Receding Gums: Causes, Prevention and Treatment
This page is general information and does not replace an examination.
Receding gums (gum recession) means the gum has pulled back from a tooth and exposed part of the root[1]. More than 50% of adults have at least one site of 1 mm or more, and 88% of people aged 65 and over[2]. Common causes are gum disease, plaque and tartar, brushing too hard, tooth position, smoking and naturally thin gums[1]. Receded gum does not grow back, but the cause can be treated and the recession stopped from getting worse[1]; a gum graft can cover exposed roots[1][5]. At Ulubey Dental Clinic in Antalya a dentist checks the gums and takes a panoramic X-ray first.
- 1. What are receding gums?
- 2. How common is gum recession?
- 3. Causes of receding gums
- 4. Symptoms and when to see a dentist
- 5. Receding gums and gum disease
- 6. How a dentist measures recession
- 7. Treatment options
- 8. Prevention: what you can do
- 9. How we treat receding gums at our clinic
- 10. Frequently asked questions
- 11. Sources
What are receding gums?
Gum recession is when the gum tissue pulls away from a tooth and exposes the root underneath[1]. A Cochrane review defines it as the gum margin moving back past the junction of enamel and root, so that the root surface is exposed[5]; the exposed root often looks unattractive and can lead to sensitivity and root decay[2].
The root is not covered by enamel but by cementum, which is not as strong. That is why exposed roots feel sensitive to hot, cold and sweet things and decay more easily[1]. Recession can be mild, moderate or severe, and it can affect one tooth or many[1].
How common is gum recession?
Very common. The JADA review found that more than 50% of the population has one or more sites with recession of 1 mm or more; in the surveys it reviewed, 88% of people aged 65 and over and 50% of people aged 18 to 64 had at least one site[2]. Recession increases with age, is found more often on the outer (cheek-side) surfaces of the teeth, and occurs in people with both good and poor oral hygiene[2].
That last point matters: receding gums are not always a sign of neglect. Some people simply have thin gum tissue[1].
Causes of receding gums
Recession usually has more than one cause[2]. Cleveland Clinic lists[1]:
- Periodontal (gum) disease and plaque or tartar build-up.
- Brushing too hard or too aggressively.
- Tooth position: teeth that are crooked, tipped or rotated.
- Previous braces or other orthodontic treatment.
- Smoking or chewing tobacco.
- Lip or tongue piercings and injury to the gum.
- Genetics: a natural tendency to thin gum tissue.
It is often blamed, but the evidence is weaker than most people think. A systematic review found 18 eligible studies: eight observational studies reported a link between brushing frequency and recession, two found none, and none met all quality criteria; the authors concluded that the data to support or refute the link are inconclusive[4]. UK guidance notes low-certainty evidence that medium and soft bristles are less likely to injure the gums than hard bristles[7]. So: use a soft or medium brush, brush gently, and do not assume brushing is the only cause.
Symptoms and when to see a dentist
The most obvious sign is a tooth that looks longer, with root showing near the gum line. Other signs include pain or discomfort near the gum line and sensitivity to heat, cold and sweet foods, when brushing or flossing, or during dental cleanings[1]. Untreated recession can lead to bone loss, loose teeth and tooth loss[1].
| What you notice | What to do |
|---|---|
| A tooth looks longer, or one sensitive spot near the gum line | Book a routine dental check; recession is measured and the cause looked for |
| Gums bleed when you brush, or bad breath[3] | See a dentist; these are signs of gum disease[3] |
| Very sore and swollen gums, or teeth becoming loose[3] | Ask for an urgent dental appointment[3] |
| Ulcers or red patches, or a lump in the mouth or on the lip[3] | Ask for an urgent dental appointment[3] |
| Swelling spreading to the eye or neck, difficulty breathing or swallowing, high fever | Medical emergency: see the emergency box at the top of this page |
Urgency levels follow the NHS gum disease page [3]. This table does not diagnose; a dentist decides after an examination.
If sensitivity is your main complaint, our guide to sensitive teeth explains the other causes and what helps.
