Receding Gums: Why It Happens and What You Can Do

Have you noticed your teeth looking a bit longer than they used to? Perhaps you've started feeling sensitivity when drinking cold water or brushing certain areas. Gum recession is where the gum tissue gradually pulls back from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth or its root. It is a very common condition, particularly as we get older. While it can't be reversed naturally, there's plenty you can do to stop it getting worse.

What Is Gum Recession?

Gum recession occurs when the margin of the gum tissue surrounding the teeth wears away or pulls back, exposing the root surface of the tooth. Because tooth roots are not covered by the protective enamel that shields the crown of the tooth, exposed roots can be more vulnerable to decay, sensitivity, and damage.

Recession can happen gradually over many years, often without you noticing until it becomes more pronounced. It can affect one tooth or several, and it tends to develop more commonly on the outer (cheek-side) surfaces of the teeth, though it can occur anywhere in the mouth.

What Causes Gums to Recede?

There are several factors that can contribute to gum recession, and often it's a combination of more than one:

• Aggressive brushing: Ironically, brushing your teeth too hard or using a stiff-bristled toothbrush is one of the most common causes of recession. Vigorous back-and-forth scrubbing can physically wear away the gum tissue over time, particularly on the prominent teeth like canines and premolars.
• Gum disease (periodontal disease): Bacterial plaque build-up along the gumline causes inflammation (gingivitis). If left untreated, this can progress to periodontitis, where the infection damages the gum tissue and underlying bone, causing the gums to recede. Bleeding gums are often an early warning sign.
• Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism): The excessive forces placed on teeth during grinding can cause them to shift slightly and can damage the bone and gum tissue around them, contributing to recession.
• Genetics: Some people are simply more prone to gum recession due to the thickness and quality of their gum tissue. If your gums are naturally thin, they may be more susceptible to recession even with good oral hygiene.
• Smoking and tobacco use: Smoking significantly increases the risk of gum disease and impairs the body's ability to heal. Smokers are much more likely to develop gum recession than non-smokers.
• Oral piercings: Lip or tongue piercings can rub against the gum tissue repeatedly, causing irritation and eventual recession. This is particularly common with lower lip studs that press against the gums of the lower front teeth.
• Misaligned teeth: Teeth that are crowded or positioned outside the normal arch of the jaw may have thinner bone and gum coverage, making them more prone to recession.
• Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormones during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can make gums more sensitive and vulnerable to recession.

Need to find a dentist who can see you quickly? Search for available appointments near you.

Recognising the Signs

Gum recession often develops slowly, so you may not notice it straight away. Watch for these signs:

• Teeth appearing longer: As the gum pulls back, more of the tooth becomes visible, creating a "long in the tooth" appearance.
• Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, particularly near the gumline. This is because the root surface lacks the protective enamel coating.
• A notch at the gumline: You may be able to feel a step or groove where the gum has receded, particularly on the outer surfaces of the teeth.
• Visible root surface: The root of the tooth has a slightly different colour and texture compared to the enamel-covered crown — it often appears more yellowish.
• Gaps appearing between teeth: As gums recede, small dark triangles (known as "black triangles") can appear between teeth where the gum used to fill the space.

Stages and Progression

Gum recession can range from mild to severe:

• Mild recession (1-2mm): Often barely noticeable and may not cause symptoms. Can usually be managed with improved brushing technique and monitoring.
• Moderate recession (3-4mm): More visible, with potential sensitivity. May require professional treatment to prevent further progression.
• Severe recession (5mm+): Significant root exposure, potential tooth mobility, and increased risk of root decay. May require surgical intervention such as gum grafting.

Treatment Options

The right treatment depends on the cause and severity of the recession:

For Mild Cases

• Improved brushing technique: Switching to a soft-bristled brush and using gentle circular motions (or an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor) can prevent further damage.
• Desensitising toothpaste: Products containing potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride can help block the tiny channels in the root surface that transmit sensitivity signals.
• Professional fluoride application: Your dentist or hygienist can apply concentrated fluoride varnish to exposed root surfaces to reduce sensitivity and strengthen the area.

For Moderate Cases

• Deep cleaning (scale and root planing): If gum disease is contributing to the recession, your dentist or hygienist may recommend a thorough cleaning below the gumline to remove bacteria and tartar, and smooth the root surfaces so gums can reattach more effectively.
• Bonding or composite covering: For areas of significant sensitivity or root decay, your dentist can apply tooth-coloured composite resin to the exposed root surface.

For Severe Cases

• Gum grafting: A periodontist (gum specialist) can take a small piece of tissue — usually from the roof of your mouth or from donor tissue — and attach it to the area of recession. This can cover exposed roots, reduce sensitivity, and improve the appearance of the gumline. Recovery typically takes one to two weeks.
• Pinhole surgical technique: A newer, minimally invasive approach where the existing gum tissue is loosened through a tiny hole and repositioned over the exposed root. This technique involves no sutures and may offer faster recovery, though it's not suitable for all cases.

Prevention Tips

The best approach to gum recession is preventing it in the first place, or stopping it from getting worse:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle technique
• Brush twice daily and clean between teeth with floss or interdental brushes
• Attend regular dental check-ups and hygienist appointments
• Stop smoking — this is one of the most impactful changes you can make for your gum health
• Wear a mouthguard at night if you grind your teeth
• Consider removing or changing oral piercings that rub against the gums
• Address misaligned teeth with orthodontic treatment if recommended