No. Gum tissue doesn’t regenerate naturally once it has receded, which is why early intervention matters. Treatment can stop further recession and, in some cases, restore lost tissue through grafting, but it won’t reverse on its own.
Gum Recession: Causes, Prevention & Treatment Options
If you’ve noticed your teeth looking longer than they used to, or you’ve developed sensitivity to hot and cold, you may be dealing with gum recession. It’s one of the most common concerns we see at Puresmile Earley Dental & Implants in Reading, and the good news is that it’s both preventable and treatable when caught early.
This guide covers what causes receding gums, how to stop the problem progressing, the receding gums treatment options available, and how to look after your gums once treatment is complete – all from our practice in Earley, serving patients across Reading and the wider Berkshire area.
What Is Gum Recession?
Gum recession happens when the gum tissue surrounding your teeth wears away or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth – and sometimes the tooth root – than is healthy. It usually develops gradually, which is why many patients don’t notice it until the recession is fairly advanced.
Left untreated, gum recession can lead to:
- Tooth sensitivity – exposed roots react to hot, cold, and sweet foods
- Increased risk of tooth decay – root surfaces aren’t protected by enamel
- Notches or grooves at the gum line – caused by the recession itself
- Loose teeth – in more advanced cases, as supporting bone is affected
- An uneven or “toothy” smile – a cosmetic concern for many patients
Because gum recession rarely reverses on its own, understanding the cause is the first step towards effective treatment.
What Causes Gum Recession?
There isn’t usually a single cause – gum recession tends to result from a combination of factors:
Gum disease (periodontal disease) – the most common cause. Plaque and tartar build-up along the gum line trigger inflammation that gradually breaks down gum tissue and the bone beneath it.
Overly vigorous brushing – brushing too hard, or using a hard-bristled brush, can wear away gum tissue over time, particularly along the outer surfaces of the teeth.
Genetics – some people are simply more prone to thin or fragile gum tissue, making recession more likely even with good oral hygiene.
Teeth grinding (bruxism) – excessive force on the teeth can affect the surrounding gum and bone.
Misaligned teeth or bite issues – teeth that sit outside the normal arch often have thinner gum coverage, making them more vulnerable to recession.
Smoking and tobacco use – linked to higher rates of plaque build-up and slower gum healing.
Hormonal changes – fluctuations during pregnancy, puberty, or menopause can make gums more sensitive and prone to recession.
Lip or tongue piercings – jewellery can repeatedly rub against the gum, wearing it away in that area.
Identifying which of these applies to you is an important part of any assessment, since prevention and treatment both depend on addressing the underlying cause – not just the symptom.
Prevention: How to Stop Gum Recession Before It Starts
Prevention is always preferable to treatment, and for most patients, gum recession can be significantly slowed or avoided altogether with the right habits.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a gentle technique. Brushing hard doesn’t clean teeth better – it just damages gum tissue. A soft brush, held at a 45-degree angle to the gum line with light pressure, is far more effective and much safer for your gums.
Keep up with regular hygiene appointments. Professional cleaning removes the plaque and tartar that brushing at home can’t reach, particularly below the gum line where early gum disease begins.
Treat gum disease early. If you notice bleeding, swelling, or tenderness in your gums, don’t wait – early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) is reversible, but once it progresses to periodontitis, some damage becomes permanent.
Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth. This protects both your teeth and the surrounding gum and bone from excessive force.
Address misaligned teeth. Straightening treatment such as Invisalign can reduce the strain on thinly-covered teeth and make a real difference to long-term gum health.
Avoid smoking. Beyond the wider health risks, smoking is strongly linked to gum disease and slower healing.
Have your bite and gum health checked regularly. Many of our patients across Reading, Earley, and Berkshire are surprised to learn that recession can be spotted at a routine check-up long before it becomes noticeable or uncomfortable – which is exactly when it’s easiest to manage.
Receding Gums Treatment: What Are the Options?
The right receding gums treatment depends on how advanced the recession is, what’s causing it, and whether any bone loss has occurred. Treatment usually falls into one of three categories.
