Receding gums 101: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Gum disease is common and can range from early-stage inflammation, called gingivitis, where the gums are red and swollen, to more advanced stages, called periodontitis, which can become a serious health concern, leaving you at risk of tooth loss, decay, or infection.¹

The good news is that early diagnosis and preventative treatment can help slow or stop the progression of receding gums before it becomes a more serious health issue.²

What are receding gums?

Receding gums are a form of periodontal disease in which, instead of adhering tightly to the crown of the tooth as in a healthy mouth, the gums pull back and away, leaving the tooth root exposed and open to decay.³

What causes receding gums?

Receding gums may be caused by a number of different factors, including:⁴

• Aggressive brushing with a hard-bristled brush
• Plaque or tartar buildup at the gum line
• Crooked or misaligned teeth
• Medications that cause dry mouth
• Improperly fitted dentures, bridgework, or damaged fillings
• Smoking or other tobacco use
• Poor dental hygiene
• Hormonal changes
• Diabetes
• Genetics

Over time, tartar can build up and harden around the teeth, causing pockets to form under the gums and creating more space for bacteria to breed. This can lead to the connective tissues and ligaments around the tooth root loosening, as well as bone loss. Receding gums might also indicate the presence of other types of dental disease which can lead to tooth decay or loss.³

What are the symptoms of receding gums?

Symptoms of receding gums may include the following:⁵

• Red or swollen gums
• Bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Sensitivity to hot and cold foods
• Exposed tooth roots
• Loose teeth
• Visible shrinkage of the gum line

Receding gums: Diagnosis and preventative treatment

Your dentist can diagnose receding gums during your regular maintenance check-ups and cleanings. They may use a probe to painlessly measure the depth of the pockets around the teeth. In a healthy mouth, pockets under the gum line may measure between 1mm and 3mm. Pockets that measure 4mm or more may indicate a receding gum problem.⁵

Your dentist may also take x-rays to determine if bone loss has occurred, or refer you to a periodontist, a dental professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease.⁵

Can receding gums grow back?

Gums that have receded cannot grow back, although adopting some habits can help slow the progression of gum disease, while other treatments can help restore gum tissue.

Some preventative habits to incorporate into your daily routine to help slow or stop the progression of receding gums include gentle brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day, taking care not to exert excessive pressure on the gum tissues. Electric or sonic toothbrushes are also effective, as these brushes are designed to apply the exact right amount of pressure to the gum line without additional effort from the user.⁶

Daily rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash and regular flossing can help keep bacteria at bay and prevent tartar buildup. Stop smoking and limit excessive alcohol use, and be sure to schedule regular checkups with a professional to monitor progress and ensure no underlying causes are causing your gums to recede further.⁶

How to fix receding gums

In some cases, depending on the underlying cause of the gum recession and its severity, certain treatment options may be recommended by a periodontist to help restore or reattach gum tissue around the teeth.

• Antibiotics: If an underlying infection is found to be the cause of gum disease a course of antibiotics may be prescribed. Other options include topical antibiotic gel, antimicrobial mouthwash or enzyme suppressants.
• Scaling and root planing: Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical deep cleaning procedure above and below the gum line. During the scaling portion of the procedure, sticky plaque and tartar buildup is scraped away from below the gum line and pockets around the teeth. Root planing smooths out the exposed root, making it easier for the existing gum to reattach. This procedure may require more than one visit and may use a local anesthetic.
• Composites or bonding: Tooth-colored resins may be used to cover the exposed tooth root, or pink-toned composites applied to portions of the gum line where the gums have receded.
• Orthodontics: Moving teeth with orthodontics into a better position makes it easier to keep them clean and helps prevent further gum recession.

Surgery for Receding Gums

For severe gum recession, one of two types of surgeries may be recommended:

1. Gum graft surgery may use either a small section of live gum tissue from one area of the mouth or synthetic gum tissue. The tissue is used to cover the exposed tooth root, preventing further gum recession and protecting the exposed roots from decay.
2. Flap surgery is a procedure that aims to reduce or eliminate the gum pockets around the teeth. An incision is made in the gums allowing the diseased gum tissue to be removed and the entire tooth to be deep cleaned of corrosive tartar and plaque. The gums are then reattached to cover the exposed root and allow healing to begin.

Prevention is the most effective way to stop receding gums and other forms of gum disease from developing. The most effective steps you can take to prevent or slow the progression of receding gums are brushing twice daily, regular flossing and twice-a-year checkups with your dentist to catch any problems before they start.³

Financing Gum Treatment Options

Remember: You can use your CareCredit credit card to help pay for dental exams, procedures, and treatments.* Use the Acceptance Locator or download the CareCredit Mobile App to find a nearby dental provider who accepts CareCredit.