Originally published October 2, 2017. Updated August 30, 2026.
Gum recession is the gradual loss of gum tissue around a tooth, which exposes the root underneath. It tends to develop slowly and painlessly, so many people do not notice it until their teeth become sensitive or look longer than before. It is also common: a review in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that 88 percent of people 65 and older, and 50 percent of people 18 to 64, have recession at one or more sites. Because exposed roots are more vulnerable to decay and sensitivity, and because lost gum tissue does not grow back on its own, early recognition matters.
This guide explains what causes gum recession, the signs to watch for, how dentists treat it, and what you can do to protect your gums.
What is gum recession?
Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue pulls back from the crown of the tooth, exposing the root. Cleveland Clinic describes the main consequences: exposed roots are more susceptible to cavities and to sensitivity. The expression “long in the tooth” comes from this appearance, but recession is not simply a part of aging. It can begin as early as the teenage years, and it often develops so gradually that it takes years to become visible.
What causes gum recession?
Recession is usually multifactorial. The JADA review found it associated with trauma, tooth malposition, inflammation, and tobacco use, and it occurs in people with both good and poor oral hygiene. The most common contributors are below.
Gum disease
Plaque and tartar contain bacteria that trigger inflammation, and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) lists receding gums, where the teeth begin to look longer, as a symptom of gum disease. The CDC distinguishes two stages. Gingivitis, with red, swollen gums that bleed easily, is reversible with treatment. Periodontitis involves bone loss around the teeth and cannot be reversed, but it can be slowed and managed with professional care. About 4 in 10 U.S. adults 30 and older have some level of periodontitis, which is why regular exams matter. Learn more about our approach to periodontal care.
Brushing too hard
Aggressive brushing wears away both enamel and gum tissue. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a soft-bristled brush held at a 45-degree angle to the gums, with gentle, short, tooth-wide strokes, and a new brush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed. Bristles that bend outward within a few months are a common sign of too much pressure. Floss gently as well, curving the floss around each tooth rather than snapping it down onto the gums.
Tobacco use
NIDCR identifies smoking as the most significant risk factor for gum disease, and the CDC found periodontitis in 62 percent of current smokers in its national data. Cleveland Clinic also lists smoking and chewing tobacco as direct causes of recession.
Genetics, tooth position, and other factors
Some people are born with thinner gum tissue or less bone covering the roots, which makes them more prone to recession regardless of habits. Teeth that sit outside their normal position, injury to the gums, and lip or tongue piercings can also contribute, according to Cleveland Clinic. Hormonal changes, certain medications, diabetes, and stress are additional risk factors for gum disease, according to the CDC and NIDCR. Genetics cannot be changed, but the other factors can often be managed.
What are the signs of gum recession?
Because recession is gradual, look for these changes:
- Teeth that appear longer, or a visible root near the gum line
- Pain or discomfort at the gum line
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet foods, or brushing
- Red, tender, or bleeding gums
- Loose teeth or a change in how your teeth fit together, which can signal advanced gum disease
Any of these is a reason to schedule an exam. If sensitivity is your main symptom, our preventive dentistry team can look for the cause.
Can receding gums grow back?
No. Cleveland Clinic states plainly that receding gums cannot grow back, although their progression can be halted with treatment. That is why the goals of care are to stop further loss, protect the exposed roots, and, when appropriate, cover them.
How is gum recession treated?
Treatment depends on the cause and how far the recession has progressed. Options a dentist may discuss include:
- Better home care. If brushing technique is a factor, switching to a soft brush and lighter pressure can stop further damage.
- Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing). NIDCR and Cleveland Clinic both describe this as the standard nonsurgical treatment when gum disease is present. It removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line.
- Tooth-colored bonding. Cleveland Clinic notes that tooth-colored resin can camouflage the recession. See our bonding services.
- Orthodontic treatment. When misaligned teeth contribute to recession, moving them into a healthier position can help. The JADA review lists orthodontic therapy among the treatment options. Ask us about Invisalign and other orthodontic options.
