Receding Gums: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options
Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue surrounding the teeth gradually pulls back, exposing more of the tooth surface or root. This process may increase tooth sensitivity and affect gum health over time.
Receding gums may develop gradually and often go unnoticed in the early stages. Professional dental assessment helps determine the cause and appropriate management.
Professional Assessment
A thorough clinical examination can assess gum health, identify areas of recession, and help determine the most appropriate course of care.
“The team explained my gum condition clearly and helped me understand how to look after my gums properly going forward.”
What Is Gum Recession?
Gum recession refers to the gradual loss of gum tissue around the teeth. As the gum tissue recedes, the root surface of the tooth may become exposed. Unlike the crown of the tooth, which is covered by a protective layer of enamel, tooth roots are more porous and sensitive — making them more vulnerable to sensitivity, wear, and decay.
Gradual Tissue Loss
Gum recession typically develops gradually over months or years. As the gum margin shifts away from its original position, more of the tooth becomes visible. Because the changes are often slow, patients may not notice recession until it has progressed to a more noticeable stage.
Exposed Root Surfaces
When gums recede, the root surfaces of the teeth may become exposed. These areas are naturally more sensitive because they lack the hard enamel covering that protects the crown of the tooth. Exposed roots may also be more susceptible to decay and wear over time.
Single or Multiple Teeth
Gum recession may affect a single tooth or multiple teeth. Localised recession affecting one or two teeth may be related to brushing technique or tooth position, while more generalised recession may be associated with periodontal disease or other systemic factors.
Over time, gum recession may affect tooth stability and gum health. A can assess the extent of recession and help identify the underlying cause.
Common Causes of Receding Gums
Gum recession can result from a number of factors, and in many cases more than one cause may be contributing. Understanding the underlying factors is an important part of managing the condition and helping to prevent further recession.
1Gum Disease Affecting Supporting Tissues
Periodontal (gum) disease is one of the most common causes of gum recession. The bacterial infection associated with gum disease can damage the gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth, causing the gums to pull away from the tooth surfaces. Managing gum disease through professional periodontal care is an important part of addressing recession caused by this factor.
2Aggressive Brushing Techniques
Using a hard-bristled toothbrush or applying excessive pressure when brushing can gradually wear away the gum tissue, particularly along the outer surfaces of the teeth. This type of recession — sometimes called toothbrush abrasion — may be prevented by switching to a soft-bristled brush and using gentle, circular brushing motions.
3Plaque and Tartar Accumulation
When plaque is not effectively removed through daily brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar (calculus) along the gumline. Tartar provides a rough surface that attracts further bacterial accumulation and may irritate the gum tissue, contributing to inflammation and recession over time. Professional cleaning can help remove these deposits.
4Teeth Grinding or Bite Pressure
Teeth grinding (bruxism) or clenching can place excessive force on the teeth and supporting structures. Over time, this repeated pressure may contribute to gum recession, particularly if the forces are concentrated on specific teeth. Your dentist can assess whether bite pressure may be a contributing factor.
5Natural Ageing of Gum Tissue
Some degree of gum recession may occur as a natural part of the ageing process. The gum tissue may gradually become thinner and more fragile over time, making it more susceptible to recession. While age-related changes cannot be entirely prevented, maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental appointments can help support gum health.
Professional appointments can help remove plaque and tartar deposits and support the prevention of gum recession associated with bacterial accumulation.
Symptoms Associated With Gum Recession
Gum recession may develop gradually, and the early signs can sometimes be subtle. Being aware of the following symptoms may help with earlier recognition and timely professional assessment.
Teeth Appearing Longer Than Usual
One of the most common visual signs of gum recession is teeth appearing longer than they previously did. As the gum tissue pulls back from the tooth surface, more of the tooth — and potentially the root — becomes visible, changing the proportions of the teeth in the smile.
Tooth Sensitivity to Temperature
As root surfaces become exposed through gum recession, patients may notice increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks. This occurs because the root surface lacks the protective enamel layer that covers the crown of the tooth, allowing temperature changes to reach the nerve more easily.
Visible Root Surfaces
In more advanced cases of recession, the root surfaces of the teeth may become clearly visible above the gumline. Root surfaces often appear darker or more yellow in colour compared to the enamel-covered crown of the tooth, and may feel different in texture.
Notches or Tenderness Near the Gumline
Some patients may notice small notches or indentations that can be felt near the gumline, particularly on the outer surfaces of the teeth. The gum tissue around areas of recession may also feel tender or irritated, especially during brushing.
