Why gums recede, and what can be done about it

Healthy gums protect the roots of your teeth and provide support for the tissues beneath them. When the gum tissue gradually pulls away from the teeth, the roots become exposed, leading to both functional and cosmetic concerns. Gum recession is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. Dr Payvand Menhadji provides comprehensive periodontal assessment and personalised treatment to help protect exposed tooth roots, reduce sensitivity and maintain long-term gum health.

What is gum recession?

Gum recession occurs when the gum margin moves away from the tooth, exposing more of the tooth root.

As the gums recede, the teeth may appear longer, and the exposed roots become more vulnerable to sensitivity, wear and decay. Recession may affect a single tooth or multiple teeth and often develops gradually over time.

Signs and symptoms of gum recession

Gum recession may develop slowly and is sometimes identified during a routine examination before noticeable symptoms appear.

Common signs include:

• Teeth appearing longer than before
• Visible exposed tooth roots
• Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks
• Notches or wear near the gum line
• Changes in smile appearance
• Discomfort when brushing
• Increased plaque accumulation around exposed roots

If you notice any of these symptoms, a professional periodontal assessment is recommended.

What causes gum recession?

Gum recession usually develops due to a combination of factors rather than a single cause.

Common causes include:

• Periodontal disease
• Thin gum tissue
• Over-vigorous toothbrushing
• Misaligned teeth
• Orthodontic tooth movement, particularly where the gum is thin
• Smoking
• Trauma to the gums

Identifying the underlying cause helps guide the most appropriate treatment plan.

Why is gum recession a concern?

Although many people see gum recession as a cosmetic issue, it can also affect long-term oral health.

Exposed tooth roots may increase the risk of:

• Tooth sensitivity
• Root surface wear
• Root decay
• Plaque accumulation
• Further gum recession
• Changes to smile aesthetics

Early assessment can help protect the supporting tissues and reduce the risk of progression.

Gum recession treatment

Treatment depends on the cause, severity and progression of the recession.

Management may involve:

• Identifying and addressing underlying causes
• Personalised oral hygiene advice
• Protecting exposed root surfaces
• Reducing further tissue loss
• Monitoring stable areas
• Gum grafting where appropriate

The goal is to preserve healthy gum tissue, improve comfort and support the long-term health of your teeth.

Gum grafting for receding gums

When recession is significant or continues to progress, gum grafting may be recommended.

This specialist periodontal procedure increases the thickness of the gum tissue and improves coverage of exposed tooth roots. In addition to enhancing smile aesthetics, gum grafting can help reduce sensitivity and provide greater protection for vulnerable root surfaces.

Not every patient requires grafting, which is why a comprehensive assessment is essential before treatment is recommended.

Support from a Specialist Periodontist

Managing gum recession requires careful assessment of the gums, supporting tissues and factors contributing to tissue loss.

As a Specialist Periodontist, Dr Menhadji provides personalised treatment for patients with gum recession, exposed roots and complex soft tissue concerns. Care is focused on achieving healthy, stable gums while creating natural-looking results that support long-term oral health.

Protect your gums before recession progresses further.

Early assessment can identify the cause of gum recession and help determine the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs.