We talk about people getting ‘long in the tooth’, but having receding gums isn’t necessarily related to age.

Although gum tissue does recede as we get older, worrying levels of gum recession – where the gum line pulls away from the tooth, making teeth look longer – can happen at any age, even if you’re diligent about dental hygiene. If the gum recedes to the point where the vulnerable tooth root is exposed, it may become sensitive and is also at high risk of decay.

Why it happens

Bupa Dental’s Dr Greg Thomas says gum disease is the primary cause of gum recession – a condition where tissue surrounding teeth becomes infected, making gums red, swollen and more likely to bleed. This is a serious problem because it leaves gaps between the gum and teeth where bacteria can get trapped, and if it’s not treated, the bone supporting the teeth can be harmed – and that could lead to loose or missing teeth.

Being too forceful with brushing can also cause receding gums, and it doesn’t matter whether you’re using an electric or manual brush.

“Go with a gentle, efficient action, and a soft toothbrush,” Dr Thomas says. “That way, when you’re brushing, you’re not traumatising the gums, which can lead to gum recession.”
Other causes of receding gums include smoking, genetics, poor-fitting dentures and trauma to the gums, such as from having had braces or tongue and lip piercings.

Receding gum treatment

Dr Thomas says prevention is always better than cure, but if you’ve already developed receding gums you can definitely stop further damage. For example, if poor brushing technique is the cause, ask your dentist to show you how to brush correctly to prevent further recession. Even if that sounds too basic (‘I’ve been brushing my teeth my whole life!’), you might be getting it subtly wrong and not know it. Quitting smoking can have significant benefits for your gum health, too.

If gum disease is the cause, this condition can be stopped more easily in its first stage, known as gingivitis. If it gets to the periodontitis stage, treatment may be harder (and can even include surgery to remove affected teeth).

A professional clean by a dentist can remove plaque and tartar from your gums at a level you won’t be able to achieve with a toothbrush. Sometimes receding gum treatment includes root planing, which is a deep clean under the gums to get rid of bacteria on teeth roots. This requires a local anaesthetic and may cause some discomfort for up to 48 hours afterwards. 

There is research showing vitamin C can play a role in preventing and treating gum disease – chat to your dentist about whether boosting your vitamin C intake might help you.

Can receding gums grow back?

The short answer (sadly) is no. The tissue in your gums doesn’t regenerate the way other types of tissue does (like your skin, for example). Which means preventing receding is your best bet for long term gum health. 

Talk to a dentist near you

Find out more about healthy gums, and if you are concerned about your gums – book in to see your friendly Bupa dentist.