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.
Last updated 2026-07-29
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.
Common patterns people notice
- gum recession
- sensitive roots
- longer-looking teeth
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.
What to do now
- Use a soft toothbrush and avoid scrubbing hard at the gumline.
- Note whether recession is stable, increasing or linked with sensitivity or bleeding.
- Book assessment if recession is changing, uneven, sensitive or affecting confidence.
What to avoid
- Do not brush harder to try to remove recession.
- Do not ignore recession with bleeding, pus, swelling or loose teeth.
When to arrange a dental assessment
- Arrange assessment if gums are receding, roots are sensitive, teeth look longer, or recession appears to be progressing.
What a dentist may need to assess
- Gum thickness, recession depth, brushing factors, gum pockets, bone support, bite forces, root exposure and decay risk.
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.
Possible next steps
- Monitoring, brushing changes, cleaning, sensitivity management, bite review, periodontal treatment or referral may be discussed.
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.