Gloss & Floss Answers · Oral Health & Prevention

Why are my gums receding?

Author: Gloss & Floss Dental Care® · Clinically reviewed by a dentist at Gloss & Floss Dental Care®

Short answer

Gums can recede when the gum margin moves away from its original position and exposes more of the tooth or root surface. Common causes include gum disease, tartar, brushing too hard, thin gum tissue, tooth position, smoking or nicotine use, grinding, bite trauma, orthodontic movement, piercings and ageing. Receding gums usually do not grow back on their own, so the cause should be assessed before the recession progresses or sensitivity develops.

Why gum recession matters

Gum recession can make teeth look longer, expose sensitive root surfaces and create areas that are harder to clean. Some patients first notice sensitivity to cold, brushing discomfort, food trapping, darker root colour or a visible change in the gumline.

Recession is not only a cosmetic issue. Exposed root surfaces are more vulnerable to sensitivity, abrasion and root cavities. If recession is related to gum disease, there may also be deeper support loss around the tooth.

Common causes of receding gums

Gum disease or periodontitis affecting tooth support
Tartar and plaque inflammation along the gumline
Brushing too hard or using a hard toothbrush
Thin gum tissue or naturally delicate gum anatomy
Tooth position outside the ideal bone and gum envelope
Previous or ongoing orthodontic tooth movement
Grinding, clenching or traumatic bite forces
Smoking, snus or nicotine pouch use
Lip or tongue piercings rubbing against the gums
High muscle attachment or frenum pull near the gumline
Poorly fitting fillings, crowns or dental restorations
Age-related tissue changes combined with other risk factors

Different causes can look similar

Possible cause	Typical pattern	Why assessment matters
Brushing trauma	Recession near the gumline, often with notches, abrasion or sensitivity.	The brushing technique and toothbrush type may need correction.
Gum disease	Recession with bleeding, tartar, gum pockets, bad breath or loose teeth.	Periodontal diagnosis and maintenance may be needed to protect support.
Thin gum tissue	Delicate gums that recede more easily around prominent teeth.	The area may need monitoring, protection or surgical discussion in selected cases.
Bite forces or grinding	Recession with tooth wear, sensitivity, jaw tension or notches near the gumline.	The bite, clenching habits and possible night guard need assessment.
Restoration or local irritation	Recession near a crown, filling, bridge, implant or plaque-retentive margin.	The dental work and cleaning access may need review.

Can receding gums grow back?

Receded gum tissue usually does not grow back by itself. The first step is to identify and control the cause, such as gum inflammation, hard brushing, tartar, bite trauma or plaque-retentive restorations.

In selected cases, gum grafting or periodontal surgery may be considered to cover exposed root surfaces, improve tissue thickness or support long-term stability. This depends on the amount of recession, gum thickness, tooth position, bone support, oral hygiene and aesthetic or sensitivity concerns.

What affects the answer?

Whether recession affects one tooth or many teeth
Whether gums bleed when brushing or cleaning between teeth
Whether gum pockets or bone loss are present
Whether the tooth root is exposed and sensitive
Whether there is abrasion or notching near the gumline
Whether tartar is present above or below the gumline
Whether the tooth position creates thin gum support
Whether you grind, clench or have bite overload
Whether you smoke, use snus or use nicotine pouches
Whether previous orthodontic treatment has moved teeth
Whether crowns, fillings or bridges make cleaning difficult
Whether the recession is stable or getting worse

What happens at Gloss & Floss?

At Gloss & Floss Dental Care® in Södermalm, Stockholm, gum recession is assessed by checking the gumline, recession depth, gum thickness, plaque, tartar, bleeding, pocket depths, tooth mobility, tooth position, bite forces and brushing technique. X-rays may be recommended if gum disease, bone loss or root problems are suspected.

Care may include dental hygienist treatment, tartar removal, professional biofilm control, brushing-technique guidance, interdental cleaning instruction, sensitivity management, bite assessment or referral for periodontal/gum surgery assessment when appropriate. For English-speaking patients, we explain terms such as gum recession, exposed root, gingivitis, periodontitis, gum grafting and periodontal maintenance in clear English.

How to reduce further gum recession

Use a soft toothbrush or correctly used electric toothbrush
Avoid hard scrubbing at the gumline
Brush with gentle pressure and controlled movement
Clean between teeth daily without forcing tools into the gum
Remove tartar professionally when it is present
Treat gum inflammation early
Ask whether your interdental brush size is correct
Use fluoride and sensitivity care if roots are exposed
Discuss grinding, clenching or bite trauma with the dentist
Avoid smoking or reduce nicotine-related gum risk when possible
Have crowns, fillings or bridges checked if they trap plaque
Attend maintenance visits if gum disease has been diagnosed

When should you seek care?

Book a dental assessment if your gums are receding, teeth look longer, roots feel sensitive, the gumline changes quickly, gums bleed, food traps near the gumline, teeth feel loose or you notice notches near the roots. Seek care sooner if recession is combined with swelling, pus, bad taste, pain when chewing, loose teeth or signs of active gum disease.

Frequently asked questions

Are receding gums always caused by gum disease?

No. Gum disease is one possible cause, but recession can also be linked to hard brushing, thin gum tissue, tooth position, bite forces, orthodontic movement, restorations, piercings or nicotine use.

Can brushing too hard cause receding gums?

Yes. Hard brushing, abrasive technique or a hard toothbrush can contribute to gum recession and tooth wear near the gumline, especially if the gum tissue is thin.

Can receding gums cause tooth sensitivity?

Yes. When the root surface becomes exposed, the tooth may react more strongly to cold, brushing, air, sweets or acidic foods and drinks.

Can gum recession be stopped?

Often the progression can be slowed or stabilised if the cause is found and controlled. This may require improved home care, tartar removal, gum treatment, brushing correction or bite management.

When is gum grafting needed?

Gum grafting may be considered when recession causes sensitivity, aesthetic concern, thin tissue, root exposure or progression risk. Suitability depends on the tooth, gum, bone and oral-hygiene situation.

Can receding gums lead to tooth loss?

Recession alone does not always mean tooth loss, but recession caused by periodontitis can be linked to loss of tooth support. Loose teeth, deep pockets or bone loss should be assessed promptly.

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Disclaimer

This article provides general information from Gloss & Floss Dental Care® in Stockholm. It does not replace an individual periodontal examination, gum-recession measurement, X-ray review, diagnosis, gum-surgery assessment, sensitivity assessment or personalised treatment plan.