Gum recession: a common problem worth catching early
Gum recession is one of the most common gum problems seen at the dental office. When the gum tissue pulls back, it exposes part of the tooth root that is normally protected. Left untreated, receding gums can lead to sensitivity, pain and, in advanced cases, tooth loss. Good treatment does not stop at relieving symptoms: it also addresses the cause of the recession.
At the clinic, gum recession is treated as part of gum disease treatment, from conservative care to surgery. Every treatment starts with a thorough assessment of the mouth and gums, including X-rays when needed, so that the plan fits your specific situation.
What is gum recession, and what are the symptoms?
Gum recession is a condition in which the gum tissue pulls back from the tooth, exposing the root that is normally covered by the gum.
It develops gradually, and patients are often unaware of it until it is advanced. Receding gums are not only a cosmetic issue: without treatment they can cause real health problems, including tooth loss.
Symptoms of gum recession worth knowing:
- Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods
- Teeth that look longer than they used to
- Visible pockets or spaces between the teeth and gums
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Red or swollen gums
- Bad breath that does not go away after brushing
The diagnosis measures how far the gum has receded and how deep the gum pockets are, with X-rays when needed, while looking at possible causes and your overall oral health. Early detection is the key to stopping progression and getting the best results from treatment.
What causes gum recession?
Gum recession becomes more common with age, but it is not inevitable. With good oral hygiene, regular dental visits and preventive care, it can often be prevented or significantly slowed. Some specific risk factors, however, make it more likely.
The main cause of gum recession is gum disease (periodontitis), caused by plaque build-up and bacterial infection. Other causes include:
Gum disease is very common: according to a US national survey (NHANES 2009-2014), about 42% of adults aged 30 and over have periodontitis, and about 8% have a severe form. Genetics also play a part: some people are predisposed to gum disease even with careful oral hygiene.
42%
of US adults aged 30+ have periodontitis (Eke et al., 2018)
Another major factor is brushing technique: brushing too hard or with a hard-bristled toothbrush can damage the gum tissue and contribute to recession over time. Orthodontic treatment can also increase the risk if oral hygiene is not maintained during treatment.
Other contributing factors include smoking and tobacco use (which weaken the immune response and raise the risk of gum disease), teeth grinding (bruxism), trauma to the mouth, tongue or lip piercings and hormonal changes (particularly in women during pregnancy or menopause). Spotting these risk factors early helps prevent the disease and allows early treatment, such as scaling and root planing, when needed.
Gum recession treatment: how to fix receding gums
Gum recession treatment is tailored to how severe the recession is and to what is causing it. In mild cases, better oral hygiene and a professional cleaning may be enough. More advanced cases need more extensive treatment.
The basic treatment is scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning below the gum line. It removes plaque and tartar that have built up under the gum, reduces inflammation and allows the gums to reattach to the tooth. Scaling and root planing is the basic non-surgical treatment for gum disease, and according to a systematic review by the American Dental Association (ADA), it improves the attachment of the gum to the tooth.
For significant recession, or when roots are clearly exposed, gum surgery to cover the exposed root may be recommended; the techniques are described in the next section.
Follow-up and preventive care are a critical part of long-term success. After treatment, regular visits are scheduled to monitor the gums and provide preventive care.
Examination, treatment plan and price quote
detailed and personalized
During the consultation, Dr Haim Aseriel examines your teeth, explains all the options and gives you a transparent price quote, with no obligation. The clinic is at 12 HaTnufa Street, Jerusalem.
Gum recession surgery: what does it involve?
Surgery for gum recession is an option when conservative methods are not enough. Also called gum grafting or soft tissue surgery, it includes several techniques designed to cover exposed roots and restore the appearance of the smile.
According to a Cochrane systematic review (2018), all the methods below are accepted for covering exposed roots; the right choice depends on the case. See our page on gum graft surgery for details.
Tissue grafts from the palate
Tissue is taken from the palate (a connective tissue graft or a free gingival graft) and placed in the area of recession, usually with the gum flap moved over the root. When the goal is both to cover the root and to thicken the gum, a connective tissue graft gives a slightly better result than the other methods.
Tissue substitutes
A processed tissue matrix is used instead of tissue from the palate, so no second surgical site is needed. According to the review, there is weak evidence that its results come closest to those of a palatal graft.
Regenerative materials
Biological proteins or membranes (guided tissue regeneration) encourage the supporting tissues to regenerate, combined with moving the flap. The review found no clear difference in root coverage between biological proteins and a palatal graft, while guided tissue regeneration gained more attachment but less coverage.
