Receding gums happen when gum tissue pulls back from the tooth, exposing the root beneath. It’s one of the most common dental concerns we hear about at our South San Francisco office, and the good news is that catching it early makes a real difference in what your options are.
- Receding gums expose tooth roots, which can cause sensitivity, cosmetic changes, and — if left untreated — bone and tooth loss.
- Gum disease is the leading cause, but aggressive brushing, genetics, and teeth grinding are also major culprits.
- Gum tissue cannot grow back on its own, but treatment can stop recession and protect what’s left.
- Mild cases may be managed non-surgically; advanced cases may need a gum graft or other procedure.
- The earlier you catch it, the simpler the fix — most people don’t notice recession until it’s already progressed.
What exactly are receding gums?
Your gums are supposed to form a tight seal around each tooth, covering and protecting the root. When that tissue gradually wears away or pulls back, more of the tooth (and sometimes the root itself) becomes visible. The result is teeth that look longer than they used to, a notched or “low” gumline, or increased sensitivity to cold, sweet, or acidic foods.
Gum recession is rarely dramatic overnight. It tends to creep up slowly, which is part of why so many people miss it until a dentist points it out during a routine exam. By the time you feel it, the recession is usually already meaningful.
According to the American Dental Association’s MouthHealthy resource on gum disease, gum conditions affect a large share of adults, and recession is one of their most visible consequences.
What causes receding gums?
There isn’t one single answer. Recession is almost always the result of one or more of these factors:
Gum disease (periodontal disease)
This is the number-one cause. Bacterial plaque and tartar build up along and below the gumline, triggering inflammation that gradually destroys the connective tissue and bone that hold gums in place. As that support erodes, the gum pulls away. If you’ve ever had a dentist mention “bone loss” on an X-ray, this is the process they’re describing.
Brushing too hard
Vigorous scrubbing with a stiff-bristled toothbrush wears away gum tissue over time. It’s surprisingly common, and it tends to show up most at the side teeth where people put extra pressure. If your toothbrush bristles are fanned out within a month of buying it, you’re brushing too hard.
Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism)
The constant force from nighttime grinding puts stress on the teeth and the surrounding tissues, which can contribute to gum recession over time. Our team often sees patients with both bruxism and gum recession together. If you suspect you grind, a custom dental mouth guard from Vaksman Dental Group can help reduce that pressure before it causes further damage.
Genetics and anatomy
Some people simply have thinner gum tissue to start with, or teeth that are positioned in a way that puts the gum at greater risk. If recession runs in your family, that’s useful information to share with your dentist.
Tobacco use
Smoking and chewing tobacco impair gum tissue’s ability to heal and fight infection. Smokers have significantly higher rates of periodontal disease and gum recession than non-smokers, according to research published by the National Institutes of Health.
Misaligned teeth or a bad bite
When teeth don’t come together evenly, certain spots take on more force than they should. Over time, that repeated stress can damage the gum tissue around those teeth.
Hormonal changes
Puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can make gums more sensitive and more vulnerable to recession. Pregnancy gingivitis, in particular, is a well-known concern our team often discusses with patients who are expecting.
Do gums grow back on their own?
This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the straightforward answer is no. Once gum tissue is lost, it does not regenerate on its own the way skin does after a small cut. The cells that make up gum tissue don’t have that kind of regenerative capacity.
What you can do is stop the recession from getting worse, and in some cases replace lost tissue with a graft procedure. But hoping it grows back without treatment is not a viable plan. That’s not meant to alarm you. It’s just the kind of honest information that helps people make good decisions early, when the options are better.
How is gum recession treated?
Treatment depends on how far the recession has progressed and what’s driving it. Here’s how our dental team generally thinks about it:
Treating the cause first
No matter what other treatment is used, addressing the underlying cause is essential. That means treating active gum disease, correcting brushing technique, fitting a night guard for grinding, or managing bite issues. Without this step, recession is likely to continue even after a graft.
Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)
For early to moderate gum disease, a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing in South San Francisco is usually the first treatment step. It removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the root surface so gum tissue can reattach. Many patients see real improvement in gum health after this procedure alone.