Non-Surgical Treatment
For mild to moderate cases, particularly where gum disease is the underlying cause, non-surgical approaches are often enough:
- Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) – removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smooths the tooth root so gums can reattach more easily
- Antibacterial treatments – used alongside deep cleaning where infection is present
- Desensitising treatments – applied to exposed roots to manage sensitivity while the underlying issue is addressed
- Bite adjustment or a night guard – where grinding or bite issues are contributing to the problem
Composite Bonding for Cosmetic Improvement
Where recession has left teeth looking longer or created visible notches at the gum line, composite bonding can be used to restore a more natural shape and reduce the appearance of exposed roots, without the need for surgery.
Surgical Treatment (Gum Grafting)
For more advanced recession, particularly where the root is significantly exposed or bone has been affected, a soft tissue graft may be recommended. This involves taking tissue (often from the roof of the mouth, or using specialised grafting material) and attaching it to the affected area to cover the exposed root and rebuild the gum line. This not only improves appearance but protects the tooth from further sensitivity and decay.
In cases where recession is linked to misalignment, we may also recommend combining gum treatment with Invisalign to correct the underlying positioning of the teeth and prevent recurrence.
What to Expect: Consultation to Recovery
Step 1: Assessment. We examine your gums, measure the extent of recession, and check for any signs of active gum disease or bone loss, often supported by x-rays.
Step 2: Identifying the cause. Since recession has many possible triggers, we’ll talk through your brushing habits, grinding, alignment, and general health to understand what’s driving the problem.
Step 3: Treatment. Depending on severity, this might mean a course of deep cleaning appointments, cosmetic bonding, or referral for a gum graft procedure.
Step 4: Aftercare and review. We’ll monitor healing and gum health at follow-up appointments to make sure the treatment has been effective and recession hasn’t progressed further.
Aftercare: Protecting Your Gums Long-Term
Whatever treatment path you take, aftercare plays a major role in keeping results stable and preventing further recession:
- Switch to a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush with a gentle, timed technique
- Use a desensitising toothpaste if root exposure has caused sensitivity
- Avoid abrasive whitening products on exposed root surfaces, which are softer than enamel
- Keep up regular hygiene visits every 3-6 months, or as recommended
- Wear a night guard if grinding is a factor
- Watch for early warning signs – bleeding gums, sensitivity, or visible changes at the gum line – and get them checked promptly rather than waiting for your next routine appointment
- Follow post-surgical care instructions closely if you’ve had a gum graft, including any guidance on diet, brushing around the graft site, and follow-up visits
Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Recession
Can receding gums grow back on their own?
Is gum recession the same as gum disease?
Not exactly, though the two are closely linked. Gum disease is one of the most common causes of gum recession, but recession can also be caused by brushing technique, genetics, grinding, or misalignment, without active disease being present.
How do I know if I have receding gums?
Common signs include teeth appearing longer than before, visible notches at the gum line, sensitivity to hot or cold, and sometimes a change in how your bite feels. A dental examination is the most reliable way to confirm and measure recession.
Does gum recession treatment hurt?
Non-surgical treatments like deep cleaning are generally well tolerated, often with local anaesthetic if needed. Gum grafting is a surgical procedure, so some discomfort during recovery is normal, but it’s manageable with appropriate aftercare and pain relief.
Can I stop gum recession from getting worse without surgery?
In many mild to moderate cases, yes. Improving brushing technique, treating any underlying gum disease, wearing a night guard if needed, and attending regular hygiene appointments can stop recession progressing without surgical intervention.
How much does receding gums treatment cost?
Costs vary depending on whether treatment involves deep cleaning, cosmetic bonding, or a surgical graft. We provide a clear, personalised quote after your consultation and assessment. Visit our fees page for general guidance.
Is gum recession more common as you get older?
It becomes more common with age, partly due to cumulative wear from brushing and years of gum health history, but it can affect younger patients too, particularly where genetics, grinding, or piercings are a factor.
Book a Gum Health Assessment in Berkshire
If you’ve noticed signs of gum recession, or simply want a professional check to catch any early changes, our team at Puresmile Earley Dental & Implants can assess your gum health and talk you through the most suitable receding gums treatment for your situation.
Located on Wokingham Road in Earley, Reading, we’re easily accessible for patients across Berkshire and the surrounding area, including Woodley, Winnersh, Twyford, Wokingham, Sonning, Caversham, and Shinfield.
Book your gum health assessment today by calling 0118 966 9134 or visiting our Dental Hygiene page to find out more.
Puresmile Earley Dental Practice
0118 966 9134
