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Written by the Teeth Q Editorial Team
Clinically reviewed by Dr Audrey Chua
Clinical review completed: 22 August 2026
Receding gums occur when gum tissue moves away from the normal gumline and exposes more of a tooth or its root. Possible contributors include gum disease, forceful brushing, naturally thin gum tissue and local injury. Because recession has different causes and exposed roots may become sensitive or prone to decay, a dental assessment is needed before choosing treatment.
What do receding gums look or feel like?
Possible signs include:
- a tooth appearing longer than neighbouring teeth;
- a visible change in the gumline;
- a notch or exposed area near the root;
- sensitivity to cold, sweetness or touch;
- difficulty keeping the area clean; or
- bleeding, swelling, bad breath or tooth looseness when gum disease is also present.
Recession can affect one tooth or several teeth. It may progress without pain, so photographs alone cannot determine its cause or severity.
What can cause gum recession?
| Possible contributor | Why assessment matters |
|---|---|
| Gum disease | Inflammation and loss of supporting tissue may occur together with bleeding, pockets or bone loss. |
| Forceful or abrasive brushing | Repeated trauma may contribute, particularly where gum tissue is thin. |
| Naturally thin gum tissue | Some gumlines are more susceptible to recession even with good hygiene. |
| Local injury or oral habits | Trauma around a particular tooth may need a targeted solution. |
| Tooth position or bite factors | The position of a tooth and how forces are distributed may influence management. |
| Previous dental or orthodontic treatment | The timing and pattern should be considered as part of the full history. |
These are possibilities, not a self-diagnosis checklist. More than one factor may be present.
Is gum recession the same as gum disease?
No. Gum disease can cause or accompany recession, but not every receding gumline proves that periodontal disease is present. Conversely, gum disease may exist without obvious recession.
If your main concern is bleeding, see Bleeding Gums: Common Causes and When to See a Dentist. For general prevention and gum-disease warning signs, see Gum Disease—Prevention Is Better Than Cure.
Can receding gums grow back?
Lost gum tissue does not simply regrow in the way that irritated skin may heal. Management may aim to control the cause, reduce sensitivity, make cleaning easier and prevent further deterioration. In selected situations, a clinician may discuss a gum-grafting procedure to cover an exposed root or increase tissue thickness.
Whether grafting or another procedure is appropriate depends on the diagnosis, gum health, tissue anatomy, oral-hygiene control, smoking status and the patient’s goals. It is not required for every area of recession.
How might a dentist assess receding gums?
- Ask when the change was noticed and whether it is progressing.
- Review brushing technique, oral habits, smoking and relevant health history.
- Examine the gumline, plaque levels and areas of sensitivity.
- Measure the gums and periodontal pockets.
- Check tooth position, mobility and bite.
- Consider X-rays when information about the supporting bone is needed.
The findings determine whether care can be provided by a general dentist or whether periodontal assessment is appropriate.
What treatment options may be considered?
Treatment depends on the cause and severity. Options may include:
- instruction on a gentler, effective brushing technique;
- a soft-bristled toothbrush and appropriately selected toothpaste;
- measures to reduce root sensitivity;
- professional cleaning or periodontal treatment when plaque and gum disease are present;
- monitoring stable, mild recession; or
- gum grafting or another periodontal procedure in selected cases.
Changing toothpaste or brushing more gently may reduce irritation, but it does not establish the diagnosis or reverse existing tissue loss.
What can I do before the appointment?
- Continue cleaning the area gently; do not stop brushing it altogether.
- Avoid scrubbing hard at the gumline.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush unless your dentist has advised otherwise.
- Do not place aspirin, bleaching products or unverified remedies on the gum.
- Note when sensitivity occurs and whether the gumline appears to be changing.
- Seek earlier care if there is swelling, pus, increasing pain, a loose tooth or facial swelling.
When should I see a dentist?
Arrange a dental assessment if you notice a changing gumline, exposed root, persistent sensitivity, bleeding or difficulty cleaning the area. Seek an urgent dental assessment for significant swelling, severe pain, pus, uncontrolled bleeding or a tooth becoming loose. Facial swelling with breathing or swallowing difficulty requires emergency medical attention.
Dental assessment at Teeth Q
A dentist can examine the gumline and discuss an appropriate next step. Treatment may differ from routine scaling and polishing if deeper periodontal disease or another cause is identified.
Find a Teeth Q clinic or book a dental assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Does recession always mean I brushed too hard?
No. Forceful brushing is one possible contributor, but gum disease, thin tissue, local anatomy and other factors may also be involved.
Can scaling cause gum recession?
After periodontal inflammation and deposits are treated, the gumline may look different as swelling resolves, particularly where supporting tissue was already lost.
Is gum recession painful?
It may be painless. Some people notice sensitivity to cold, sweetness or touch, while others first notice that a tooth looks longer.
Do all receding gums require surgery?
No. Management is based on the cause, severity, progression, symptoms and tissue condition. Surgery may be considered only in selected cases.
Is whitening safe when roots are exposed?
Exposed roots may be sensitive and do not respond in the same way as enamel. Arrange an assessment before using whitening products on a mouth with recession or unexplained sensitivity.
Sources
- MSD Manual: Gum Recession
- American Academy of Periodontology: Surgical Procedures
- NHS: Gum Disease
- Cambridge University Hospitals: Gum Grafting Procedure
This article provides general information and does not replace an individual dental examination or diagnosis.