Gum graft surgery
When recession is more significant, a gum graft can cover exposed roots and restore a healthier gumline. The most common type uses tissue taken from the roof of the mouth (a connective tissue graft) and placed over the receded area. Recovery typically takes one to two weeks. Success rates are high when the procedure is done by an experienced provider and patients follow post-op care instructions closely.
Pinhole surgical technique
A newer, less invasive approach called the Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST) repositions existing gum tissue through a tiny incision rather than removing a graft from the palate. It involves less discomfort and faster recovery for many patients. Not everyone is a candidate, so it’s worth asking whether it’s appropriate for your specific situation.
Ongoing periodontal maintenance
After any treatment for gum recession, more frequent professional cleanings (typically every three to four months rather than every six) help keep things stable. Our team will let you know what schedule makes sense for you.
What can I do at home to stop it from getting worse?
There’s plenty you can do between appointments to slow or stop recession from progressing:
- Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes with pressure sensors are especially helpful if you tend to press too hard.
- Use a gentle circular or sweeping motion rather than scrubbing side to side.
- Floss daily. Plaque between teeth is a major driver of gum disease, and brushing alone doesn’t reach it.
- Use a fluoride toothpaste to help protect sensitive exposed root surfaces.
- Ask about a night guard if you know or suspect you grind your teeth.
- Quit tobacco if you use it. This is one of the most impactful things you can do for gum health.
- Keep your regular dental appointments. Professional cleanings remove calculus that home brushing can’t touch, and your dentist can catch recession earlier and measure whether it’s getting worse.
You may have seen products marketed as able to “regrow” gum tissue or reverse recession. Most of these are not supported by clinical evidence. Some toothpastes can reduce sensitivity at exposed root surfaces, which is genuinely helpful, but that’s different from regenerating the tissue itself. When in doubt, ask your dental team rather than relying on product claims.
When should I call the dentist?
You don’t have to wait for pain to make an appointment. In fact, recession often isn’t painful until it’s quite advanced. Reach out if you notice any of these:
- Your teeth look longer than they used to
- You see a notch or “ledge” where the tooth meets the gum
- Increased sensitivity to cold, sweet, or acidic foods or drinks
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- A tooth that feels loose
Any one of these is worth a conversation. Our team at Vaksman Dental Group in South San Francisco can measure your gum levels, check for signs of active disease, and help you understand exactly where you stand and what your options are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can receding gums be reversed?
Not reversed in the sense of growing back on their own, no. But treatment can stop recession from getting worse, and gum graft procedures can restore tissue to cover exposed roots. The key is catching it early, before significant bone loss or root damage occurs.
Is receding gum recession painful?
Not always, which is why it’s often missed. The most common symptom people notice is tooth sensitivity, especially to cold or sweet foods, as the root surface becomes exposed. In more advanced cases, teeth may feel loose or there may be aching around the gumline. Pain isn’t a reliable indicator of how much recession is present.
How much does gum recession treatment cost?
It depends on the cause and how advanced the recession is. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) typically runs $200 to $400 per quadrant nationally, before insurance. Gum graft surgery can range from roughly $600 to $1,200 per tooth in the United States, depending on the technique and provider. These are national ballpark figures, not our office’s prices. Dental insurance often covers a portion, particularly for disease-driven recession. We’re happy to review your coverage and give you a clear picture before any treatment.
Does receding gums mean I will lose my teeth?
Not necessarily, especially if it’s caught and treated. Mild to moderate recession, when managed well, often stays stable for many years. Advanced, untreated recession can eventually lead to bone loss and tooth loss, which is why treatment and ongoing maintenance matter. Most people who address it proactively keep their teeth.
Noticed any signs of recession, or just due for a checkup? Our team at Vaksman Dental Group in South San Francisco can measure your gum health and walk you through your options clearly, with no pressure.
Written by the Vaksman Dental Group team and medically reviewed by Dr. Irena Vaksman, DDS — South San Francisco. Last reviewed October 2026.