Gum recession causes prevention and assessment
Gum recession is movement of the gum margin toward the root, exposing root dentine and sometimes causing sensitivity.
What is gum recession and why can it cause sensitivity?
Gum recession is movement of the gum margin toward the root, exposing root dentine and sometimes causing sensitivity.
Which brushing, gum, and tooth factors can cause recession?
It may relate to traumatic brushing, thin tissue, periodontal disease, tooth position, tobacco, or a frenum pulling on the gum.
What daily steps can help prevent gum recession?
Use light pressure with a soft brush, clean between teeth, avoid tobacco, and treat plaque or calculus.
When should bleeding or progressing recession be checked?
Book care for progression, bleeding, root sensitivity, looseness, or recession after injury.
How is the gum defect measured and monitored?
Ask how the defect was measured and whether monitoring or periodontal treatment is suitable.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main concern?
The cause must be identified before the correct treatment is chosen.
Can home care replace treatment?
Home care may reduce irritation, but it cannot repair damaged tooth or gum tissue.
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.