Have you noticed that your teeth look a little longer than they used to? Maybe your gums seem to be pulling away from your teeth, or you’ve started experiencing sensitivity when drinking something cold. These changes could be signs of gum recession, a common dental concern that can develop gradually over time.

Because gum recession often happens slowly, many people don’t recognize the problem until they notice visible changes or begin experiencing discomfort. Unfortunately, once gum tissue has receded, it generally does not grow back on its own.

That doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Depending on the cause and severity of the recession, dental treatment can help protect exposed tooth roots, improve gum health, and prevent additional damage. In some cases, periodontal procedures may also help restore coverage over exposed roots.

At Briargate Dental in Colorado Springs, we help patients identify changes in their gum health and understand their treatment options. If you’re concerned about receding gums, here’s what you should know about the causes, warning signs, and ways to protect your smile.

What Are Receding Gums?

Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue surrounding a tooth moves away from its normal position, exposing more of the tooth or its root.

Healthy gums form a protective seal around your teeth. They help protect the underlying roots and supporting structures from bacteria, irritation, and other potential problems.

When gums recede, the exposed root surfaces become more vulnerable to sensitivity, decay, and additional wear.

Unlike the visible crowns of your teeth, which are protected by enamel, tooth roots are covered by a thinner protective layer called cementum. This makes exposed roots particularly sensitive to temperature changes and other stimuli.

Gum recession may affect a single tooth, several teeth, or multiple areas throughout the mouth.

What Do Receding Gums Look Like?

Gum recession doesn’t always cause pain, especially in its early stages. For many patients, the first noticeable sign is a change in the appearance of their smile.

Common signs include:

• Teeth that appear longer than before
• An uneven gumline
• Visible tooth roots
• Small notches near the gumline
• Increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods
• Gaps that seem to be developing between teeth
• Red, swollen, or irritated gums
• Bleeding when brushing or flossing

Not everyone with gum recession experiences all these symptoms. Some people have noticeable recession without sensitivity or discomfort.

Regular dental examinations are important because your dentist can identify changes in gum position before they become obvious to you.

What Causes Receding Gums?

There isn’t always one specific cause of gum recession. In many cases, several factors contribute to the gradual loss or movement of gum tissue.

Understanding these factors is important because successful treatment often involves addressing the underlying cause, not simply treating the visible recession.

1. Gum Disease

Periodontal disease is one of the most significant causes of gum recession.

Gum disease begins when bacteria and plaque accumulate around the teeth and along the gumline. If plaque isn’t removed through daily oral hygiene and professional cleanings, it can contribute to inflammation and infection.

Early gum disease, called gingivitis, may cause redness, swelling, and bleeding. If the condition progresses to periodontitis, it can damage the tissues and bone supporting the teeth.

As these supporting structures become compromised, the gums may recede, and teeth may eventually become loose.

Briargate Dental provides gum and bone dental services to help patients address periodontal concerns and protect the structures supporting their teeth.

2. Brushing Too Hard

Brushing your teeth is essential, but more pressure doesn’t necessarily mean cleaner teeth.

Using a hard-bristled toothbrush or aggressively scrubbing along the gumline can contribute to gum irritation and recession over time.

Some patients develop recession primarily around the teeth they brush most aggressively.

Switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush and using gentle, controlled movements can help reduce unnecessary trauma to the gums.

If you’re unsure whether your brushing technique is contributing to the problem, ask your dental hygienist for guidance during your next appointment.

3. Teeth Grinding and Clenching

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, places excessive pressure on the teeth and surrounding structures.

While grinding is not necessarily the direct cause of every case of gum recession, repeated force can contribute to dental wear and may complicate existing periodontal concerns.

People who grind their teeth may also experience jaw soreness, headaches, flattened teeth, and sensitivity.

Learn more about these symptoms in our article on seven signs you’re grinding your teeth and what to do about it.

4. Genetics and Naturally Thin Gum Tissue

Some people naturally have thinner gum tissue than others. This can make certain areas more vulnerable to recession, even when they practice good oral hygiene.

Genetics may also influence susceptibility to periodontal disease and other conditions affecting the gums.

If your parents or other family members have experienced gum recession, it’s worth discussing your family dental history with your dentist.

5. Tooth Position and Orthodontic Factors

The position of your teeth can influence how much gum tissue and supporting bone surround them.

