Gum recession or gaps causes and treatment options
Gum recession and tooth gaps have different causes, so treatment depends on whether gum tissue, tooth position, or tooth structure is involved.
The short answer
Gum recession can make teeth look longer and create black spaces, while gaps can also result from tooth position, missing teeth, or lost tooth structure; a dental examination identifies the cause before treatment.
How does a receding gum margin expose the root surface?
Recession is movement of the gum margin away from the tooth crown, exposing root surface. A gap is an open space between teeth, and it may reflect tooth spacing, gum-bone loss, a missing tooth, or a worn or broken tooth.
What should you do when a gap appears between your teeth?
Use a soft brush with gentle pressure, clean between the teeth, and avoid trying to push gum tissue back into place. Depending on the finding, treatment may include periodontal cleaning, a filling or bonding, orthodontic movement, replacement of a missing tooth, or gum grafting.
When should a new or enlarging space be examined?
Arrange an examination if the space is new, enlarging, associated with bleeding or sensitivity, or follows injury. Prompt care is appropriate for a loose tooth, swelling, pus, fever, or severe pain.
What is causing the space between your teeth?
Ask whether the space comes from gum and bone loss, tooth movement, or tooth damage, and whether an X-ray or gum measurements are needed. Ask which option preserves the tooth and how the proposed treatment will close or cover the space.
Frequently asked questions
Can a filling close a gum-related black triangle?
A small black triangle may sometimes be masked with tooth-coloured bonding, but active gum disease and the space between roots must be assessed first.
Can receding gums grow back on their own?
Lost gum tissue generally does not return spontaneously; controlling inflammation and, in selected cases, gum grafting can protect the exposed root.
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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.