The surgery is done under local anesthesia. The surgeon prepares the area of recession, takes tissue from your palate (or uses a tissue substitute) and secures it with fine stitches. The choice of technique depends on the severity of the recession, the condition of the surrounding tissue and your expectations. In some cases, a platelet-rich fibrin concentrate (PRF) made from your own blood may be considered to support healing; PRF is prepared at the clinic in its own centrifuge, and the consultation determines whether it suits your case.
Less invasive approaches such as the tunnel technique, which covers the root with fewer incisions and stitches, may also be considered depending on the case. Some patients need a single procedure, others a series of treatments.
Gum surgery is not suitable for every patient. Smoking, some general health conditions and poor oral hygiene can affect the results. That is why a full assessment comes before any surgical recommendation and, where appropriate, conservative alternatives are offered: treating sensitivity, correcting brushing habits and close monitoring of the gums.
How to stop gum recession and keep your gums healthy
Preventing gum recession starts with good daily oral hygiene. Brush twice a day with the right technique, a soft toothbrush and gentle pressure. Avoid aggressive brushing, which can injure the gum tissue and speed up recession. Floss or use interdental brushes to remove plaque and food from areas a toothbrush cannot reach.
Regular visits to the dentist and dental hygienist allow your gums to be monitored and problems to be detected early. How often you need a check-up depends on your oral health and your personal risk of decay and gum disease: for many people it is every six months, for others more or less often, as the dentist recommends. Professional cleanings remove the tartar and plaque that drive gingivitis and, later, recession. The dentist can also spot harmful habits such as teeth grinding or a poor bite and suggest solutions such as a night guard or orthodontic treatment.
A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C and calcium, supports gum health. Quitting tobacco helps prevent recession: according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smokers have twice the risk of gum disease of non-smokers, and gum treatment works less well for them. Keeping chronic conditions such as diabetes under control also matters.
What happens after gum recession treatment?
After gum recession treatment, the first stage of healing is usually a matter of days to a few weeks, depending on the procedure.
01
The first days
Some swelling, sensitivity and light bleeding in the treated area are expected in the first days and are a normal part of healing. For pain relief, ask your dentist or pharmacist which medication and dose suit you. Mouth rinses (for example an antiseptic rinse) are used only as the dentist instructs.
02
Gentle brushing and soft foods
Avoid brushing the treated area directly in the first days, then move gradually to gentle brushing with an extra-soft brush, following the instructions you are given. Avoid hard, spicy or very hot foods at first and prefer soft, cool foods. Smoking can seriously impair healing, so avoid it completely during the healing period, for as long as your dentist advises.
03
Follow-up visits
Follow-up visits are part of the treatment protocol. The first one checks early healing and, if needed, removes the stitches; further visits are scheduled according to how healing progresses and the type of treatment performed.
Gum recession: consultation in Jerusalem
Gum recession should not be ignored: the earlier it is treated, the better the chances of success. The clinic team, led by Dr Haim Aseriel (DDS, NYU College of Dentistry), follows patients from diagnosis to follow-up, with options ranging from conservative care to surgery. The consultation is in English and ends with a clear treatment plan and a detailed written estimate; itemized receipts can be submitted to your insurer (coverage depends on your policy). The clinic is at 12 HaTnufa Street in Talpiot, south Jerusalem.
Gum recession: frequently asked questions
Gum recession is a condition in which the gum tissue pulls back from the tooth and exposes part of the root, which is normally covered by the gum. It develops gradually over time, and many people do not notice it until it is advanced.
The main cause of gum recession is gum disease (periodontitis), caused by plaque build-up and bacterial infection; about 42% of US adults aged 30 and over have periodontitis. Other causes include aggressive brushing or a hard toothbrush, smoking, teeth grinding (bruxism), oral piercings, trauma and hormonal changes.
Fixing receding gums depends on the severity and the cause. Mild cases usually need better oral hygiene, a corrected brushing technique and a professional cleaning, plus scaling and root planing when gum disease is active. When recession is significant or roots are clearly exposed, gum surgery to cover the root, such as a connective tissue graft, can be considered.
Receding gums do not grow back on their own, so no home treatment can restore them. At home you can stop or slow the progression: a soft toothbrush with gentle pressure, cleaning between the teeth, a fluoride or sensitivity toothpaste and not smoking. A dental check-up identifies the cause, and root coverage surgery can be considered when recession is significant.
To stop gum recession from getting worse, brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush and gentle pressure, clean between your teeth daily, avoid smoking and treat gum disease and teeth grinding. Check-up frequency depends on your oral health and personal risk: for many people it is every six months, for others more or less often, as the dentist recommends.
Sources
- Eke PI et al., Journal of the American Dental Association, 2018 – View the study
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Smoking, Gum Disease, and Tooth Loss – View the page
- Smiley CJ et al., Journal of the American Dental Association, 2015 – View the study
- Chambrone L et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2018 – View the study
- Fee PA et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020 – View the study
