If your teeth look longer than they used to, or you have noticed sensitivity near the gum line, you may be dealing with gum recession. The good news is that early advice and the right treatment can often stop it from getting worse. In this guide, we explain what gum recession is, what causes it, how to prevent it, and when surgery may be worth considering.
At Dorking Dental Centre, patients of all ages are seen in a modern private practice just off Dorking High Street, with care ranging from routine examinations and hygiene visits to periodontal support. If you are concerned about bleeding gums, exposed roots or tenderness around the gum line, you can book a gum disease treatment, arrange dental hygiene appointments, or contact the team for advice.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for a dental examination. Because gum recession can sometimes be linked to gum disease, bone loss or bite issues, it is best assessed properly rather than left to guesswork.
What Is Gum Recession?
Gum recession, sometimes called gingival recession or receding gums, happens when the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth and exposes more of the tooth surface or root. When roots become exposed, teeth can feel more sensitive to cold, heat, brushing and sweet foods. Recession can affect one tooth or several teeth, and it may be mild, moderate or more advanced.
It is also important to know that gum recession itself is not just a cosmetic issue. Exposed roots are more vulnerable because they do not have the same protective enamel covering as the visible part of the tooth. That is one reason people with gum recession often notice sensitivity, and it is also why early professional advice matters.
What Causes Gum Recession?
There is not always one single cause. In many cases, gum recession develops because several factors are happening at the same time.
Plaque, tartar and gum disease
A very common cause is plaque build-up at the gum line. If plaque is not removed thoroughly, it can harden into tartar, which cannot be removed at home. Over time, this irritation can lead to gingivitis and then periodontitis. As gum disease progresses, the gums can pull away from the teeth, deeper pockets can form, and supporting bone can be damaged.
Brushing too hard
Some patients are surprised to learn that brushing harder is not better. Aggressive brushing and scrubbing at the gums can contribute to recession, especially if the gum tissue is already thin or sensitive. A gentler technique and the right toothbrush can make a real difference over time.
Smoking and general health factors
Smoking is a major risk factor for gum disease and can also reduce the success of treatment. Other recognised risk factors include diabetes, hormonal changes and genetic tendency. That means some people are simply more prone to recession or inflammation, even when they try to look after their mouth well.
Tooth position and other local factors
Teeth that sit out of position, bite forces that are not evenly distributed, and trauma to the gum tissue may also play a part. In some cases, recession may develop around one specific tooth because that area has been under more stress or has always had thinner gum coverage.
Signs and Symptoms to Look Out For
Gum recession often develops gradually, which is why many people do not notice it at first. Common signs include:
- teeth that look longer than before
- sensitivity near the gum line
- visible root surfaces
- red or swollen gums
- bleeding when brushing or flossing
- bad breath
- tenderness around the gums
- gaps or pockets between the teeth and gums
If gum disease is present as well, teeth may start to feel loose or uncomfortable when chewing.
Can Gum Recession Be Prevented?
Not every case can be prevented completely, especially where genetics or naturally thin gum tissue are involved. But in many cases, you can reduce the risk of recession or stop it progressing with the right habits.
Good prevention usually comes down to the basics done well:
- brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- spit after brushing rather than rinsing straight away
- clean between the teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes
- use light pressure rather than scrubbing
- replace your toothbrush regularly
- attend regular dental and hygiene appointments
- avoid smoking
These steps are repeatedly recommended by NHS and dental public health sources because they help reduce plaque, protect the gums and support earlier detection of problems.
At Dorking Dental Centre, prevention should be the first line of defence. Regular dental hygiene appointments can help remove build-up that home care cannot tackle alone, while routine checks allow the team to monitor gum levels, pockets and areas of sensitivity before a small issue becomes a more complex one.
Can Gum Recession Grow Back on Its Own?
In general, once gum tissue has receded, it does not grow back naturally. That said, treatment can still be very effective. The aim is often to stop the recession, reduce sensitivity, control infection, and where appropriate improve coverage of the roots with surgical treatment.
