Monitor stability
If recession is stable and low-risk, monitoring and prevention may be enough.
Gum recession
Gum recession can expose tooth roots, create sensitivity and affect gum stability, with causes including brushing trauma, gum disease and bite pressure.
Review required by Newstead Dental Co
Why are my gums receding?
Gum recession can be stable or progressive. The important question is whether the gum is simply lower than before, or whether the tooth and surrounding support are still at risk.
What you may be worried about
- Teeth may become sensitive or look longer.
- Recession may continue.
- Roots may become more vulnerable to decay or wear.
Possible causes
- Brushing pressure or abrasive technique.
- Gum disease and loss of supporting bone.
- Thin gum tissue, tooth position or orthodontic history.
- Grinding, clenching or bite forces.
When to treat this as urgent
Urgency level: routine
- Recession is changing quickly.
- There is bleeding, pus, loose teeth or swelling.
- Sensitivity is severe or isolated to one tooth.
Options that may be considered
Reduce risk factors
Brushing technique, plaque control, bite forces and gum inflammation may need attention.
Specialist discussion
Some cases may benefit from periodontal advice if coverage or support is a concern.
What we would consider before recommending treatment
- Whether recession is stable or progressing.
- Gum thickness, brushing factors and bone support.
- Sensitivity, root exposure and decay risk.
If it were our own teeth
If it were our own gums, we would want to know whether recession is active before deciding whether to treat, monitor or refer.
A sensible next step
Book an assessment if recession is increasing, sensitive, uneven or associated with bleeding.
Choosing the next step
Use the emergency pathway only when the problem may need urgent review.
For routine, planned, or unclear but non-urgent concerns, book a normal appointment. For swelling, trauma, severe pain, bleeding, or a broken tooth that cannot wait, use the emergency assessment instead.
Common questions
Can receding gums grow back?
Gum tissue generally does not regrow on its own. The key is understanding cause, stability and whether treatment is needed.
Is gum recession always gum disease?
No. It can also relate to brushing pressure, tooth position, thin tissue or bite forces.
Want us to assess your situation?
Book when you feel ready to understand the problem, options and next step.