- Gum graft surgery. The American Academy of Periodontology explains that a periodontist takes gum tissue from the palate or another donor source to cover the exposed root, which helps prevent additional recession and bone loss, reduce sensitivity, and improve appearance. Cleveland Clinic calls grafting the most predictable option and notes recovery takes about two weeks.
Your dentist can tell you whether your recession is stable or progressing, and whether a referral to a periodontist for a graft makes sense.
How can you prevent gum recession?
- Brush gently, twice a day, with a soft-bristled brush and an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles fray.
- Floss daily, using a gentle curved motion.
- Keep up with professional cleanings. Hardened tartar can only be removed by a dental professional. See how often to visit the dentist.
- Treat gum disease early. Bleeding gums are a signal to book an exam, not a reason to brush less.
- Avoid tobacco in all forms.
- Think twice about lip and tongue piercings, which can rub against the gums.
When should you see a dentist about receding gums?
Book an exam if you notice a visible root, new sensitivity, a notch at the gum line, or gums that bleed or feel tender. Cleveland Clinic advises contacting a dentist promptly if the root becomes more visible or sensitivity increases. Early evaluation gives you more options and often means simpler treatment.
Frequently asked questions about gum recession
What causes gum recession?
Gum recession usually has more than one cause. Gum disease, brushing too hard, tobacco use, thin gum tissue that runs in families, misaligned teeth, injury to the gums, and lip or tongue piercings all contribute. A dentist can identify which factors apply to you.
Can receding gums grow back?
No. Gum tissue that has receded does not grow back on its own. Treatment can stop recession from progressing, and a gum graft can cover exposed roots, but prevention and early care are the best approach.
How common is gum recession?
It is very common. A review in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that 88 percent of people 65 and older, and 50 percent of people 18 to 64, have recession at one or more sites in the mouth. Cleveland Clinic reports the same 88 percent figure for adults over 65.
Does brushing harder clean teeth better?
No. The American Dental Association recommends a soft-bristled brush with gentle, short strokes at a 45-degree angle to the gums. Heavy pressure does not remove more plaque, and it can wear away gum tissue over time.
Does gum recession always need treatment?
Not always. Some recession is mild and stable, and a dentist may simply monitor it. Treatment becomes more important when recession is progressing, when roots are sensitive or prone to decay, or when gum disease is present. A dental exam is the way to know which applies to you.
Schedule a gum health evaluation
If you have noticed longer-looking teeth, sensitivity, or bleeding gums, our team can examine your gums, check for gum disease, and recommend next steps. New patients are welcome, and you can contact us or call the office nearest you.
- Parham Road: 2314 E Parham Rd, Henrico, VA 23228, (804) 261-1970
- Brook Road: 9007 Brook Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060, (804) 372-4420
First time with us? Visit our new patient page to get started.
Quick takeaways
- Gum recession exposes the tooth root, which raises the risk of sensitivity and decay.
- It is common: about half of adults 18 to 64 and 88 percent of people 65 and older have it at one or more sites.
- Gum disease, hard brushing, tobacco, thin gum tissue, tooth position, and piercings are the main contributors.
- Receding gums do not grow back, but treatment can stop progression and grafting can cover exposed roots.
- Use a soft brush, short gentle strokes, and replace the brush every three to four months.
- Keep regular cleanings and exams, and do not use tobacco.
- See a dentist if you notice a visible root, new sensitivity, or bleeding gums.
Sources
- Cleveland Clinic. Gum Recession: Causes, Prevention, Surgery & Treatment.
- Kassab MM, Cohen RE. The etiology and prevalence of gingival recession. Journal of the American Dental Association. 2003;134(2):220-225.
- American Academy of Periodontology. Surgical Procedures: Gum Graft Surgery.
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH. Periodontal (Gum) Disease.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Periodontal (Gum) Disease.
- American Dental Association. Brushing Your Teeth. MouthHealthy.org.
