Dra. Cléo Salustiano In this article
SummaryWhat causes receding gums?Can receding gums be treated? How can you prevent them?FAQRead nextReceding Gums: Causes and What to Do
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Quick summary of this article+
Receding gums means the gum pulls back and exposes part of the root, causing sensitivity and a 'long tooth' look. Causes include hard brushing or stiff bristles, periodontal disease, bruxism, smoking and anatomical factors. In general, gums don't return to their place on their own: treatment starts by correcting the cause, relieves sensitivity and, when indicated, covers the root. Prevention (gentle brushing, healthy gums) is the way to go. In Mooca, Dr. Cléo Salustiano (CRO-SP 170844) sees patients every day, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Receding gums happen when the gum 'pulls back', exposing part of the tooth root — which often makes the tooth look 'longer', causes sensitivity and, sometimes, cosmetic concern. There are several causes, and gums don't always return to their place on their own, but there is treatment and, above all, prevention.
In clinical practice, patients often notice recession when they feel sensitivity to cold or see a tooth looking 'longer'. The instinct is often to brush harder, which makes it worse. Understanding the cause is what defines the right care.
Here, Dr. Cléo Salustiano (CRO-SP 170844) explains what causes gum recession, whether gums go back to normal, how recession is treated and how to prevent it. As always, the cause and the most suitable treatment are determined in an individual assessment.
This article comes from Dr. Cléo Salustiano's dental office in Mooca, São Paulo (care in English, Portuguese and Spanish). See the gum health page to learn how the treatment is done here and book your assessment.
What causes receding gums?
Receding gums (gum recession) means the gum margin shifts toward the root, exposing part of the tooth that is normally covered. It can happen on one tooth or several, and it tends to cause sensitivity, a 'long tooth' look and a higher risk of root cavities.
One of the most common causes is aggressive brushing: brushing hard, with stiff bristles or with poor technique wears the gums down over time. So, paradoxically, 'scrubbing hard' hurts instead of cleaning better.
Periodontal disease is another important cause: inflammation and bone loss make the gums pull back. In these cases, recession is a sign of a deeper problem that needs treatment, not just a cosmetic issue.
Other factors contribute: bruxism (grinding or clenching), misaligned teeth, oral piercings, smoking, anatomical traits (naturally thin gums) and even poorly managed orthodontic movement. Usually it's a combination of factors.
Recession tends to be progressive and, once it sets in, the gum usually doesn't 'grow back' on its own. That's why the focus is twofold: stop the progression (by treating the cause) and, when indicated and possible, cover the area with specific procedures.
Sensitivity is the most frequent complaint: with the root exposed, cold, heat and brushing can be uncomfortable. There are ways to relieve it, but the most important thing is to identify and treat the cause so the recession doesn't advance.
| Cause | How it usually shows up | What treatment involves |
|---|---|---|
| Aggressive brushing (force or stiff bristles) | Recession on several teeth, often with wear | Fix the technique: soft bristles, gentle strokes and light pressure |
| Periodontal disease | Recession with bleeding, bad breath or loose teeth | Treat the inflammation: cleaning, scaling and managing risk factors |
| Bruxism | Recession along with wear and signs of overload | Night guard, plus gum care |
| Misaligned tooth or naturally thin gums | Localized recession on one or a few teeth | Assessment to decide between monitoring and covering the root |
| Smoking | Recession with slower healing and masked bleeding | Cutting back or quitting boosts the treatment |
| Exposed root (result of any cause) | Sensitivity to cold and higher risk of root cavities | Desensitizers and in-office applications; gum graft when indicated |
Can receding gums be treated? How can you prevent them?
Yes, receding gums can be treated, but treatment depends on the cause and the stage. The first step is always to identify and correct what's causing the recession — without that, any procedure tends not to last. The assessment defines the path.
If the cause is aggressive brushing, treatment starts with fixing the technique: a soft-bristled brush, gentle strokes and light pressure. That change alone usually stops the progression in most brushing-related cases.
If there is periodontal disease, it needs to be treated (cleaning, scaling, inflammation control). If there is bruxism, a night guard may be recommended. Treating the underlying cause is what keeps the recession from advancing.
For sensitivity from the exposed root, there are options such as desensitizing toothpastes and in-office applications. These relieve the symptom while the cause is brought under control. Your dentist will recommend what fits your case.