Receding gums and gum disease
Cleveland Clinic describes gum recession as a form of gum disease[1], and the NHS lists gums shrinking as one of the things gum disease can lead to[3]. Gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque that irritates the gums; early signs are gums that bleed when you brush and gums that are red, swollen and sore[3].
It is common. UK guidance states that some level of irreversible periodontitis affects almost half of UK adults, and that smoking has a profound effect on the risk of periodontitis and impairs the response to treatment[7]. When recession comes from gum disease, treating the gum disease comes first; covering the root without controlling the disease does not solve the problem.
How a dentist measures recession
A dentist measures recession on each tooth with a fine periodontal probe and also measures the pockets around the teeth, because bone loss is common where gums have receded. Healthy pockets measure 1 to 3 mm; with gingivitis about 4 mm; with periodontal disease 5 mm or more[1].
The gum between the teeth matters too. A widely used classification sorts recession into three types (RT1 to RT3) by how much attachment has been lost between the teeth; in the original study it was reliable between examiners and predicted how much root could be covered after surgery[6]. In plain terms: the more support lost between the teeth, the less of the root a graft can be expected to cover. An X-ray shows the bone level, which is why we take a panoramic X-ray for every patient.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the cause and on how much the gum has receded[1]. Mild recession may only need monitoring and the cause controlled; moderate to severe recession usually needs a gum graft to correct it[1].
| Treatment | What it does | At our clinic |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning and deep cleaning | Removes plaque and tartar; deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) removes bacteria below the gum line[1] | Deep cleaning €80; periodontal curettage €100 per quadrant |
| Gum surgery for gum disease | Treats deeper pockets when cleaning alone is not enough[3] | Periodontal flap surgery €250 per quadrant |
| Desensitising treatment | Fluoride varnish or other desensitising agents applied by the dentist; desensitising toothpaste at home[1] | Priced in your written quote |
| Tooth-coloured bonding | Composite resin can cover an exposed root, making it less noticeable and more comfortable[1] | Decided at the examination |
| Orthodontics | If a tooth is crooked, tipped or rotated, moving it may let the gum margin improve over time[1] | Braces or Invisalign; quoted in writing |
| Gum graft | New gum tissue, usually from the roof of the mouth, is stitched over the exposed root[1] | Free gingival graft, quoted individually in writing |
Descriptions: Cleveland Clinic [1] and NHS [3]. Prices: Ulubey Dental Clinic, October 2026.
What the evidence says about grafts
A Cochrane review of 48 randomised trials compared root coverage operations. Connective tissue grafts, coronally advanced flaps alone or combined with other materials, and guided tissue regeneration may all be used to cover roots; where both root coverage and a wider band of firm gum are wanted, connective tissue grafts showed a slight improvement in outcome. Most of the evidence was of low quality, and few studies reported patients’ own views on appearance[5].
At our clinic the gum graft we perform is the free gingival graft. The name refers to the donor tissue, not the fee: it is quoted individually in writing. The free gingival graft was not one of the techniques compared in that Cochrane review. Cleveland Clinic notes that most people feel back to normal about two weeks after gum graft surgery[1]. Whether a graft is the right choice for you, and what result to expect, is explained at the examination.
- Deep cleaning €80; periodontal curettage €100 per quadrant; periodontal flap surgery €250 per quadrant.
- No fee: the consultation and the panoramic X-ray.
- Gum graft, desensitising treatment and orthodontics: priced individually in your written quote.
Prices are indicative; your final written quote follows the examination and X-rays and is valid for 30 days. Unless the treatment plan changes, the written price does not change.
Prevention: what you can do
Recession cannot always be prevented, especially if you have thin gums by nature, but you can lower the risk of recession caused by gum disease[1]:
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day; spit after brushing and do not rinse[3].
- Clean between your teeth every day with floss or interdental brushes[3].
- Use a soft or medium toothbrush and brush gently[1][7].
- Do not smoke[3].
- Have regular check-ups and professional cleaning[3]; see our page on professional teeth cleaning.
Our daily oral care guide explains brushing, flossing and interdental brushes step by step.
