Why Are My Gums Receding? Causes, Warning Signs and What You Can Do

Why Are My Gums Receding? Causes, Warning Signs and What You Can Do

Receding gums in London are something we regularly see at Boston House Dental Clinic. Sometimes patients notice that a tooth suddenly looks a little longer. Others first become aware of a problem when drinking cold water causes a sharp sensitivity around the gum line. And sometimes it is us who spot the change during a routine dental or hygiene appointment.

Gum recession means that the gum margin has moved away from its previous position, exposing more of the tooth – and sometimes part of its root. Gum recession is common, but you should not simply accept it as an inevitable part of getting older. The important question is not just “Why are my gums receding?” but also: “Why are my gums receding, and are they still changing?” Finding the cause early gives us the best opportunity to protect your gums and teeth for the future.

What exactly are receding gums?

Healthy gums form a close seal around the teeth and help protect the more vulnerable root surfaces underneath. With gum recession, the gum margin moves downwards on a lower tooth or upwards on an upper tooth. This can make the affected tooth appear longer. Enamel protects the crown of your tooth, but it does not cover the newly exposed root in the same way. This is one reason why recession can cause sensitivity.

Importantly, gum recession is a description of what has happened – not a diagnosis of why it happened. There are several possible causes, and sometimes more than one factor is involved. Recent systematic-review evidence confirms just how common recession is. A 2025 meta-analysis found some degree of recession of at least 1 mm in around 81% of the populations studied, although prevalence varied substantially between studies and more extensive recession was considerably less common. So, if you have noticed recession, you are certainly not alone.

What are the warning signs of receding gums?

Gum recession can develop gradually, which means it is surprisingly easy to miss.

Things to look out for include:

• A tooth appearing longer than it used to
• Increased sensitivity to cold, hot or sweet foods
• A visible yellowish area near the gum line, where the root has become exposed
• A small notch or change around the gum line
• Gaps or “black triangles” becoming more noticeable between teeth
• Bleeding, swollen or tender gums
• Changes in the position of the gum around one particular tooth
• Food becoming trapped in areas that previously did not cause a problem

Photographs and digital records can be particularly useful because gradual changes are difficult to judge simply by looking in the mirror every day.

Why are my gums receding?

There isn’t one single answer.

1. Gum disease

One of the most important causes to rule out is periodontitis, commonly referred to as gum disease. Periodontitis affects the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. As supporting tissue is lost, the position and appearance of the gum can change. The NHS lists shrinking gums among the possible consequences of gum disease, alongside bleeding or swollen gums, bad breath and, in more advanced disease, loose teeth.  A major 2025 systematic review also found a strong association between periodontitis and gingival recession. This is why we would not recommend simply treating the appearance of receding gums without first understanding the underlying cause.

2. Plaque and inflammation

Plaque is a sticky bacterial biofilm that constantly forms around our teeth. If it is not removed effectively, inflammation can develop around the gums. Good home cleaning therefore matters – but there is a balance. You want to clean your teeth thoroughly, not aggressively.

3. Brushing technique

We frequently meet enthusiastic brushers who assume that harder brushing must mean cleaner teeth. Unfortunately, gums do not award bonus points for effort. Using excessive pressure, a traumatic technique or inappropriate brush can potentially contribute to damage around vulnerable gum margins. However, the scientific evidence is more nuanced than the familiar statement that “brushing too hard causes recession”. A systematic review found the available evidence insufficient to establish a straightforward cause-and-effect relationship between tooth brushing and non-inflammatory recession. The practical message is simple: effective brushing should be gentle and controlled rather than forceful.

Our hygienists can assess your current toothbrush and technique and show you how to clean effectively without unnecessarily traumatising the gums. And yes – you are very welcome to bring your toothbrush and interdental brushes to your hygiene appointment. Sometimes a two-minute demonstration is more useful than another twenty YouTube videos.

4. Naturally thin gums

We are not all built the same. Some people naturally have thinner gum tissue and underlying bone around particular teeth. These areas may be more susceptible to recession when combined with other risk factors. That is one reason two people with apparently similar brushing habits can have very different gum conditions. A proper assessment looks at your individual gum anatomy, not just a generic list of risk factors.

5. Tooth position and orthodontic treatment

The position of a tooth within the jaw can influence the amount of gum and bone surrounding it. Orthodontic treatment itself should not simply be described as “causing receding gums”. The relationship is more complicated. Research suggests that certain tooth movements – particularly moving teeth towards or beyond the anatomical limits of their supporting tissues – may increase recession risk in susceptible patients. More recent systematic-review evidence identifies tooth movement, baseline anatomy, periodontal characteristics and oral hygiene among factors that may influence risk. This is one reason periodontal health and gum condition should be considered as part of careful orthodontic planning and monitoring.

6. Smoking

Smoking is bad news for gums and is significantly associated with gingival recession, with smokers showing higher odds of recession than non-smokers. Smoking is also an established risk factor for periodontal disease. One particularly deceptive feature is that smoking can alter the way gum inflammation presents, so gums may not always bleed as obviously as expected.

7. Your bite and forces on your teeth

The way teeth meet and the forces placed upon them may also contribute in some cases. Evidence has found an association between occlusal trauma – excessive or abnormal forces on teeth – and gingival recession, although recession is multifactorial and bite forces should not automatically be assumed to be the cause. This is why an assessment may include not only your gums but also your teeth, bite and overall dental history.

