Gum recession causes
Gum recession exposes part of a tooth root when gum tissue moves away, commonly from inflammation, forceful brushing, or thin gum anatomy.
The short answer
Gum recession occurs when the gingival margin moves toward the root, exposing root dentine; causes include gum inflammation, traumatic brushing, periodontal tissue loss, tooth position, and local irritants.
What does it mean when the gum moves down the tooth?
The gum normally covers the cervical enamel and root surface. When it recedes, cementum and dentine can become visible, producing a longer-looking tooth, root sensitivity, or a notch where the gum meets the tooth.
How can I care for a receding gumline?
Use a soft brush with light pressure and clean plaque at the gumline with fluoride toothpaste and interdental cleaning. A dentist may measure pocket depth, inspect the bite and brushing pattern, remove calculus, and treat active periodontal inflammation.
When should gum recession be examined by a dentist?
Arrange an examination for progressive recession, bleeding, loose teeth, pus, bad breath, or root sensitivity that interferes with eating. Rapid swelling, severe pain, or facial swelling needs prompt care.
What should I ask about the cause of gum recession?
Ask whether the recession is linked to periodontal disease, brushing trauma, tooth position, or a bite force. Ask how much root is exposed, whether desensitising treatment or gum grafting is relevant, and how progression will be monitored.
Frequently asked questions
Can receding gums grow back by themselves?
Lost gum tissue does not usually return spontaneously, but treating inflammation and brushing trauma can prevent further loss; selected defects may be covered surgically.
Does recession always mean gum disease?
No. It can result from periodontal inflammation, thin tissue, tooth position, trauma, or local habits, so the cause requires an examination.
Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.