What Causes Receding Gums?

The short answer

Receding gums are often linked to gum disease, brushing too hard, long-term irritation, bite pressure, smoking, or the natural shape of your gums and teeth. Sometimes more than one thing is happening at the same time.

Gum recession is not just a cosmetic issue. When the root surface becomes more exposed, many people notice sensitivity to cold, a tooth that looks longer, or a small notch near the gumline. Some people also have bleeding, bad breath, or spaces that seem to appear between teeth.

RootLine is a free matching service. We do not diagnose or treat gum problems, and this information is general education only. A licensed periodontist can examine your gums, measure recession, check for gum disease, and explain your options. If you want help finding one, you can get matched at no cost.

Common reasons gums recede

Some causes are very common. Others are less obvious.

• Gum disease: Infection and inflammation can damage the tissues and bone that support the teeth. As support is lost, gums may pull back. If you want a general overview, see gum disease treatment.
• Brushing too hard or using a hard brush: Scrubbing sideways with too much force can wear the gumline over time, especially on the outside surfaces of teeth.
• Thin gum tissue or tooth position: Some people naturally have thinner gums, or teeth that sit slightly outside the ideal arch. That can make recession more likely.
• Teeth grinding or heavy bite pressure: Clenching and grinding may add stress around certain teeth. A periodontist or dentist can tell you whether this may be part of the problem.
• Tobacco use: Smoking and other tobacco products can irritate gum tissue and increase the risk of periodontal problems.
• Plaque and tartar buildup: When plaque is not removed well, it can harden into tartar. That can irritate the gums and contribute to inflammation.
• Crooked teeth or hard-to-clean areas: When teeth overlap or twist, some spots are harder to clean gently and consistently.
• Lip or tongue piercings: Repeated rubbing against the gums can lead to local recession.
• Past dental or orthodontic factors: In some cases, gum levels change after years of bite changes, tooth movement, or restorations near the gumline.

Recession does not always mean severe disease, but it should not be ignored. A provider needs to look at the pattern, depth, and likely cause before suggesting next steps.

How to tell if recession may be happening

You may notice changes slowly. Many people do not realize it at first because gum recession is often painless.

Signs that can happen with receding gums include:

1. Teeth look longer than before.
2. Sensitivity to cold air, cold drinks, sweets, or brushing near the gumline.
3. A visible root surface that looks more yellow than the crown of the tooth.
4. Small notches or grooves near where the tooth meets the gum.
5. Bleeding gums, tenderness, or bad breath if inflammation is also present.
6. Food traps or new spaces, sometimes called "black triangles," between teeth.

A periodontist may check the depth of the gum pockets, the amount of attached gum tissue, whether bone loss may be present, and whether the recession seems stable or still changing. That kind of in-person exam is important because the same symptom can have different causes.

If you have severe pain, facial swelling, fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing, seek urgent dental or medical care right away.

What happens next depends on the cause

There is no one-size-fits-all answer for receding gums. The right plan depends on what a licensed periodontist finds during your exam.

Sometimes the first step is improving home care technique or reducing irritation. In other cases, the provider may recommend professional gum treatment if gum disease is present. If tartar and deeper inflammation are involved, many people are advised to start with deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing. Typical US estimates are about $150-$400 per quadrant, but the real price depends on the diagnosis, the number of areas treated, the provider, insurance, and your area. Learn more about deep cleaning and scaling.

If exposed roots, thin gum tissue, or worsening recession are concerns, a provider may discuss a gum graft. A gum graft is often used to add or thicken tissue in a specific spot. Typical US estimates are about $600-$1,200 per site, but actual cost varies based on the diagnosis, how many sites are treated, the provider, insurance, and location. More details are here: gum grafts.

Some people also need ongoing periodontal maintenance after active treatment. Typical US estimates are around $115-$300 per visit, depending on the office, insurance, and area.

The key point is simple: recession treatment depends on the reason for the recession. A specialist can tell you whether the goal is to control disease, reduce further damage, improve comfort, improve appearance, or a mix of these.

What you can do now

You do not need to guess. A few practical steps can help you move forward.

• Book an in-person exam with a licensed periodontist if you notice recession, sensitivity, or bleeding.
• Use a soft toothbrush and gentle pressure. Small circles are often easier than hard back-and-forth scrubbing.
• Keep the area clean consistently without trying to scrape or "fix" the gum yourself.
• Write down what you have noticed, such as bleeding, cold sensitivity, when it started, and whether one area seems to be changing.
• Ask clear questions about the cause, whether the recession seems active, and what the treatment choices are.

Helpful questions include:

1. What do you think is causing the recession?
2. Do I have gum disease, brushing trauma, thin tissue, or more than one issue?
3. Is treatment needed now, or should it be monitored?
4. What are the likely costs, and what might insurance help cover?

You can review more ideas here: questions to ask a periodontist.

RootLine can help you compare options. You choose who to see. You confirm the treatment plan and price with the provider before any care. Our form asks for contact and general request details only, not a medical or dental history.