Receding Gums: Causes, Consequences and What Can Be Done
For anyone whose gums are pulling away from their teeth: what causes receding gums, how a dentist tells recession caused by gum disease from other causes, whether gum grows back, exposed roots and grafting. Untreated recession often deepens and lost gum does not reliably grow back, so have the cause checked by a dentist.
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Clinically reviewed by Dr Ibraheem Ijaz, dentist · GDC 301711
Medical disclaimer: This page is for general information only. It does not replace an examination or treatment by a dentist.
Dr Ibraheem Ijaz, GDC 301711, a General Dental Practitioner and the principal dentist at Deepcar Dental Care, reviewed this page. His qualifications are BDS, BSc (Hons), MSc (Leeds), PG Dip Implant Dentistry and PG Cert Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry.
What are receding gums?
Receding gums, or gingival recession, are gums that shrink back from a tooth, which can leave part of its root exposed.
What causes receding gums?
Receding gums have two broad groups of causes: gum disease, and causes without disease, such as naturally thin gum or tooth position.
The NHS lists shrinking gums among the effects of gum disease, and Delivering Better Oral Health (DBOH), the UK prevention toolkit, lists recession between the teeth and gum pockets among the signs of periodontitis. Gums can shrink after successful gum disease treatment, the British Society of Periodontology notes. Our gum disease page explains how gum disease develops.
Besides gum disease, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust lists aggressive brushing, naturally thin gum, frenal (muscle) attachments, the tooth's position in the bone and previous tooth loss. A 2018 World Workshop review found thin gums (a thin biotype) at greater risk. Yet a 2007 systematic review of 18 studies found the evidence for or against a link between tooth brushing and recession inconclusive.
How is the cause of receding gums worked out?
Finding the cause needs a dental examination: Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust says only a dentist or another dental clinician can reliably diagnose gum disease.
In general, the Leeds leaflet explains, the dentist probes for bleeding and pockets and may take X-rays for bone loss. A 2011 classification sorts recession by whether attachment between the teeth is lost, the sign Delivering Better Oral Health links to periodontitis.
If your gums also bleed when you brush or eat hard foods, a sign of gum disease the leaflet lists, the NHS advises seeing a dentist.
Can receding gums grow back?
Lost gum does not reliably grow back on its own: untreated recession often deepens.
A 2016 systematic review of six studies followed 1,647 untreated recessions for at least two years: 78.1% deepened, the rest became shallower or did not change, and new recessions appeared. The British Society of Periodontology says lost gum can, in some instances, be replaced with soft tissue grafting.
How is sensitivity from receding gums managed?
Sensitivity from receding gums (dentine hypersensitivity) can often be managed at home, says the Oral Health Foundation (OHF), a UK charity.
Shrinking gums expose dentine, letting heat, cold or sweetness reach the nerve more easily, the OHF explains. It advises a toothpaste with potassium citrate, potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride, used continuously, spat out rather than rinsed, and rubbed onto the painful area at night and left on, with a soft brush used gently.
For sensitivity that is severe, lasts more than a few weeks, affects only one tooth or comes on suddenly, the OHF advises seeing a dentist, as these could be signs of decay, a cracked tooth, gum problems or infection.
Desensitising treatment is available at Deepcar Dental Care.
To ask about receding gums, book online or call 0114 288 2121.
Are exposed roots more likely to decay?
Exposed roots are linked to root decay: Delivering Better Oral Health lists exposed root surfaces among the indicators of root caries risk.
For adults with obvious active coronal or root decay, it advises dentists to consider prescribing 2,800 or 5,000ppm fluoride toothpaste until the decay is stabilised and the risk is reduced.
At Deepcar Dental Care, high-fluoride toothpaste is prescribed where needed.
When is a gum graft considered?
A gum graft is considered when recession has thinned the gum and exposed a root, or puts one at risk, says Cambridge University Hospitals.
