Receding Gums: Why It Happens and What You Can Do About It

Here is what you need to know about why gum recession happens, what to look out for, and the steps you can take to address it.

Concerned About Receding Gums?

What Is Gum Recession?

Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue surrounding your teeth wears away or pulls back, creating gaps or “pockets” between the teeth and the gumline. This exposes more of the tooth and, in more advanced cases, the tooth root. Because roots are not protected by enamel the way the crown of your tooth is, exposed roots can become sensitive, more vulnerable to decay, and uncomfortable.

Recession tends to happen gradually, which is why many people do not notice it until it has progressed. Regular dental check-ups at our Broadway dental clinic are one of the best ways to catch gum recession early, before it leads to bigger concerns.

Why Are My Gums Receding?

There is no single cause of the gum recession. It can result from a combination of factors, some within your control and others that are not.

Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)

This is the leading cause of receding gums. When bacteria in plaque and tartar trigger an infection in the gum tissue, the body’s inflammatory response can gradually destroy gum tissue and the bone that holds your teeth in place. Early intervention with a professional scale and clean can help prevent gum disease from progressing

Brushing Too Hard

Aggressive brushing or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can physically wear away gum tissue over time. It is a surprisingly common cause of recession, especially along the outer surfaces of your teeth. Switching to a soft-bristled brush and using gentle, circular strokes makes a real difference.

Genetics

Some people are simply more prone to gum recession due to the thickness and position of their gum tissue. If gum problems run in your family, regular monitoring becomes even more important.

Teeth Grinding and Clenching

Grinding or clenching your teeth, often during sleep, places excessive force on your teeth and gums. Over time, this pressure can cause the gums to recede. A custom mouthguard from your dentist can help protect your teeth and gums from this damage.

Crooked or Misaligned Teeth

When teeth are not properly aligned, uneven forces during biting and chewing can put extra stress on certain areas of the gum and bone, contributing to localised recession.

Smoking and Tobacco Use

Tobacco use reduces blood flow to the gums, making the tissue more vulnerable to infection and slower to heal. Smokers are significantly more likely to develop gum recession than non-smokers.

Hormonal Changes

Fluctuations in hormones during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can make gums more sensitive to recession.

Signs of Receding Gums to Watch For

Gum recession does not always cause pain in its early stages, which is why knowing the signs matters:

If you recognise any of these signs, booking a check-up at Hayat Dental Broadway is a smart next step. The sooner the recession is identified, the more options are available to treat it effectively.

Can Receding Gums Grow Back?

This is one of the most common questions we hear, and it is important to be upfront about the answer. Once gum tissue has receded, it does not regenerate on its own. Unlike a cut on your skin, gum tissue does not simply grow back into place.

However, that does not mean nothing can be done. Several effective treatments can halt further recession, protect exposed roots, and, in some cases, restore lost gum tissue through surgical techniques. The key is acting early and working with a dentist who can tailor a plan to your specific situation.

Receding Gums Treatment Options

The right treatment depends on the severity of your recession and its underlying cause. Here are the most common approaches:

Improved Oral Hygiene. For mild or early-stage recession, adjusting your brushing technique, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, and maintaining a consistent flossing routine can slow or stop further gum loss. Your dentist can show you the most effective technique for your mouth.

Professional Scale and Clean. If gum disease is contributing to recession, a thorough professional clean removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline. This allows inflamed gum tissue to heal and reattach more closely to the tooth. In more advanced cases, a deeper cleaning called scaling and root planing may be recommended.

Desensitising Treatments For patients experiencing sensitivity from exposed roots, your dentist can apply a protective coating or recommend specialised toothpaste designed to reduce sensitivity and strengthen the tooth surface.

Gum Graft Surgery. In cases of significant recession, a gum graft procedure can restore lost tissue. Tissue is taken from another area of your mouth (often the palate) and placed over the exposed root. This protects the tooth, reduces sensitivity, and improves the appearance of your gumline.

Mouthguards for Grinding. If teeth grinding is contributing to your recession, a custom-fitted mouthguard worn at night can protect your teeth and gums from further damage.

Orthodontic Treatment. When misalignment is a contributing factor, straightening your teeth with options like clear aligners can redistribute biting forces more evenly and reduce stress on vulnerable gum areas.

How Hayat Dental Can Help

At Hayat Dental, we understand that noticing your gums pulling back can be worrying. Our experienced dentists take a thorough, personalised approach to gum health. We start with a comprehensive assessment to determine the cause and severity of your recession, then work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your needs and goals.

Our modern Broadway clinic is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools that allow us to detect gum recession early and monitor changes over time. Whether your treatment involves improved home care guidance, professional cleaning, or a referral for more advanced procedures, we are with you at every step.

With a 5.0 rating verified by Trustindex, flexible appointment times, and all major health funds accepted, Hayat Dental is a trusted choice for patients across Broadway, Chippendale, Ultimo, Pyrmont, Redfern, and the greater Sydney area.

Written by the Hayat Dental team

Dr Abhishek Aggarwal, Dr Joanne McGilp and Masi Hashimi care for patients at our Broadway clinic in Chippendale.

Meet the team

This article is general information only and is not a substitute for a dental assessment. If you have pain or swelling, call the clinic.