Question: Why are my gums receding and can they grow back?
Explanation: Gum recession is the gradual retreat of gum tissue down the root, exposing yellowish root surface and making teeth look longer. Causes include aggressive brushing with hard bristles, gum disease, grinding and clenching forces, thin genetic gum tissue, tooth malposition, lip or tongue piercings, and previous orthodontics in thin tissue. Receded gums do not grow back on their own — but recession can be halted by correcting the cause, and lost tissue can be surgically restored with gum grafting, which covers roots, thickens tissue, and relieves sensitivity. Untreated significant recession risks root decay, worsening sensitivity, and eventually compromised tooth support.
Related Questions:
How do I know if my brushing is causing recession? Recession on prominent teeth with notched roots and otherwise healthy gums is the classic overbrushing pattern — switch to soft bristles and light pressure.
What is gum grafting like? Tissue from your palate or donor material is secured over the exposed root; discomfort resembles a pizza burn for a week or two, and success rates are high.
Is minor recession an emergency? No, but it should be measured and monitored — the goal is stopping progression early rather than grafting late.