Dr. Tamara Rojas, DMD  |  Tooth Fairy Workshop  |  Updated June 2026  |  5 min read

Receding gums affect roughly 88% of adults over 65 — but gum recession isn’t just an age issue. Many patients in their 30s and 40s develop gum recession without knowing it, often until their dentist measures pocket depths or they notice a tooth suddenly looks “longer.”

Dr. Tamara Rojas, periodontist at Tooth Fairy Workshop in Hollywood, FL, explains what causes gums to recede, how to recognize the signs, and what treatment options are available.

What Is Gum Recession?

Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue surrounding a tooth pulls back or wears away, exposing more of the tooth — and in significant cases, the tooth root. This creates gaps or pockets between the tooth and gum where bacteria can accumulate.

Unlike cavities or obvious dental pain, recession progresses slowly and silently. Most patients don’t notice it until sensitivity develops or a dentist points it out during an exam. By the time symptoms appear, meaningful tissue loss has often already occurred.

Causes of Receding Gums

Multiple factors can cause or accelerate gum recession. Understanding the root cause is essential before choosing a treatment approach.

Periodontal Disease

The most common cause of significant gum recession. Bacterial infection destroys the gum tissue and underlying bone that support the teeth. Unlike mechanical recession, disease-driven recession continues progressing until the infection is treated.

Aggressive Brushing

Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristle toothbrush physically abrades gum tissue over time. This typically causes recession on the outer surfaces of teeth — especially upper canines and premolars. Switching to a soft-bristle brush and gentle circular motion stops further mechanical damage.

Genetics and Thin Tissue

Some patients are born with thinner gum tissue (thin biotype) that is inherently more susceptible to recession. Even good oral hygiene habits may not prevent recession in these patients without proactive monitoring.

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Chronic grinding places excessive lateral force on teeth, which over time contributes to bone and gum tissue loss at the gumline. A custom night guard can reduce this force and protect against further recession.

Hormonal Changes

Fluctuating estrogen levels during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause make gum tissue more sensitive and prone to inflammation. Periodontal exams during these life stages are especially important.

Tobacco Use

Smoking and smokeless tobacco products restrict blood flow to gum tissue and impair the immune response, both accelerating recession and making it harder for tissue to heal after treatment.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Gum recession is often painless in early stages. Here are the signs that warrant a professional evaluation:

• Teeth appear longer than they used to
• Visible root surface (darker yellow-gray area at the base of a tooth)
• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
• A notch you can feel with your fingernail at the gumline
• Gaps or pockets forming between teeth
• Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
• Teeth feel loose or mobile

These symptoms often appear gradually. Comparing dental X-rays from one year to the next can reveal bone changes before symptoms become obvious.

Treatment Options at Tooth Fairy Workshop

Treatment depends on the cause and extent of recession. Dr. Rojas takes a conservative-first approach — starting with the least invasive option that addresses the underlying cause.

Scaling and Root Planing

If periodontal disease is driving the recession, a thorough deep cleaning below the gumline is the first step. By removing the bacterial load, the tissue can begin to stabilize and in some cases even partially reattach.

Gum Graft Surgery

For moderate-to-advanced recession, a connective tissue graft (CTG) or free gingival graft adds tissue to the receded area. Graft tissue is typically taken from the palate. Success rates exceed 90% in skilled hands, and most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the recovery is.

Pinhole Surgical Technique

A minimally invasive alternative to traditional grafting. Instead of sutures, a small hole is made in the gum and existing tissue is gently repositioned over the exposed root. Faster recovery, no graft harvest site discomfort.

How to Prevent Gum Recession

Prevention is far preferable to treatment. These habits significantly reduce recession risk:

• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush — electric brushes with pressure sensors are ideal
• Brush gently in small circles — not hard horizontal scrubbing strokes
• Floss daily — removes bacteria from between teeth before it migrates below the gumline
• Get periodontal exams annually — pocket depth measurements catch recession early
• Wear a night guard if you grind — reduces mechanical stress on bone and tissue
• Quit tobacco — smoking accelerates recession significantly

Frequently Asked Questions

Can receding gums grow back on their own?

No. Once gum tissue is lost, it does not regenerate on its own. However, early intervention through deep cleaning and improved home care can stabilize recession and prevent further loss. Significant recession requires gum grafting to restore coverage.

Is gum graft surgery painful?

The procedure is done under local anesthesia — most patients report minimal discomfort during the surgery itself. Recovery involves soreness at both the graft site and palate for 5–7 days, well managed with prescribed pain medication.

How long does recovery from gum grafting take?

Most patients return to work within 1–2 days and resume normal eating in 1–2 weeks. Full healing of the graft takes 4–6 weeks. Dr. Rojas provides detailed post-op instructions and a follow-up appointment at 1 week and 4 weeks post-surgery.

Does insurance cover gum graft surgery?

Many insurance plans cover gum grafting when it is medically necessary (i.e., to treat active periodontal disease or prevent tooth loss). Cosmetic recession grafting may not be covered. Our team will verify your benefits before treatment.

At what age does gum recession typically start?

Recession can begin at any age, but it becomes more common after 40. Early-onset recession (teens and 20s) is usually linked to aggressive brushing, thin tissue, or orthodontic treatment that moved teeth outside the bone boundary.