Teeth that sit outside the ideal position within the jaw may have thinner supporting tissues in certain areas.

In some cases, orthodontic tooth movement can also influence gum recession risk, particularly when teeth already have thin gum tissue or limited supporting bone.

This doesn’t mean orthodontic treatment automatically causes recession. Instead, it highlights the importance of evaluating gum health before and during tooth movement.

6. Tobacco Use

Smoking and other forms of tobacco use can negatively affect gum health.

Tobacco use is associated with an increased risk of periodontal disease and can interfere with the body’s ability to heal.

Smoking may also make some signs of gum inflammation less obvious, which can allow periodontal problems to progress without noticeable bleeding.

Reducing or eliminating tobacco use can support healthier gums and improve overall oral health.

7. Changes in Gum Health Over Time

Gum recession becomes more common with age, but aging itself doesn’t mean significant recession is inevitable.

Years of brushing habits, periodontal inflammation, tooth position, and other factors can gradually affect the gumline.

Maintaining consistent preventive care throughout adulthood can help reduce the risk of more advanced problems later in life.

For additional advice, read our guide on how to keep your gums healthy later in life.

Can Receding Gums Grow Back Naturally?

This is one of the most common questions patients ask about gum recession.

Unfortunately, gum tissue that has been lost through recession generally does not regenerate on its own.

Unlike some other tissues in the body, receded gum tissue typically cannot return to its original position simply through improved brushing, flossing, or home remedies.

However, improving oral hygiene and treating underlying problems can help stabilize the condition and reduce the risk of further recession.

In some cases, specialized periodontal procedures can provide additional coverage over exposed tooth roots.

The most appropriate approach depends on the severity of the recession, the health of the surrounding tissues, and the patient’s overall dental condition.

Can You Reverse Gum Recession?

Although gum recession usually cannot be reversed naturally, it can often be managed successfully.

For patients with mild recession, treatment may focus on identifying the cause and preventing additional tissue loss.

For more advanced cases, restorative or periodontal procedures may be recommended to protect exposed roots and improve gum coverage.

It’s important to distinguish between reversing the physical loss of gum tissue and controlling the condition that caused the recession.

For example, treating periodontal disease may help reduce inflammation and prevent additional damage, but it doesn’t automatically restore gum tissue that has already been lost.

What Happens If Receding Gums Are Left Untreated?

Not every case of gum recession progresses rapidly, but ignoring the condition can increase the risk of additional dental problems.

Potential complications include:

• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Exposed tooth roots
• Greater susceptibility to root cavities
• Additional gum recession
• Changes in the appearance of the smile
• Damage to supporting tissues when periodontal disease is present
• Tooth mobility in advanced periodontal cases
• Possible tooth loss when severe supporting tissue damage develops

Exposed roots are particularly vulnerable because they don’t have the same protective enamel covering as the visible crowns of your teeth.

If sensitivity is one of your primary symptoms, our article on seven common causes of tooth sensitivity explains why exposed roots can become uncomfortable.

How Do Dentists Treat Receding Gums?

Treatment depends on how much recession has occurred, what caused it, and whether there are other dental concerns that need attention.

Improving Brushing and Flossing Habits

For mild recession associated with aggressive brushing, your dentist may recommend adjusting your brushing technique and switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Proper flossing and daily plaque removal are also important for preventing gum inflammation.

These changes won’t restore lost gum tissue, but they may help prevent additional recession.

Professional Periodontal Treatment

If periodontal disease is contributing to recession, treatment may involve professional cleaning below the gumline to remove plaque and tartar from affected root surfaces.

Depending on the severity of the condition, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing or other periodontal treatments.

The goal is to reduce bacterial buildup and inflammation while helping stabilize the tissues supporting your teeth.

Desensitizing Treatments

When exposed roots cause sensitivity, your dentist may recommend fluoride applications, desensitizing products, or other treatments designed to reduce discomfort.

These treatments may improve comfort, but they don’t replace lost gum tissue.

Dental Bonding

In certain cases, dental bonding may be used to cover exposed root surfaces or repair areas affected by wear near the gumline.

Bonding can help protect vulnerable surfaces and improve appearance when appropriate.

However, it doesn’t treat the underlying cause of recession, so managing contributing factors remains important.