Why do receding gums make teeth sensitive?

This is one of the most common reasons patients seek help. The crown of your tooth is protected by enamel. The root is different. When gum recession exposes the root surface, stimuli such as cold drinks can reach the underlying dentine more easily. That can produce the familiar short, sharp “ouch!” when you take a sip of something cold. Sensitivity doesn’t automatically mean you have gum recession – decay, cracks and other dental problems can cause similar symptoms – so persistent sensitivity is worth having assessed.

Can receding gums grow back?

This needs a little clarification. Receded gum tissue does not normally spontaneously grow back to its original position. However, that doesn’t mean nothing can be done. The first priority is usually to identify the cause and determine whether the recession is stable or progressing.

Depending on the individual situation, management might involve:

• Improving oral-hygiene technique
• Professional hygiene treatment
• Treating underlying periodontal disease
• Managing sensitivity
• Monitoring stable recession
• Addressing contributing dental or orthodontic factors
• Restorative treatment where appropriate
• Periodontal surgery or gum grafting in selected cases

Not everyone with recession needs surgery.

How do we assess receding gums at Boston House?

At Boston House Dental Clinic in the City of London, the starting point is diagnosis. Our routine examinations include assessment of the gums and supporting tissues. Where periodontitis or more complex recession is suspected, our multidisciplinary team includes periodontal expertise for further assessment and treatment.  A periodontal assessment can include measurements around individual teeth, areas of bleeding or inflammation, recession measurements and, where clinically appropriate, digital X-rays to assess the supporting bone.

This helps answer the most important question: Is this recession stable, or is something actively causing it to progress?

Digital scanning can help us monitor changes

This is where modern dentistry becomes particularly useful. At Boston House Dental Clinic we use intraoral digital scanning to create detailed 3D records of the teeth and surrounding structures. Rather than relying entirely on memory – yours or ours – digital records can be compared over time. Our existing scanning protocol uses this technology to help monitor changes including gum recession, tooth wear and tooth movement.

For a patient with an area of recession that does not currently require active treatment, monitoring can be extremely valuable. If it remains stable, excellent. If it changes, we have objective information to help us decide what to do next.

When should I see a dentist about receding gums?

Make an appointment if you notice a new or changing area of recession, particularly if it is accompanied by:

• Bleeding gums
• Persistent sensitivity
• Swelling or soreness
• Bad breath that does not improve
• A tooth becoming mobile
• Rapid changes around one or more teeth

The NHS recommends seeing a dentist when gums bleed, are painful or swollen, or where other symptoms of gum disease are present. Loose teeth, severe swelling and certain mouth lesions require more urgent assessment.

What can I do to help prevent further gum recession?

There is no one-size-fits-all prevention plan because the correct approach depends on why your gums are receding. For most people, however, the fundamentals matter:

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, using an appropriate toothbrush and gentle technique.
• Clean between the teeth every day using appropriately sized interdental brushes or floss where suitable.
• Attend dental examinations and hygiene appointments at intervals recommended for your individual risk.
• Don’t smoke, and seek professional advice if you notice bleeding, sensitivity or a change in your gum line.
• The NHS similarly recommends twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, daily interdental cleaning and regular dental and hygiene care to help prevent gum disease.

Receding Gums in London? Let Us Take a Look

If your gums seem to be disappearing, don’t panic – but don’t ignore them either. The important thing is to understand why the recession has occurred and whether it is changing.

Boston House Dental Clinic provides general dentistry, dental hygiene and specialist periodontal care from our practice at 82 London Wall in the City of London, close to Liverpool Street, Moorgate and Bank.  Whether you have recently noticed sensitivity, are concerned about the appearance of your gums or simply want an area checked, our team can assess your gum health and recommend an appropriate approach.

Early assessment, careful monitoring and good prevention can make a significant difference to keeping your natural teeth healthy for the long term.

FAQs

Are receding gums a sign of gum disease?

They can be, but not always. Periodontitis is an important cause of gum and supporting-bone loss, but recession can also be associated with individual anatomy, plaque, smoking, tooth position, traumatic oral-hygiene habits and other factors. A dental assessment is needed to determine the likely cause.

Why is my gum receding around only one tooth?

A localised recession can relate to the position of that tooth, thin gum tissue, local plaque or inflammation, brushing habits, orthodontic movement or other local factors. An isolated change is worth assessing, particularly if it appears to be progressing.

Can a hygienist help with receding gums?

Yes. Hygiene care can be extremely important where plaque and inflammation are contributing factors. A hygienist can also help optimise brushing and interdental-cleaning techniques. If periodontitis or a more complex recession problem is identified, further assessment by a dentist or periodontist may be recommended. Boston House already follows this combined approach.

Can gum recession be treated?

Yes, although the appropriate treatment depends on the cause and severity. Some areas simply require monitoring and prevention; others may need periodontal treatment, sensitivity management, restorative care or, in selected cases, gum-grafting procedures.

Does gum recession always get worse?

No. An area can remain stable for many years once contributing factors are controlled. This is why recording and monitoring recession is useful rather than assuming every recession requires treatment.

Should I use an electric toothbrush if my gums are receding?

An electric toothbrush can be suitable, but technique and pressure matter. Some brushes include pressure sensors, which can be useful if you tend to brush forcefully. Ask your dentist or hygienist to recommend a brush and technique appropriate for your gums.