When recession is significant — for appearance, intense sensitivity or a risk to the tooth's health — there are procedures to cover the root, such as gum grafts. They are evaluated case by case, considering the cause, the extent and your oral health.
Prevention is the smartest strategy: brush gently with soft bristles, keep your gums healthy, treat bruxism and don't smoke. And, of course, regular checkups — early recession is easier to control when caught before it advances.
This topic is part of the content on gum treatment in Mooca, where I walk through the steps and care in detail.
What are receding gums?
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It's when the gum margin pulls back toward the root, exposing part of the tooth that is normally covered. It often makes the tooth look 'longer', causes sensitivity and raises the risk of root cavities. It can affect one tooth or several.
Do receding gums grow back on their own?
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In general, no. Once recession sets in, the gum usually doesn't return to its place on its own. That's why the focus is on stopping the progression by treating the cause and, when indicated, covering the area with specific procedures. Preventing it from advancing is essential.
What causes gum recession?
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The most common causes are hard brushing or stiff bristles, periodontal disease, bruxism, misaligned teeth, smoking and naturally thin gums. Usually it's a combination of factors, identified at the assessment to guide treatment.
Does brushing hard cause receding gums?
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Yes, it's one of the main causes. Brushing hard, stiff bristles or poor technique wear the gums down over time. That's why 'scrubbing hard' hurts instead of cleaning better. The ideal is soft bristles and gentle strokes.
Can receding gums be treated?
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Yes, depending on the cause and stage. It starts by correcting what's causing the recession (brushing technique, periodontal disease, bruxism). Sensitivity is treated and, when indicated, there are procedures to cover the root. The assessment defines the path.
Why do receding gums cause sensitivity?
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Because the exposed root doesn't have the enamel that protects the crown of the tooth, so it reacts more to cold, heat and brushing. Desensitizing toothpastes and in-office applications help while the cause of the recession is treated.
Can receding gums be covered?
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In suitable cases, yes — with periodontal procedures such as gum grafts that cover the exposed root. Whether it's indicated depends on the cause, the extent and your oral health. It's not for every case; the assessment determines whether it's the right path.
Can bruxism cause gum recession?
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It can contribute. Grinding or clenching creates forces that, over time, favor recession and wear. In these cases, a night guard is usually recommended to reduce the impact and protect your gums and teeth.
Is recession related to gum disease?
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It can be. Periodontal disease, with inflammation and bone loss, makes the gums pull back. When recession comes with bleeding, bad breath or loose teeth, it's important to check for underlying periodontitis. The cause changes the treatment.
How can I prevent receding gums?
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By brushing gently with soft bristles, keeping your gums healthy, treating bruxism and not smoking. Regular checkups help detect and control recession early. Prevention is the most effective path, because gums don't grow back on their own.
Does sensitivity toothpaste solve it?
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It helps relieve sensitivity from the exposed root, but it doesn't treat the cause of the recession or bring the gum back. It's a relief measure, part of your care, while the cause is brought under control. Your dentist will recommend what fits your case.
Are receding gums just a cosmetic issue?
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Not always. Beyond the 'long tooth' look, recession exposes the root, raises the risk of root cavities and sensitivity, and can signal periodontal disease. That's why it deserves an assessment, even when the main concern is appearance.
Can braces cause gum recession?
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Poorly planned or forced tooth movement can contribute, as can poor hygiene during treatment. On the other hand, correcting misaligned teeth can actually help the gums. That's why well-managed, closely monitored orthodontic treatment matters.
Can recession get worse over time?
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Yes, it tends to be progressive if the cause isn't treated. That's why you shouldn't ignore it or only mask the sensitivity. Identifying and correcting the cause early is what stops it from advancing and preserves the tooth's health and appearance.
Can receding gums cause cavities?
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Yes. The root exposed by recession lacks the enamel that protects the crown and is more vulnerable to root cavities. So recession isn't just cosmetic: it calls for careful hygiene, controlling the cause and follow-up to protect the exposed area.
Where can I get receding gums treated in Mooca?
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Dr. Cléo Salustiano (CRO-SP 170844) sees patients at Rua Hipódromo, 1141, in Mooca, São Paulo, Monday to Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., in Portuguese, English and Spanish. The assessment identifies the cause of the recession and defines the most suitable treatment for your case.
