Gum Recession – What Causes It and How Is It Treated?

Gum recession refers to a condition in which the gums gradually pull away from the surface of the tooth, exposing the tooth root. As a result, the teeth may appear longer than before, and the root surface becomes vulnerable to wear, sensitivity, and cavities.

Many people first notice gum recession only when they look in the mirror or when a cold drink starts to make their teeth ache. Gum recession is often caused by long-term factors, but it can also appear and progress surprisingly quickly—for example, when gingivitis has reached a critical stage. For this reason, too, it’s important to have the condition examined early, as soon as the first symptoms appear.

What causes receding gums?

Gum recession can be caused by one or a combination of several different factors. There is always bone loss in the area affected by gum recession. Identifying the contributing factors is part of the examination conducted during the appointment.

Common causes of exposure include, among others:

• gingivitis and periodontitis
• thin gum tissue type
• malocclusions and previous orthodontic treatment
• smoking and snus
• a strong pull on a muscle or tendon, such as the labial tendon
• Changes that occur with age
• tongue and lip piercings
• brushing teeth too hard or using the wrong technique
• clenching and bite-related overloading

How can you tell if you have receding gums?

Typical symptoms include:

• The tooth or teeth appear longer than before, and the dentin at the root surface is exposed
• The neck of my tooth is sensitive to cold or when I brush it
• The gum line looks uneven
• I can feel a hole or groove on the surface of my tooth near the gum line

Sometimes gum recession can be completely asymptomatic and is only detected during a dental exam.

Will receding gums grow back?

One of the most common questions is: Will receding gums heal on their own?

Minor gum recession can be corrected with effective treatment of gum disease. In most cases, however, receded gum tissue does not grow back on its own. Once the gum has receded and the root is exposed, the condition is usually permanent without treatment.

The good news, however, is that the progression of gum recession can often be halted if the underlying cause is treated in a timely manner. The earlier the changes are detected, the more effectively the progression of gum recession and further damage can be prevented.

Treatment for gum recession depends on the cause

Treatment for receding gums is always tailored to the individual. The most important thing is to determine the cause of the gum recession and address those causes.

Treatment may include, for example:

• changing brushing techniques, such as switching to a softer toothbrush
• Treatment of gingivitis or periodontitis
• Implementation of the bite splint
• Protecting the necks of the teeth from chipping

If the gum recession is minor and not aesthetically bothersome, the associated sensitivity can be treated, for example, with a silver diamine fluoride application performed in the office or with a protective plastic filling. If the gum recession is extensive, affects quality of life, or is aesthetically bothersome, surgical treatment may also be considered.

Correcting Receding Gums—Can the Gums Be Moved Back?

In some cases, receding gums can be corrected with gum surgery. During the procedure, gum tissue is moved to cover the exposed root surface.
A gum graft or other gum surgery may be particularly helpful when:

• The root surface stings intensely
• The retreat is progressing rapidly
• The tooth root is at risk of wearing down
• The aesthetic impact is significant

Gum surgery is a form of microsurgery in which the gums are gently treated under local anesthesia. The procedure often involves a local gum graft to cover the exposed root, as well as additional reinforcement of the tissue using a graft, for example from the palate. Typically, the procedure lasts about 2–2.5 hours and is followed by a few days of restricted physical activity and a ban on brushing the treated area until the sutures are removed, which is included in the overall treatment plan. Our periodontist always creates a personalized surgical plan and explains the expected treatment outcomes.

When should you have receding gums checked by a dentist?

You should see a dentist if:

• your teeth are constantly aching/twinging
• you notice that the gum line has changed
• the root of the tooth is clearly visible
• your gums are bleeding
• the teeth look “long”
• brushing hurts

Regular dental checkups are the most important way to detect gum recession early, before it has a chance to progress significantly. If you have specific concerns or issues related to your gums, it’s best to schedule an appointment directly with a periodontist—a dentist specializing in periodontology—who has the expertise to treat gum disease and periodontal diseases. At Ebeling Dentists, our periodontist also performs dental examinations and develops comprehensive treatment plans.

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