repeatedly scrubbing the gumline can contribute to gum recession over time, particularly when other risk factors are present.
You don’t need to scrub your teeth to get them clean. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle pressure along the gumline.
If you’re unsure about your technique, ask your dental hygienist at your next cleaning. That’s exactly the kind of thing we’re happy to help with.
Genetics and Your Natural Anatomy
Some people are simply more susceptible to gum recession or genetically bad teeth.
The thickness of your gum tissue, position of your teeth and other anatomical characteristics can influence your risk. This means someone can have very good oral hygiene and still develop recession.
That’s also why receding gums aren’t automatically a sign that someone hasn’t been taking care of their teeth.
Teeth Grinding and Clenching
Grinding or clenching your teeth can place considerable force on your teeth and the structures supporting them.
If we see signs that grinding or clenching may be contributing to dental problems, we may recommend a custom mouth guard to help protect your teeth.
Tooth Position and Bite
The position of a tooth can influence the gum tissue surrounding it. Teeth that are positioned outside the ideal alignment of the dental arch may have thinner supporting bone or gum tissue in certain areas.
Problems with your bite can also change how forces are distributed across your teeth.
Tobacco Use
Smoking and other forms of tobacco use can significantly affect gum health and increase the risk of periodontal problems.
Tobacco can also make gum disease more difficult to recognize because smoking may reduce some of the obvious signs of inflammation, such as bleeding gums.
Oral Piercings
Lip and tongue jewelry can repeatedly rub against gum tissue.
Over time, that constant friction can damage the gums around nearby teeth and contribute to recession.
Hormonal Changes and Other Health Factors
Changes in hormones can affect how gum tissue responds to plaque and inflammation.
Certain medications and health conditions can also influence oral health. For example, medications that cause dry mouth can reduce saliva, which normally helps protect the teeth and oral tissues.
If you think a medication is affecting your mouth, talk with your dentist and the healthcare provider who prescribed it rather than stopping the medication on your own.
Can Receding Gums Grow Back?
This is one of the most common questions people have about gum recession.
Unfortunately, gum tissue that has been lost through recession generally does not grow back on its own.
But that doesn’t mean nothing can be done. Treatment may help stop or slow additional recession, address the underlying cause, reduce sensitivity and protect exposed tooth roots. For more significant cases, periodontal procedures such as gum grafting may be able to cover exposed roots and rebuild lost tissue.
The first step is figuring out why your gums are receding.
How Is Gum Recession Treated?
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the recession.
For mild cases, the priority may simply be preventing the problem from getting worse. That might involve improving brushing technique, treating grinding or clenching, managing sensitivity or monitoring the area during regular dental visits.
When gum disease is contributing to the problem, periodontal treatment may be necessary to remove plaque and tartar below the gumline and control the infection.
More advanced recession may require evaluation for surgical treatment.
Gum Grafting
A gum graft can be used to add tissue to an area where the gumline has receded.
Depending on the procedure, tissue may be taken from another area of the mouth or another grafting material may be used. The goal is typically to protect an exposed root, improve the stability of the gum tissue and, in appropriate cases, improve appearance.
Periodontal Surgery and Regenerative Procedures
When gum recession occurs along with periodontal disease and bone loss, additional periodontal procedures may sometimes be recommended.
Treatment can involve accessing areas beneath the gums to thoroughly clean the tooth roots or using regenerative techniques intended to help restore some of the structures supporting the teeth.
Not everyone with gum recession needs surgery. The appropriate treatment depends on what’s causing the recession and how much tissue has been affected.
How Can You Help Prevent Gum Recession?
You can’t control every risk factor, particularly genetics and natural anatomy. But there are several things you can do to protect your gums:
- Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Use gentle pressure rather than aggressively scrubbing your gumline.
- Clean between your teeth every day.
- Keep up with regular dental exams and professional cleanings.
- Avoid tobacco.
- Address teeth grinding or clenching.
- Pay attention to changes in your gums, tooth sensitivity or the appearance of your teeth.
Most importantly, don’t wait for gum recession to become painful before mentioning it.
Because it often develops gradually, routine dental visits give us an opportunity to notice changes you may not see yourself.
Concerned About Receding Gums?
A little sensitivity or a tooth that suddenly looks longer may not seem like a big deal, but changes in your gumline are worth checking.
At Shorewood Family Dental Care, our goal isn’t simply to treat a problem once it becomes serious. We want to help you protect your natural teeth and gums for as long as possible.
We’ve been caring for smiles in Shorewood and the surrounding Joliet community since 1974, helping generations of families navigate changing dental needs at every stage of life.
If you’ve noticed signs of gum recession or have questions about the health of your gums, schedule a visit with our Joliet family dentists. We’ll take a look, help determine what’s causing the change and talk through your treatment options with you.
Call 815-725-5991 or request an appointment online.
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Originally published April 12, 2022. Updated September 7, 2026.
