Gum Recession: Why It Happens and What You Can Do

Noticed a tooth looking a little longer than it used to? Or maybe your gums feel tender near the gumline, or a certain tooth has started reacting to cold drinks. These are common signs of gum recession, and it's something we see regularly at North Beach Dental. The good news is that once you understand why it happens, there is usually a lot you can do to stop it getting worse.

This article covers what gum recession actually is, what causes it, whether receding gums can grow back, and when it's worth having a referral to a specialist discussed. As always, this is general information. Your own gums are best assessed by a dentist who can look at your mouth and your history.

What is gum recession?

Gum recession happens when the gum tissue around a tooth pulls back, or wears away, exposing more of the tooth and sometimes the root underneath. It tends to happen slowly, so many people don't notice it until a tooth looks longer, or a cold drink suddenly stings in one spot.

Recession itself isn't a disease. It's a change in the gum line that can have several different causes. Some of those causes are within your control, and some aren't.

Gum recession causes

There's rarely just one reason gums recede. In most cases, it's a mix of a few things working together over time.

Brushing too hard

Brushing too aggressively can cause the gum tissue to wear away, and the excessive pressure can cause gums to pull away from the teeth and expose more of the tooth root. A firm-bristled brush and heavy scrubbing can feel thorough, but gentle pressure with a soft brush is usually kinder to your gums over the long run.

Gum disease

Plaque that isn't cleaned away properly can lead to inflammation of the gums. If this isn't managed, it can progress to affect the deeper tissue and bone that support your teeth, which is one of the more common drivers of recession. This is different from simple gum recession caused by brushing, which is why it's worth understanding the difference between gum recession and gum disease rather than assuming they're the same thing.

Genetics and gum thickness

Some people are simply born with thinner gum tissue, which makes it more likely to recede even with gentle care. If a parent or sibling has had receding gums, you may be more prone to it too.

Teeth grinding and bite pressure

Clenching or grinding your teeth, especially overnight, puts extra force through the teeth and gums. Over time this pressure can contribute to the gum line pulling back around certain teeth.

Smoking and other lifestyle factors

Smoking affects blood flow to the gums and can make it harder for gum tissue to stay healthy. Along with a diet high in sugary or acidic food and drink, and skipping regular dental visits, this can all add to the overall risk.

Misaligned teeth

When teeth don't sit evenly against each other, some areas can take more pressure than others, which may wear the gum line faster in those spots. If crowding or a misaligned bite is part of the picture, straightening teeth is something an orthodontist can talk you through.

Can receding gums grow back?

This is one of the most common questions we're asked, and it's an important one to answer honestly. Gum tissue does not grow back on its own once it has receded. Once that tissue is gone, your body doesn't naturally rebuild it the way a cut on your skin heals over.

What you can do is stop the recession from getting worse, and manage the symptoms that come with it, such as sensitivity. This is really the main goal for most people: not reversing what's already happened, but protecting what you still have.

If the exposed root surface needs to be covered, that generally means a gum graft, which is a surgical procedure where tissue is used to cover the exposed area. This isn't something general dentists perform. It involves a referral to a periodontist, who is a specialist in treating the gums and the structures that support your teeth.

Gum recession treatment: what actually helps

Treatment depends on how far the recession has progressed and what's driving it. At North Beach Dental, the first step is always a proper look at what's going on, so we can explain what we're seeing and what the options are before anything happens.

Gum disease control

If plaque and tartar build-up below the gum line is part of the problem, a thorough clean to remove this is often the starting point. Our gum disease control service is aimed at getting this build-up under control and helping settle the inflammation that can drive further recession.

A better brushing technique

If brushing habits are contributing, we'll talk you through a gentler technique and the right brush for your mouth. Small changes here can make a real difference over months and years.

Managing grinding

If grinding is adding pressure to certain teeth, a splint worn at night can help take some of that force off your teeth and gums.

Referral to a periodontist

For recession that's more advanced, or where root coverage is wanted for comfort or appearance, we can discuss a referral to a periodontist for a gum grafting assessment. This is their area of focus, and they can explain what's realistic for your particular case. Results vary from person to person, so this is always a personal conversation rather than a one-size-fits-all answer.

Gum recession how to stop it getting worse

Whatever the cause, there are everyday habits that help protect the gum tissue you still have.

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, small circular movements rather than scrubbing side to side.
• Clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes.
• If you smoke, cutting back or quitting helps your gums as well as your general health.
• Mention any sensitivity, bleeding or changes you notice at your regular check-up, rather than waiting until your next visit is due.
• Keep up with your scale and clean appointments, generally about every six months, though your dentist will set the right timing for you.

We also take digital X-rays and an OPG, which is a panoramic X-ray that shows your whole jaw, right here at the practice. This means you don't need a separate trip somewhere else if we need a wider view of what's happening under the gum line.

When to see a dentist about gum recession

It's worth booking a check sooner rather than later if you notice any of the following:

• A tooth that looks longer than it used to
• New or ongoing sensitivity to cold, heat or sweet food
• Bleeding gums when you brush or floss
• Gums that look red, swollen, or are pulling back near one or two specific teeth
• A notch or groove you can feel near the gum line

If you notice spreading facial swelling, fever, trouble breathing or swallowing, or bleeding that won't stop, these need urgent attention at a hospital emergency department rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

For everyday sensitivity, following the directions on a desensitising toothpaste or asking your pharmacist about options is a reasonable first step while you wait for your appointment.

Frequently asked questions

Is gum recession the same as gum disease?

Not exactly. Gum recession is a change in the position of the gum tissue, while gum disease is an infection that affects the gums and the tissue and bone supporting your teeth. Gum disease is one possible cause of recession, but recession can also happen from brushing habits, genetics or grinding without disease being involved.

Can receding gums grow back on their own?

No. Gum tissue doesn't regenerate by itself once it has pulled back. Good home care and regular check-ups can help stop further recession, but they won't restore gum tissue that's already been lost. A periodontist can discuss gum grafting if coverage of the exposed root is wanted.

Does gum recession always need treatment?

Not always. Some mild, stable recession can simply be monitored at your regular check-ups. Your dentist will let you know whether what they see needs active treatment or just keeping an eye on over time.

Will my health fund cover gum recession treatment?

Many health funds offer some cover for gum-related treatment, though the details depend on your policy and the specific item numbers used. North Beach Dental is a preferred provider for HBF, Medibank, HCF and nib, which usually means a smaller gap for eligible treatment, though it's not free. If you're with another fund, you can still claim; it's worth asking us for the item numbers so you can check with your fund directly.

How often should I have my gums checked?

As a general guide, an exam and clean about every six months is a reasonable starting point for most people, with bitewing X-rays roughly every two years. Your dentist will set the right schedule for your own mouth, which may be more frequent if recession or gum disease is present.

Gum recession is common, and it's not something to feel embarrassed about raising with us. At North Beach Dental, we'll take a proper look, explain what we're seeing in plain language, and walk you through the treatment plan and costs before anything starts, so there are no surprises. If you're new to the practice, you can find out more about how we work on our about us page, and if you'd like to register, our new patients page explains what to expect at your first visit. You're welcome to choose a time online whenever suits you. We're located at 17 Lawley Street, North Beach, and welcome patients from Carine, Marmion, Watermans Bay, Trigg, Karrinyup, Scarborough, Warwick and right across Perth's northern beaches. To book a check-up or ask us about gum recession, call North Beach Dental on (08) 9447 1514 or book an appointment online today.