Gum recession is when the gum margin pulls back from the tooth, exposing part of the root that was not visible before. Its most common causes are gum disease and aggressive brushing, and its most common signs are teeth that look longer and feel sensitive to cold. Receded gums do not grow back on their own, but early treatment stops recession progressing in most cases, and the root can be covered surgically when needed.
Recession rarely has a single cause; several factors usually combine:
Recession usually progresses slowly and painlessly, so many people notice it late. Watch for these signs:
The root is not covered by hard enamel but by a thinner layer that quickly exposes dentine, which contains tiny channels leading to the tooth's nerve. That is why many people feel a sharp twinge when drinking cold water, which is common in our hot climate with so many iced drinks.
An exposed root is also more prone to decay and wear than the crown of the tooth, so it needs extra care with fluoride and less sugar and fewer acidic drinks.
Treatment starts with a gum examination, measuring pocket depths and the amount of recession, plus X-rays to assess the bone. It then steps up according to the cause and severity:
Prevention is much easier than treatment: brush twice a day with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth daily, and replace your brush about every 3 months or when the bristles splay. A scale and gum check every 6 months is usually advised, and some people need more frequent visits.
General factors help too: stopping smoking and shamma, and controlling diabetes, which worsens gum inflammation. During pregnancy, hormones make gums more prone to inflammation, so extra care and follow-up are needed, and non-urgent gum surgery is usually postponed until after delivery.
Receded gums do not return on their own. Treatment stops recession progressing, and in suitable cases the root can be covered with a gum graft.
No, scaling removes the cause of inflammation. Teeth may look slightly longer afterwards because gum swelling settles and reveals recession that was already there, and sensitivity may increase temporarily for a few days.
It is done under local anaesthetic, and afterwards there is mild discomfort and swelling for a few days, especially where tissue was taken from the palate. Your dentist will advise suitable pain relief and instructions for eating and cleaning.
It becomes more common with age because its causes build up over the years, but it is not inevitable. Many older people keep healthy gums with good care and regular check-ups.
See a dentist if your teeth look longer, you have repeated sensitivity to cold, your gums bleed when brushing, you have persistent bad breath or new gaps between your teeth, and do not delay if any tooth feels loose. If you have diabetes or are pregnant, regular gum checks matter even more. You can book a consultation at Medical Care Clinics, where our dental team will examine your gums, identify the cause of recession and plan suitable treatment.
This article is general health education and does not replace a medical examination. Every case needs its own assessment by a doctor.
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