Receding gum line on one tooth
Gum recession around one tooth can come from brushing trauma, gum disease, tooth position, or an injury and should be assessed if it progresses.
The short answer
A gum line that recedes around one tooth may result from forceful brushing, local gum inflammation, tooth position, clenching, or trauma, so the tooth and surrounding tissues should be examined. Recession can expose the root surface and cause sensitivity, but it does not reveal its cause by appearance alone.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Gum recession means the gingival margin has moved toward the root, exposing more of the tooth below the enamel-covered crown. A dentist checks pocket depth, plaque, gum thickness, tooth position, bite forces, root exposure, and bone support to distinguish local injury from periodontal disease.
What can you do next?
Use a soft brush with light pressure and clean around the tooth without scrubbing the gum edge. Reduce tobacco exposure, address a rough restoration or appliance, and use desensitising toothpaste if the exposed root is sensitive while arranging an examination.
When should you seek dental care?
Book a dental assessment if the recession is increasing, the tooth is loose, the gum bleeds, the root is painful, or there is swelling, pus, or persistent sensitivity. Prompt review matters when several teeth begin changing or when gum disease is suspected.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask how much recession and bone support are present, whether there is periodontal inflammation, and whether brushing technique, bite, tooth position, or a restoration is contributing. Ask about desensitising care, monitoring, gum treatment, or root coverage if exposed root remains troublesome.
Frequently asked questions
Can receded gum grow back by itself?
Gum tissue that has physically receded usually needs assessment rather than assuming it will return without treatment.
Can brushing cause recession?
Excessive force or an abrasive technique can injure the gum margin, especially when combined with a thin gum tissue or tooth position.