Gum Recession: What Causes It and How It’s Treated

Gum recession is a condition that gets dismissed early and taken seriously too late. The gum tissue pulls back gradually; the change is subtle, and there’s often no pain — until sensitivity sets in, or a dentist points out how much root surface has been exposed.

By the time it’s noticeable, recession has usually been developing for some time. Here’s what causes it, the warning signs, and the treatment at each stage.

What Is Gum Recession?

Gum recession is the movement of gum tissue around a tooth that has pulled back, leaving the root surface area (the area below the natural gum line) exposed. It may involve one tooth or many teeth in various parts of the mouth.

A tooth has no enamel on its root; instead, it has a thin layer called cementum, which is much less resistant to decay or wear than enamel. When the root is exposed, it becomes vulnerable to sensitivity, decay, and further tissue loss.

Unlike enamel, gum tissue doesn’t regenerate on its own once it’s gone. The goal of treatment is to stop further recession and, where significant exposure has occurred, restore lost tissue.

Common Causes

The causes of recession are not always simple. It’s generally a gradual process of multiple factors.

Aggressive brushing

Brushing with a firm toothbrush or applying too much pressure is one of the most common causes — and one patients are frequently surprised by. The damage is cumulative and slow, which is why thorough brushers are sometimes the ones most affected.

Recession from aggressive brushing tends to be most pronounced on the outer surfaces of the teeth, where pressure is highest.

Gum disease

Periodontal disease is a leading cause of recession, particularly in adults. As a bacterial infection progresses below the gumline, it destroys the tissue and bone that support the teeth.

The gums pull back as the supporting structures break down. Recession from gum disease often affects multiple teeth and is accompanied by other signs — bleeding, swelling, bad breath, or loose teeth.

Teeth grinding

Bruxism places sustained, excessive force on the teeth and surrounding structures. Over time, this contributes to recession. Patients who grind at night are often unaware of it — a worn bite, morning jaw soreness, or cracked teeth are the usual first indicators.

Genetics

Some people inherit naturally thin or fragile gum tissue. Even with excellent oral hygiene and no gum disease, genetically thin gums are more prone to recession. This is particularly true where teeth sit toward the outer edge of the jaw.

Poor oral hygiene

Inadequate brushing and flossing allow plaque to accumulate along and below the gumline. This leads to inflammation, gum disease, and over time, recession.

Unlike aggressive brushing, which causes mechanical damage, poor hygiene causes bacterial damage — but the outcome for the gum tissue is similar.

Oral piercings

Lip and tongue piercings are a less commonly discussed but well-documented cause of localised recession. Repeated contact between the jewellery and the gum tissue causes chronic irritation and gradual tissue loss — particularly on the inner surface of the lower front teeth where tongue piercings most often make contact.

Symptoms and Signs

Because recession develops gradually, early signs are easy to overlook:

• Tooth sensitivity — particularly to cold temperatures, sweet foods, or cold air. Often the first symptom patients notice and the one that prompts a dental visit.
• Teeth that look longer — as the gumline drops, more of the tooth becomes visible.
• Visible root surface — the area below the natural gumline is a different colour and texture to the enamel above it, appearing more yellow and feeling rougher.
• A notch at the gumline — a small groove or indent where the gum meets the tooth, sometimes felt with the tongue before it’s visible.
• Loose teeth — in advanced cases where significant bone loss has occurred alongside the recession, teeth may feel less stable than usual.

Any of these warrant a professional assessment rather than home monitoring.

Why Treating It Early Matters

The longer recession goes unaddressed, the more complex treatment becomes. Exposed root surfaces decay significantly faster than enamel — and root cavities are more difficult to treat.

They develop in areas that are difficult to restore predictably and, in advanced cases, can compromise the tooth’s long-term viability. Sensitivity that starts as occasional sharpness can become persistent, affecting eating, drinking, and daily comfort.

Where recession is driven by gum disease, bone loss progresses alongside tissue loss. As the supporting structures deteriorate, teeth can become loose and eventually require extraction.

Treatment Options

Treatment is matched to the cause and the extent of recession present.

Improving brushing technique

Where aggressive brushing is contributing, switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush and correcting technique is the starting point.

Your Cabramatta dentist or hygienist will demonstrate the appropriate angle and pressure — usually a 45-degree angle to the gumline with gentle circular motions. This stops further mechanical damage without reversing what’s already occurred.

Scale and clean

If plaque and tartar buildup is driving gum inflammation, a professional scale and clean removes deposits that home brushing can’t reach — particularly below the gumline. Scaling and root planing clean deeper below the gum line and smooth root surfaces to prevent bacterial reattachment and promote tissue healing in cases of more severe gum disease.

Antibiotic therapy

If there is an active bacterial infection in addition to recession, an antibiotic can be administered alongside scaling and root planing. This is typically delivered as a topical gel applied directly into the gum pockets to target bacteria in the most affected areas.

In some cases, a short course of oral antibiotics is prescribed depending on the severity of the infection.

Gum graft surgery

Where recession has exposed a significant portion of the root — causing persistent sensitivity, aesthetic concern, or continued tissue loss — a gum graft is the most effective way to restore what’s been lost. A small amount of tissue, usually taken from the roof of the mouth, is sutured to the affected area.

This covers the exposed root, reduces sensitivity, and halts further recession at the grafted site. Most patients manage their recovery with standard over-the-counter pain relief and return to normal eating within 1 to 2 weeks.

Your Cabramatta dentist will assess which approach — or combination of approaches — is appropriate based on what’s driving the recession, how many teeth are affected, and how far the tissue loss has progressed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can gums that are receding regrow on their own?

No. Once gum tissue has receded, it doesn’t regenerate without intervention. Improving home care and treating underlying causes — such as gum disease and aggressive brushing — can prevent further recession. Restoring lost tissue requires a gum graft.

Is gum recession always noticeable?

Not in the early stages. A recession is often painless, and the visual change is subtle. Many patients only become aware of it when a dentist measures the gumline at a check-up, or when sensitivity develops. Regular examinations matter — recession identified early is significantly easier and less involved to treat.

Can oral piercings cause gum recession?

Yes. Tongue and lip piercings are a documented cause of localised recession, particularly on the inner surface of the lower front teeth. Repeated contact with the jewellery causes chronic irritation that gradually damages the gum tissue. If you have a piercing and have noticed recession or sensitivity in the area, have it assessed.

What does a gum graft involve?

A gum graft is performed under local anaesthetic. A small amount of tissue — usually from the palate — is removed and sutured to the area of recession. The site heals over a few weeks. Most patients find recovery more manageable than they expected and are back to normal eating within one to two weeks.

How do I know if my recession is from brushing or gum disease?

The pattern provides clues — brushing-related recession tends to be localised to specific teeth, often on the outer surface, and may coincide with notching at the gumline. Gum disease-related recession tends to affect multiple teeth and is often accompanied by other signs such as bleeding gums, bad breath, or loose teeth. A clinical assessment including gum pocket measurements is the only reliable way to determine the cause and extent.

Gum Recession Treatments in Cabramatta

If you’ve noticed sensitivity, longer-looking teeth, or visible root surfaces, get your gums assessed before the recession progresses further.

At Cabramatta Dental Care, we see patients from Cabramatta, Canley Vale, Fairfield, Bonnyrigg, and Liverpool.

Call us on (02) 9755 5300 or book online. Find us at 47 Arthur St, Cabramatta.