How we treat receding gums at our clinic
Both of our dentists, Dr. Ali Cem Ulubey and Dr. Surur Ulubey, examine and treat their own patients; there are no rotating dentists. For receding gums:
- Cause first: we look for gum disease, tartar, tooth position, brushing habits and smoking before discussing any surgery.
- Panoramic X-ray for every patient: it shows the bone level around the teeth.
- Cleaning in the clinic: deep cleaning, curettage and, where needed, flap surgery; we also use Guided Biofilm Therapy (Airflow) cleaning.
- Gum graft: free gingival graft, quoted individually in writing.
- Smoking: after gum surgery we ask you not to smoke for at least 1 week, until the wound has closed.
Frequently asked questions
Can receding gums grow back?
No. Gum tissue that has receded does not grow back by itself. Treatment can stop the recession from getting worse by dealing with the cause, such as gum disease, tartar or heavy brushing, and a gum graft can cover an exposed root. How much of the root can be covered depends on how much support has been lost between the teeth.
Is brushing too hard the cause of receding gums?
It can contribute, but the evidence is inconclusive. A systematic review found that some studies linked brushing habits to recession while others did not, and none of the studies was of high quality. Other causes include gum disease, tartar, tooth position, smoking, piercings and naturally thin gums. Use a soft or medium brush and brush gently.
How common are receding gums?
Very common. A review in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that more than half of adults have at least one site with recession of 1 mm or more, rising to 88% of people aged 65 and over. Recession is found in people with both good and poor oral hygiene, and it increases with age.
How are receding gums treated?
It depends on the cause and the severity. Gum disease is treated first with cleaning, deep cleaning or gum surgery. Sensitivity can be eased with varnish and desensitising toothpaste. Exposed roots can be covered with tooth-coloured bonding or with a gum graft, which Cleveland Clinic calls the most predictable long-term option. A dentist decides after an examination.
How much does gum treatment cost in Antalya?
At Ulubey Dental Clinic deep cleaning is €80, periodontal curettage €100 per quadrant and periodontal flap surgery €250 per quadrant. A free gingival graft is quoted individually in writing. The consultation and panoramic X-ray carry no fee, and your written quote is valid for 30 days.
Are receding gums a sign of gum disease?
Often, but not always. Cleveland Clinic describes recession as a form of gum disease, and the NHS lists shrinking gums among its effects. Recession is also found in people with clean teeth and healthy gums, for example because of thin gum tissue or tooth position. Bleeding gums, bad breath or loose teeth are reasons to see a dentist.
Sources
- Cleveland Clinic. Gum recession: causes, prevention, surgery and treatment (last updated 14 April 2022; accessed 26 October 2026). my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22753-gum-recession
- Kassab MM, Cohen RE. The etiology and prevalence of gingival recession. J Am Dent Assoc. 2003;134(2):220-225. PMID 12636127. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12636127
- NHS. Gum disease (page last reviewed 20 April 2026; accessed 26 October 2026). www.nhs.uk/conditions/gum-disease
- Rajapakse PS, McCracken GI, Gwynnett E, Steen ND, Guentsch A, Heasman PA. Does tooth brushing influence the development and progression of non-inflammatory gingival recession? A systematic review. J Clin Periodontol. 2007;34(12):1046-1061. PMID 17953693. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17953693
- Chambrone L, Salinas Ortega MA, Sukekava F, et al. Root coverage procedures for treating localised and multiple recession-type defects. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;10:CD007161. PMID 30277568. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30277568
- Cairo F, Nieri M, Cincinelli S, Mervelt J, Pagliaro U. The interproximal clinical attachment level to classify gingival recessions and predict root coverage outcomes: an explorative and reliability study. J Clin Periodontol. 2011;38(7):661-666. PMID 21507033. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21507033
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (GOV.UK). Delivering better oral health: an evidence-based toolkit for prevention. Chapter 8: oral hygiene (updated 10 September 2025) and Chapter 5: periodontal diseases (accessed 26 October 2026). www.gov.uk/government/publications/delivering-better-oral-health-an-evidence-based-toolkit-for-prevention/chapter-8-oral-hygiene
This page is general information and does not replace an examination.
Editor contact: [email protected] · ulubeydental.com/contact-us
