What is gum recession?

Gum recession is when the gum margin pulls back from the tooth, exposing part of the root. Teeth look "longer", and you may feel sensitivity at the neck of the tooth with cold or sweet foods. Recession develops slowly, so many people notice it late. This guide was written under the supervision of Dr. Banan Alhawamdeh, periodontics and gum surgery specialist.

Causes of gum recession

  • Gum disease: periodontitis destroys the bone and supporting tissue, so the gum recedes โ€” the most important cause.
  • Brushing too hard or using a hard toothbrush.
  • Grinding and excessive pressure on certain teeth.
  • Naturally thin gums โ€” some people are genetically more prone.
  • Tooth position: teeth sitting outside the arch are more at risk.
  • Smoking and tartar build-up.
  • Some orthodontic movements or ill-fitting fillings and crowns at the gumline.

Symptoms

  • Exposed root surface, or teeth that look longer.
  • Sensitivity at the neck of the tooth to cold, sweets or brushing.
  • Dark triangular gaps between teeth.
  • Decay on the exposed root.
  • In advanced cases: loose teeth.

Do receding gums grow back?

Receded gums don't grow back on their own. The good news: recession can be stopped by treating its cause, and in many cases exposed roots can be covered surgically.

Treating gum recession

1. Treat the cause

Treating gum inflammation with deep cleaning, correcting brushing technique, and a night guard for grinders. This step comes before anything else.

2. Manage sensitivity

Desensitising pastes and agents, or tooth-coloured bonding to cover the neck of the tooth in some cases.

3. Gum grafting (root coverage surgery)

A small piece of tissue โ€” often from the palate โ€” or a tissue substitute is used to cover the exposed root and thicken the gum. This is core gum surgery, protecting the tooth and improving appearance.

4. Orthodontics in selected cases

If a tooth sits outside the arch, orthodontics can move it to a better position.

How to prevent recession

Frequently asked questions

Is gum recession serious?

If caused by untreated periodontitis, it can lead to loose teeth and tooth loss. Mild recession from brushing can be easily stopped.

Is gum grafting painful?

It's done under local anaesthesia. There may be discomfort during the first days of healing, especially at the donor site, managed with painkillers and aftercare.

Can toothpaste fix receding gums?

Toothpastes can ease sensitivity but don't restore receded gums or treat the cause.

Have your gums checked by a specialist

If your teeth look longer or feel sensitive near the gumline, book a check-up with Dr. Banan Alhawamdeh, periodontics specialist in Sweifieh, Amman. Book your appointment.

Note: this article is for general education and doesn't replace a clinical examination. The right treatment is chosen after assessing your case at the clinic.