A tooth can appear to be getting longer when it has not moved at all. What has changed is the gumline around it. The causes of receding gums are often gradual and easy to miss, but recession can expose sensitive root surfaces, affect the appearance of your smile and, in some cases, signal an underlying problem that needs treatment.

Gum recession is not always painful. You may first notice a notch near the gumline, sensitivity to cold drinks, a darker area of root showing, or a change in the symmetry of your smile. A careful dental assessment can establish why it is happening and whether the priority is to stop progression, improve comfort, restore the tooth surface or rebuild lost gum tissue.

Causes of receding gums: the main patterns

Receding gums rarely have one simple cause. The gums are influenced by plaque levels, brushing technique, the thickness of the gum and bone around each tooth, bite forces, tooth position and lifestyle factors. Some people have naturally thin gum tissue and may develop recession despite otherwise good oral hygiene. Others have inflammation or mechanical damage that can be addressed directly.

Gum disease and long-term inflammation

Gum disease is one of the most significant causes of gum recession. Plaque is a soft bacterial film that gathers around the teeth and gumline. If it is not removed effectively, it can harden into calculus and trigger inflammation. Early gum disease may cause red, swollen gums or bleeding when brushing. It is often painless, which is why bleeding should never be ignored.

When inflammation progresses to periodontitis, the supporting bone and connective tissues around teeth can be lost. As these foundations reduce, the gums may recede or change shape. Teeth can begin to feel mobile, gaps may appear, and persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste can develop. Treatment aims to control the infection and create conditions that are easier to maintain, rather than simply masking the visible recession.

Brushing too hard or using the wrong technique

Thorough brushing matters, but force does not equal cleanliness. Scrubbing firmly with a hard-bristled brush, particularly in a side-to-side motion, can wear the gumline and the exposed neck of a tooth over time. This is especially common around prominent canine teeth and premolars, where the bone and gum may already be thin.

A soft-bristled toothbrush, gentle pressure and small controlled movements are usually safer. An electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor can be helpful for people who tend to overbrush. However, changing technique alone may not resolve recession if gum disease, a thin gum type or bite-related stress is also present.

Tooth position, thin gums and bone anatomy

Some teeth naturally sit slightly outside the ideal line of the jawbone. When this happens, there may be limited bone covering the root, leaving a thinner protective layer of gum. Recession can then develop more easily, even in someone with excellent home care.

Orthodontic treatment can improve tooth alignment and make cleaning easier, but it must be planned with the surrounding gum and bone in mind. Moving teeth beyond their biological limits can increase the risk of recession. For this reason, detailed assessment and digital planning are particularly valuable where there is existing recession, crowding or visibly thin gum tissue.

Clenching, grinding and bite imbalance

Heavy bite forces do not directly cause every case of gum recession, but they can contribute where tissues are already vulnerable. Clenching or grinding may place repeated stress on certain teeth. Signs can include chipped edges, worn enamel, jaw tension, morning headaches or teeth that feel tender when biting.

An uneven bite, a cracked tooth or a poorly fitting restoration may also concentrate pressure in one area. Your dentist may assess your bite alongside the gums, teeth and supporting bone. Depending on the findings, treatment could involve a protective night guard, adjusting a restoration, repairing a damaged tooth or planning more comprehensive restorative care. The right approach depends on the cause, not on a one-size-fits-all solution.

Smoking, vaping and dry mouth

Smoking is strongly linked with gum disease and can make healing less predictable. It may also disguise bleeding, meaning inflammation can be more advanced than the gums appear. Stopping smoking is one of the most positive steps a person can take for gum health and for the success of future periodontal, surgical or implant treatment.

Vaping is not harmless for the mouth either. Its effects can include dry mouth and irritation, while nicotine may affect blood flow and healing. Dry mouth can also arise from medicines, medical conditions, mouth breathing or dehydration. Saliva helps protect teeth and gums, so a persistently dry mouth deserves a conversation with your dental team or GP.

Piercings, habits and local trauma

Lip or tongue piercings can repeatedly rub against the gums, particularly behind the lower front teeth. Nail biting, holding objects between the teeth or aggressive use of interdental brushes can create local trauma too. These factors are not always the sole explanation, but they can worsen a vulnerable area and should be considered as part of a full assessment.

Why exposed roots need attention

The root surface is not covered by the same hard enamel as the visible part of a tooth. Once exposed, it can be more sensitive to temperature, sweet foods and brushing. It is also more prone to root caries, particularly if plaque collects along the gumline.

Recession may affect only one tooth or several. A small, stable area may simply need monitoring, sensitivity management and careful cleaning. More advanced recession, active gum disease or a root surface that is difficult to keep clean may need treatment sooner. Aesthetic concerns are valid too, especially where recession affects the front teeth or creates uneven gum levels.

How dentists assess and treat receding gums

A proper assessment is more detailed than a quick look in the mirror. Your dentist or hygienist will examine bleeding, plaque, gum pocket depths, recession measurements, tooth mobility, bite forces and the condition of the exposed root surfaces. X-rays may be needed to assess bone levels and identify problems below the gumline.

If inflammation is present, the first step is usually professional periodontal care alongside a practical home-care routine. This may include tailored instruction on brushing and interdental cleaning, as well as treatment to remove deposits from above and, where required, below the gumline. Regular maintenance appointments are essential because gum disease can return if bacterial deposits re-establish.

For sensitivity, topical fluoride products, desensitising materials or small tooth-coloured restorations can protect exposed areas. Where recession is significant, progressing or affecting smile aesthetics, soft tissue augmentation may be considered. This specialist procedure uses carefully planned techniques to thicken or reposition gum tissue around a tooth. It is not suitable or necessary for every patient, but it can improve root coverage, comfort and long-term tissue stability in the right circumstances.

If recession is linked to tooth position, orthodontic planning, bite management or restorative treatment may form part of a coordinated plan. This is particularly relevant in complex cases, where the aim is to protect the gums while achieving a natural-looking, functional result.

When to arrange a dental appointment

Book an assessment if you notice gums pulling back, new sensitivity, bleeding when brushing, persistent bad breath, loose teeth or a change in how your teeth meet. Seek prompt care if swelling, pain, pus, a bad taste or a rapidly changing gumline develops, as these can indicate infection or an urgent dental problem.

There is no need to feel embarrassed if it has been some time since your last visit. Gum recession is common, and the most useful step is understanding what is driving it. At Slievemore Dental, a calm, judgement-free examination can help identify the cause and set out a clear plan for protecting your comfort, gum health and confidence in your smile.