Reviewed by the Chatsworth House Dental Clinic team. Last reviewed: April 2026.
If you have noticed your teeth looking longer than they used to, or felt a sharp twinge when sipping something cold, these can be early signs of gum recession. The condition develops gradually, often over years, which is why many people only spot it once it is well underway.
It is important to know that once gum tissue has receded, it does not grow back on its own. Treatment can often slow or stop progression, and in some cases, restore the appearance of the gumline through grafting. Below, we walk you through the recognised causes, the early signs, and the treatment options we offer.
What Gum Recession Actually Is
Gum recession is the gradual pulling back of the gum tissue from around your teeth. As that tissue retreats, more of the tooth becomes exposed, including the root, which is softer and far more sensitive than the crown.
It is not a single condition with one cause. It is usually the result of several different stresses on the gums, sometimes working together over the years.
Why It Matters
Receding gums are not just a cosmetic concern. Once the root is exposed, you may become more vulnerable to:
- Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweet foods
- Root decay, which tends to progress faster than decay on enamel
- Loose teeth, in more advanced cases
- Visible gaps near the gumline that can trap food and plaque
A regular oral hygiene check-up is one of the simplest ways to spot any changes early.
The Main Causes of Gum Recession
There is rarely just one reason gums start to recede. Most of the time, it is a combination of habits, biology, and history. The causes below draw on NHS guidance and resources from the British Society of Periodontology.
1. Gum Disease
Gum disease, known clinically as periodontal disease, is widely recognised as the most common cause of gum recession. It begins as gingivitis, the mild inflammation you might notice when your gums bleed during brushing, and can progress to periodontitis, where the infection reaches the deeper tissues and bone supporting your teeth.
According to the NHS guide to gum disease, it is caused by a build-up of plaque, and if it is not removed regularly through brushing and cleaning between the teeth, it irritates the gums. As the body fights the infection, the gum tissue and bone gradually break down, and the gums begin to pull away.
2. Brushing Too Hard
Alternative text: Man brushing his teeth forcefully at a bathroom mirror, illustrating how aggressive brushing technique can wear down gum tissue and contribute to recession.
Scrubbing harder does not mean cleaner teeth. Aggressive brushing, especially with a stiff-bristled brush, can wear away both enamel and gum tissue over time. This is one of the more common contributors we identify during routine examinations.
Worn or splayed bristles on a relatively new toothbrush can be a sign of excessive force. Recession from over-brushing is often seen on the cheek-side of the canines and premolars.
3. Genetics
Some people are more prone to gum problems than others. You may inherit thinner gum tissue or a heightened immune response that makes you more susceptible to inflammation. If your parents or siblings have struggled with their gums, mention it during your appointment so we can monitor yours more closely.
4. Misaligned Teeth and Bite Issues
When teeth are crowded, twisted, or biting together unevenly, certain areas can take more pressure than they should. Over time, those uneven forces may contribute to gum recession on the teeth that bear the brunt. Treating the underlying alignment can take that strain off the gums and may help protect them, which is why we sometimes suggest looking at ways to fix crooked teeth when recession is linked to bite issues.
5. Tooth Grinding and Clenching
Many people grind or clench their teeth without realising, especially during sleep or in stressful periods. This habit, called bruxism, puts considerable force through the teeth and surrounding bone, and can contribute to cracked teeth, jaw pain, and recession around the most affected teeth.
6. Smoking and Tobacco Use
Tobacco affects the gums in several ways. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking weakens the body’s immune response, making it harder to fight off gum infection, and once the gums are damaged, smoking also impairs healing. Smokers tend to have more plaque, more gum disease, and more recession as a result.
7. Hormonal Changes
Hormones influence how gums respond to plaque and bacteria. Pregnancy, puberty, and the menopause can all make gums more sensitive and may make them more prone to recession if other risk factors are present.
8. Lip and Tongue Piercings
Localised recession on the lower front teeth is a recognised consequence of tongue jewellery, caused by constant friction against the gum tissue. It can develop even in patients with otherwise excellent oral hygiene.