When Dental Assessment May Be Recommended
Professional evaluation may be appropriate if you notice any of the following. These signs do not necessarily indicate a serious problem, but timely assessment can help identify the cause and support informed decisions about care.
Tooth roots become visible as the gum tissue pulls back
Sensitivity develops around the gumline, particularly to hot or cold
Gum recession appears to be progressing over time
Changes in gum shape or the appearance of the teeth become noticeable
Gum tenderness or irritation persists near areas of recession
Teeth begin to feel less stable or secure
Assessment and management of gum recession are available at our London clinic, where professional evaluation can determine the most appropriate course of care.
Treatment Options for Receding Gums
Treatment for gum recession depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. The aim of treatment is to address contributing factors, stabilise gum health, and help prevent further recession. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate approach based on clinical findings.
In many cases, managing gum recession involves a combination of professional care and improvements to daily oral hygiene practices. Treatment depends on clinical findings specific to each individual.
Treatment Approaches
Thorough removal of plaque and tartar deposits from above and below the gumline. This may help manage gum recession by reducing bacterial irritation and supporting a healthier environment for the gum tissue.
Where gum disease is identified as a contributing factor, periodontal treatment aims to manage the underlying infection. This may include deep cleaning procedures to treat gum pockets and reduce bacterial accumulation beneath the gumline.
Your dentist or hygienist can provide personalised advice on brushing techniques that effectively clean the teeth without placing excessive pressure on the gum tissue. Switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush and using gentle motions may help reduce brushing-related recession.
Regular dental visits allow your dentist to monitor gum health and detect any changes in recession over time. This ongoing assessment aims to support gum and tooth health and identify any progression that may benefit from additional intervention.
Preventing Further Gum Recession
While existing gum recession cannot typically be reversed, there are steps that may help reduce the risk of further recession and support the long-term health of the gum tissue. These measures work alongside professional dental care.
Daily Care
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and apply gentle pressure when brushing, avoiding vigorous scrubbing motions along the gumline.
Brush twice daily using a fluoride toothpaste, paying careful attention to the gumline area without being aggressive.
Clean between the teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes to remove plaque from areas the toothbrush cannot reach.
Consider using a desensitising toothpaste if sensitivity near areas of recession is a concern — your dentist can recommend suitable products.
Professional Support
Regular dental examinations and professional play an important role in maintaining gum health and identifying changes early.
Professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar deposits that cannot be effectively managed through home care alone, reducing bacterial irritation that may contribute to further recession.
Your dentist can monitor areas of recession during routine visits, assess whether any progression has occurred, and adjust your care plan as needed.
If teeth grinding is identified as a contributing factor, your dentist may discuss options to help manage this and reduce the pressure placed on teeth and gums.
Temporary Precautions Before Dental Assessment
If you have noticed signs of gum recession, the following general precautions may help support gum health while professional assessment is arranged. These measures do not replace professional dental care.
Recommended
Use gentle brushing techniques with a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoiding excessive pressure along the gumline.
Maintain good oral hygiene practices, including careful brushing twice daily and daily interdental cleaning.
Monitor any changes in gum shape, tooth appearance, or sensitivity, and note these for your dental appointment.
Consider avoiding very hot, cold, or acidic foods if sensitivity near areas of recession is noticeable.
Arrange professional dental assessment if recession appears to be progressing or new symptoms develop.
Avoid
Do not brush aggressively near areas of recession, as this may cause further gum tissue loss or irritation.
Avoid using a hard-bristled toothbrush, which may accelerate gum tissue wear and contribute to further recession.
Do not attempt to treat gum recession at home — professional assessment is needed to determine the cause and appropriate management.
Avoid ignoring progressive recession or increasing sensitivity — early assessment may help prevent the condition from worsening.
Do not use abrasive whitening products on exposed root surfaces without professional guidance, as roots are more susceptible to damage.
These precautions are general guidance only and do not replace professional dental care. If you are concerned about gum recession, please contact us to arrange an assessment.
Related Treatments
Frequently Asked Questions
Assessment for Receding Gums
If you notice gum recession or increased tooth sensitivity near the gumline, professional dental assessment can help determine whether gum recession or periodontal changes may be present.
Professional Gum Health Assessment in London
Whether you have noticed signs of gum recession, are experiencing sensitivity near the gumline, or would like a professional assessment of your gum health, our South Kensington team can help.
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