Gum Grafting

For some patients, gum grafting may be recommended to cover exposed roots or increase the amount of protective tissue around affected teeth.

During a gum grafting procedure, a periodontal specialist may use tissue from another area of the mouth or an appropriate grafting material to reinforce the gumline.

Not every patient with recession needs a graft, and the amount of root coverage that can be achieved varies.

Your dentist can determine whether a referral for periodontal evaluation is appropriate.

How Can You Prevent Gum Recession?

Although some risk factors are outside your control, many daily habits can help protect your gums.

Brush Gently With a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush

Use gentle pressure and avoid aggressive scrubbing. An electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor may be helpful for patients who tend to brush too hard.

Floss Every Day

Daily flossing helps remove plaque and food debris from areas your toothbrush can’t easily reach.

Be gentle around the gumline rather than snapping floss forcefully between teeth.

Schedule Routine Dental Visits

Regular dental examinations allow your dentist to monitor gum levels, identify inflammation, and detect early signs of periodontal disease.

Professional cleanings also remove hardened tartar that can’t be eliminated through brushing and flossing alone.

Address Teeth Grinding

If you grind or clench your teeth, ask your dentist whether protective treatment may be appropriate.

Reducing excessive pressure on the teeth can help protect against wear and other complications.

Avoid Tobacco Products

Smoking and tobacco use increase the risk of periodontal disease and can interfere with healing.

Quitting tobacco is one of the most beneficial steps you can take for both your oral health and overall health.

Pay Attention to Changes in Your Gums

Watch for bleeding, swelling, sensitivity, exposed roots, or changes in the appearance of your gumline.

Early evaluation can help prevent relatively manageable problems from progressing into more complicated conditions.

When Should You See a Dentist for Receding Gums?

Schedule a dental appointment if you notice your gums pulling away from your teeth, new sensitivity near the gumline, or changes in the appearance of your teeth.

You should also seek evaluation if you experience:

• Bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Persistent gum inflammation
• Exposed tooth roots
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Pain when chewing
• Visible changes in your gumline

Even when recession isn’t painful, your dentist can evaluate whether the condition is stable or progressing.

For more information about dental warning signs, visit our article on the top 10 signs you should schedule a dental appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Receding Gums

Can Receding Gums Grow Back on Their Own?

No. Gum tissue that has receded generally does not grow back naturally. However, improving oral hygiene and treating underlying conditions can help prevent additional recession. Some patients may benefit from periodontal procedures that provide coverage over exposed roots.

Can Brushing Too Hard Cause Gum Recession?

Yes. Aggressive brushing and hard-bristled toothbrushes can contribute to gum recession over time. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle pressure can help protect your gum tissue.

Is Gum Recession Always a Sign of Gum Disease?

No. Although periodontal disease is a major cause of recession, other factors can contribute, including aggressive brushing, naturally thin gum tissue, tooth position, and other mechanical factors.

Can Receding Gums Cause Tooth Sensitivity?

Yes. When gums recede, portions of the tooth roots become exposed. Because roots are not protected by thick enamel, they may become sensitive to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages.

Does Gum Grafting Permanently Fix Receding Gums?

Gum grafting can provide long-lasting improvements for appropriately selected patients, but results vary. Continued oral hygiene, periodontal maintenance, and management of contributing factors are important for protecting the treated area.

How Do I Know If My Gum Recession Is Serious?

Recession should be evaluated if you notice exposed roots, increasing sensitivity, bleeding gums, loose teeth, or changes in your bite. A dentist can measure the recession, assess the supporting tissues, and recommend treatment when necessary.

Protect Your Gum Health at Briargate Dental in Colorado Springs

Receding gums can develop gradually, making it easy to overlook early changes. While lost gum tissue generally won’t grow back naturally, identifying the cause and addressing it early can help protect your teeth and prevent additional problems.

At Briargate Dental, we provide comprehensive dental care for patients throughout Colorado Springs, including evaluation and treatment of gum-related concerns. Our team can assess your gum health, identify potential causes of recession, and recommend appropriate treatment options based on your individual needs.

If you’ve noticed that your gums are pulling away from your teeth or you’re experiencing sensitivity near the gumline, schedule an appointment with Briargate Dental today. We’ll help you understand what’s happening and develop a plan to protect your gums and maintain a healthier smile.