A 2018 World Workshop review found that, without pathology, monitoring the affected sites seems the proper approach, and that surgery might be indicated when the risk of pathology and related root damage developing or progressing is increased, and to meet patients' appearance concerns. The British Society of Periodontology says gum disease must be treated first.
Evidence is limited: a 2018 Cochrane review of 48 trials, in Miller Class I or II recessions of 3 mm or more, concluded that several grafting and flap procedures may be used to cover roots. It rated the evidence low or very low quality, with 47 trials at high or unclear risk of bias. Cambridge University Hospitals says risks could include bleeding, infection, swelling, changes in gum appearance such as an uneven gum line, and the need for further surgery, and some pain afterwards is normal.
How can you stop receding gums getting worse?
Home care alone may not stop recession: a 2016 review found untreated recession often progresses over the long term, even with good oral hygiene. UK guidance gives these steps for healthy gums:
- Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and spit rather than rinse (NHS).
- Clean between your teeth every day, do not smoke, and have regular dental check-ups even without problems (NHS).
Our page on brushing technique shows how to clean along the gum line without brushing too hard.
How much does gum recession treatment cost?
Gum recession treatment, non-surgical periodontal therapy, advanced gum disease treatment, gum surgery, gum grafting and desensitising treatment have no line on the current fee list. Neither do BPE screening, full six-point periodontal charting or smoking cessation advice. Ask us about the cost.
When should receding gums be checked by a dentist?
Have receding gums checked by a dentist so the cause can be found.
If you do not have a dentist or cannot get an emergency appointment, call 111 or visit 111 online. NHS guidance gives these actions:
- Gums that bleed when you brush or eat hard foods, gums that are painful and swollen, bad breath, or a child with sore, bleeding gums: see a dentist.
- Gum disease with other symptoms such as very sore and swollen gums, teeth becoming loose or falling out, ulcers or red patches in your mouth, or a lump in your mouth or on your lip: ask for an urgent dentist appointment.
- Toothache that lasts more than 2 days, does not go away with painkillers, or comes with a high temperature, pain when you bite, red gums, a bad taste or a swollen cheek or jaw: see a dentist.
- Toothache with swelling around your eye or neck, or swelling in your mouth or neck that makes it difficult to breathe, swallow or speak: go to A&E, but do not drive; ask someone to drive you or call 999.
Frequently asked questions
What gum care is available at Deepcar Dental Care?
Gum care at Deepcar Dental Care includes gum recession treatment, non-surgical periodontal therapy and smoking cessation advice. It also includes BPE screening at every examination and full six-point periodontal charting. Treatment of advanced gum disease (severe periodontitis) is done in house, as are gum surgery and gum grafting.
Can braces cause receding gums?
Braces may add to the risk. A 2018 World Workshop review found that orthodontic treatment might increase the risk of gum recession, as might poor oral hygiene and restorations near the gum line. The British Society of Periodontology lists braces treatment among the reasons gums recede. Have recession checked by a dentist.
Can receding gums change how your smile looks?
Yes. The British Society of Periodontology says receding gums and gaps between teeth are common, can be a real concern for some people and may be a sign of active disease. Have them checked by a dentist. Black triangle closure, for dark gaps at the gum line between teeth, is offered at Deepcar Dental Care.
Do gums recede with age?
Gums naturally recede over time, the Oral Health Foundation notes, but age is not the only cause. A 2017 review of recession treatments, which found no articles focused on older people, expects recession to become more common as people keep their teeth for longer. Have recession checked by a dentist.
Can you book a hygiene appointment online?
Yes. At Deepcar Dental Care, hygiene appointments can be booked online through the booking portal, and you do not need to register as a patient before booking. These appointments are with our dental therapist and last 30 to 60 minutes.
Book a consultation.
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Deepcar Dental Care is at 334 Manchester Road, Deepcar, Sheffield, S36 2RH, with free parking directly outside. Patients describe their visits in our patient reviews.
334 Manchester Road
Deepcar, Sheffield S36 2RH
0114 288 2121
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