This is why it is worth seeking help early. You may not be able to reverse every millimetre of recession without surgery, but you can often protect the teeth, improve comfort and prevent further damage with the right plan.
Gum Recession Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause, the amount of recession, whether gum disease is active, and how much sensitivity or aesthetic concern it is causing.
1. Professional cleaning and improved home care
If plaque, tartar and early gum inflammation are driving the problem, the first step may be professional cleaning, tailored oral hygiene advice and closer maintenance. Early gingivitis is often manageable and may be reversible when plaque control improves.
2. Deep cleaning below the gums
Where gum disease is more advanced, treatment may involve deep cleaning beneath the gum line. This helps reduce bacteria and clean the root surfaces more thoroughly. In more serious cases, antibiotics may also be considered.
3. Managing sensitivity
Exposed roots can be very sensitive. Dentists may recommend desensitising toothpaste or apply protective agents in surgery to make the area more comfortable. This does not regrow the gum, but it can make day to day life much easier while the underlying cause is being addressed.
4. Referral for periodontal care
If recession is linked to more advanced periodontitis, deep pockets or ongoing tissue loss, referral for specialist periodontal assessment may be the right next step. Dorking Dental Centre also offers a periodontist consultation for patients who may need more focused gum care.
When Is Surgery Needed for Gum Recession?
Surgery is not needed in every case. Some patients are best monitored, while others do well with hygiene treatment and maintenance alone. But surgery may be recommended when recession is more advanced, when roots are exposed, when sensitivity remains difficult to manage, or when there is a need to improve long term support around the tooth.
One of the most common surgical options is gum graft surgery. In simple terms, a periodontist places graft tissue over the exposed root area to increase coverage and protect the tooth. The graft may come from the roof of the mouth or from a suitable substitute material, depending on the case.
Some patients may also need other periodontal procedures if gum disease has caused deeper structural damage. The right option depends on the amount of recession, the condition of the surrounding bone, oral hygiene, smoking status and your wider health.
What Happens During Gum Graft Surgery?
A gum graft is usually carried out by a periodontist under local anaesthetic. The recession site is prepared, the exposed root is cleaned, and the graft tissue is placed over the area and secured. In many cases, the procedure is completed in a single visit, although recovery and aftercare are an important part of the result.
The purpose of surgery is not just cosmetic. Gum grafting can help protect exposed roots, reduce sensitivity and support long term gum stability. It is commonly used where gum recession has become significant or where non surgical options are unlikely to be enough on their own.
When Should You Book an Appointment?
If your gums bleed regularly, your teeth look longer, or you have ongoing sensitivity near the gum line, it is sensible to have it checked sooner rather than later. Gum recession can worsen quietly, and the earlier it is picked up, the more options you usually have. For general information on gum health, the NHS guide to gum disease and the NIDCR overview of periodontal disease are both useful independent resources.
At Dorking Dental Centre, the team provides personalised care in a calm local setting for patients of all ages. If you are worried about receding gums, you can start with gum disease treatment, book a dental hygiene visit, or contact the practice to arrange an assessment at 71 Dene Street, Dorking, RH4 2DP.
FAQs
Is gum recession the same as gum disease?
No. Gum recession is not always gum disease. It can also be caused by hard brushing, smoking, genetics, trauma, or tooth position.
Can receding gums grow back naturally?
No, receded gums do not usually grow back on their own. Treatment can help stop it getting worse and reduce sensitivity.
Is gum graft surgery painful?
Gum graft surgery is usually done under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain during treatment. Your periodontist will explain recovery and aftercare.
What is the best toothpaste for receding gums?
A fluoride toothpaste is recommended for daily care. If you have sensitivity, a desensitising toothpaste may also help.Should I worry if only one tooth has gum recession?
Yes. Gum recession on one tooth can be caused by brushing too hard, bite pressure, tooth position, or a local gum problem.