A Quick Comparison: Common Causes at a Glance
The summary below draws on NHS and British Society of Periodontology resources. It is intended as a general guide only, not a substitute for clinical assessment.
| Cause | How It Develops | Modifiable? |
| Gum disease | Plaque and bacteria inflame the gums for months or years | Yes, with treatment and good hygiene |
| Hard brushing | Daily wear and tear on gum tissue | Yes, by changing the technique |
| Genetics | Inherited tissue type or immune response | No, but manageable |
| Bite or alignment issues | Uneven force on certain teeth | Often, with orthodontics |
| Grinding and clenching | Repeated pressure during sleep or stress | Often, with a night guard |
| Smoking | Reduced healing, more plaque, hidden symptoms | Yes, by stopping |
| Hormonal changes | Increased gum sensitivity at certain life stages | Partly, with extra care |
| Piercings | Constant friction against gum tissue | Yes, by removing the jewellery |
Early Signs That Your Gums Might Be Receding
Some of the more common early signs include:
- Teeth that look longer than they used to
- A small notch or step you can feel where the tooth meets the gum
- New sensitivity to cold drinks, ice cream, or air
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Persistent bad breath, even with regular cleaning
- Teeth that feel slightly loose or have shifted position
Several of these signs can overlap with other dental conditions, so they are not a substitute for an in-person examination. If any sound familiar, we recommend booking a check-up. Our guide on what to expect at your first dental visit walks you through how it works.
How Orthodontic Treatment Can Help Protect Your Gums
Alternative text: Dentist examining an adult patient in a modern dental clinic, showing the kind of consultation used to assess gum recession and discuss treatment options.
Coming back to point four, misalignment is one of the more overlooked contributors to recession. When teeth are crowded, tipped, or biting together unevenly, the gums around the teeth taking the most strain can be the first to give way.
Correcting alignment can reduce that pressure and may help stabilise the gum tissue, although existing tissue loss does not regrow on its own. Orthodontic treatment is not appropriate for everyone, and in some cases, rapid tooth movement can itself contribute to recession, which is why a thorough assessment is essential beforehand.
Our orthodontic treatments cover a range of options, from discreet clear aligners to fixed braces for more complex cases. Every plan starts with a consultation where we assess your bite, your gums, and what you would like to change.
If you suspect alignment may be contributing to your recession, explore our orthodontic treatments and book your consultation today.
How We Help You Protect Your Gums
The right approach depends on what is causing the recession. We start with a thorough assessment, then build a plan around your specific needs. Depending on the case, that plan may include:
- A professional cleaning to help remove plaque and tartar
- Hygienist visits to support gum health between check-ups, sometimes using techniques such as Airflow or scale and polish
- Brushing technique advice, often with a switch to a soft or electric toothbrush
- A custom night guard if grinding is a contributing factor
- Gum surgery or grafting in advanced cases, where tissue may need restoring. More complex cases may be referred to a specialist periodontist on the General Dental Council’s specialist list.
With early detection and appropriate care, many people can maintain stable gum health long-term, although individual outcomes vary.
When to Get in Touch
Gum recession does not have to mean ongoing decline. With early detection and the right care, many people are able to slow or stop progression and protect their long-term oral health, although outcomes vary.
The most useful thing you can do is keep an eye on the small changes. A tooth that suddenly looks longer, a new sensitivity, or a small notch you can feel along the gumline. These are the moments when an extra check-up earns its place. The earlier we can identify what is driving the recession in your case, whether a brushing habit, an alignment issue, grinding, or something else, the more options we have to help.
If you have spotted any of the signs we have covered, or you are not sure how your gums are doing, we are happy to take a look. A short visit can give you a clear picture of where things stand, and you are welcome to get in touch with our team any time.
Looking after your gums is one of the quietest, most effective investments you can make in your smile, and it is rarely too late to start.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for personalised advice from a dental professional. It should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. If you are concerned about your gums, please book a consultation with your dentist.