What is it?
In gum recession the gum margin migrates downward and exposes root surface that is normally covered. Teeth look longer, gaps appear between them, and the exposed root becomes markedly sensitive to hot and cold.
The root has no enamel, so the exposed area is far more vulnerable to both decay and wear than a normal tooth surface. Receded gum does not grow back on its own, but the progression can be stopped.
Signs
You will not necessarily have all of these at once.
Why does it happen?
- 01
Brushing too hard
The most common cause. A hard-bristled brush and a horizontal sawing motion physically wear the gum away over years.
- 02
Gum disease
In periodontitis the gum recedes alongside the bone loss because it no longer has support.
- 03
Grinding and crowding
Excessive or badly directed force on a single tooth pulls back the thin gum in that area.
How is it treated?
The priority is removing the cause: correcting brushing technique, switching to a soft brush and treating any gum disease. No procedure applied before this will last.
Where appearance or sensitivity is a problem, the exposed root can be covered with composite; in advanced cases a gum graft is used to cover the recession surgically.
How is it prevented?
- Use a soft brush; a hard one doesn't clean better, it only wears more
- Brush in small circles from gum toward tooth instead of scrubbing sideways
- An electric brush with a pressure sensor caps the force you apply without noticing
- If you grind your teeth, wear a night guard
Frequently asked questions
- Does receded gum grow back?
- Not on its own. In suitable cases it can be covered surgically with a gum graft, though not every site is a candidate.
- What can I do about the sensitivity?
- Desensitising toothpaste with potassium nitrate gives most people clear relief within a few weeks. If it persists, a fluoride varnish or a covering restoration is applied in clinic.
This content is for general information and does not replace an in-person examination. Symptoms overlap between conditions, and a diagnosis can only be made clinically.