Receding gums don’t fix themselves. But with the right care, the progression can be stopped.
What Are Receding Gums?
Gum recession happens when more of your teeth are visible due to the tissue surrounding them pulling back — or in advanced cases, the root beneath it.
The exposed root is softer and more porous than enamel, which explains why sensitivity is often the first sign that something is wrong. You might also notice a notch near the gum line, or that certain teeth look longer than others.
Recessions tend to happen gradually, which is why they often go undetected until a routine dental check-up.
What Causes Gum Recession?
There’s rarely a single cause. In most cases, it’s a combination of factors that develop over time.
- Gum disease is the most common driver. Plaque that isn’t properly removed leads to inflammation, which gradually damages gum tissue and the bone supporting the teeth.
- Brushing too hard is another frequent contributor. Aggressive brushing — especially with a hard-bristled toothbrush — wears away gum tissue over time. Technique matters as much as frequency.
- Genetics also plays a role. Some people are predisposed to thin or fragile gum tissue regardless of their oral hygiene habits.
Other contributing factors include:
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) — sustained pressure damages both gums and supporting bone
- Misaligned teeth — uneven bite forces can cause localised recession
- Smoking — reduces blood flow to gum tissue and impairs the body’s ability to repair itself
- Hormonal changes — particularly during pregnancy or menopause
- Ill-fitting dental appliances — can irritate gum tissue over time
Identifying the causes of the recession is essential before deciding on treatment.
Signs Your Gums May Be Receding
Recession is often painless in the early stages. These are the signs worth paying attention to:
- Tooth sensitivity — particularly to cold, heat, or sweet foods
- Teeth that look longer — often the first visible change people notice
- A notch at the gum line — a visible step or indentation at the base of the tooth
- Bleeding or tender gums — often linked to underlying gum disease
- Loose teeth — in more advanced cases, when bone support has been affected
Catching the recession early gives you more options and simpler treatment.
Can Receding Gums Grow Back?
Not on their own. Gum tissue doesn’t regenerate on its own — once it’s lost, it stays lost unless treated. However, progression can be stopped, and where recession is significant, procedures exist to restore what’s been lost.
Treatment Options
Scaling and Root Planing
If the root reason is gum disease, a deep clean below the gum line comes first. Scaling and root planing remove built-up tartar from root surfaces and reduce bacterial activity. For many patients, this — combined with improved home care — is enough to stabilise the condition.
Adjusting Brushing Technique
To reduce further tissue loss, switch to a soft-bristle toothbrush and use gentle circular strokes instead of scraping. Electric toothbrushes with pressure sensors are useful for patients who brush too hard without realising it.
Night Guards for Grinding
A custom-fitted mouthguard reduces the pressure on gums and bone during sleep. It won’t reverse the existing recession, but it removes a significant source of ongoing damage.
Gum Grafting
For cases with significant tissue loss, grafting is the most effective way to restore coverage. To cover the exposed root, tissue from the roof of the mouth is affixed to the afflicted location. Depending on the severity of the treatment, recovery usually takes one to two weeks.
Pinhole Surgical Technique
Some patients are candidates for this less invasive alternative. Rather than harvesting tissue from a second site, a small opening in the gum allows existing tissue to be repositioned over the recession.
In general, there is less discomfort and a shorter recovery than traditional grafting. Suitability is assessed at examination.
How to Prevent It from Getting Worse
- Brush two times a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush, applying mild pressure.
- Floss daily to clear plaque along the gum line
- Attend regular professional cleans — tartar cannot be removed at home
- Avoid smoking
- Wear a mouthguard if you grind at night
- Monitor changes and report them early — don’t wait for your next scheduled visit
There’s no single fix. Consistent professional care, combined with good habits at home, is what keeps the recession from progressing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Receding Gums
Can receding gums be reversed?
Gum tissue doesn’t grow back on its own. However, procedures such as gum grafting can restore coverage when significant recession has occurred. The priority in most cases is stopping further progression.
Is gum recession painful?
Not always. Many people don’t experience pain until the root is significantly exposed. Sensitivity to cold or sweet foods is often the first noticeable symptom.
How long does gum grafting take to heal?
Most patients recover within one to two weeks. The timeline varies according to the number of teeth treated and the patient’s healing response.
Do I need surgery to treat receding gums?
Not necessarily. Mild to moderate recession is often managed with a professional deep clean and improved home care. Surgery is considered when tissue loss is more significant.
How do I know if my gums are receding?
Common signs include teeth that look longer than usual, sensitivity near the gum line, or a visible notch at the base of a tooth. A dental examination will confirm the extent of any recession.
Gum Treatment in North Sydney
If you’ve noticed changes in your gums, visit us before they progress further.
At Smile Sydney, we see patients from across the North Sydney area, including Neutral Bay, Kirribilli, Milsons Point, and Cremorne.
Our team will assess the recession, identify what’s contributing to it, and explain your options clearly — no pressure, no guesswork.
Call us on (02) 9955 3244 or book online. We’re located at Level 1, 93 Pacific Highway, North Sydney.