Gum recession is one of those changes that happens so gradually most people only notice it in a photograph, or when a cold drink suddenly hits a nerve. The gum margin pulls back from the tooth, exposing root surface that was never meant to see daylight. Roots have no enamel, so they are sensitive, they decay more easily, and they make teeth look long. At The Dental Atelier in Lynnwood we see recession at every age, and the treatment that fits depends entirely on why it is happening.
What causes gums to recede
- Gum disease. The most common cause in adults. Bacteria below the gumline destroy the fibers and bone that hold the gum in place, and the gum follows the bone down.
- Aggressive brushing. A hard-bristled brush or a scrubbing motion wears away gum tissue over years, typically on the canines and premolars on the side opposite your dominant hand.
- Thin gum tissue. Some people inherit a thin, delicate gum type that recedes under stresses thicker gums would shrug off.
- Clenching and grinding. Heavy bite forces can flex teeth at the gumline and contribute to recession and small notches in the root.
- Tooth position. A tooth that sits outside the arch, or one that was moved quickly during orthodontics, may have very little bone over its root.
- Tobacco. Smoking and chewing tobacco both accelerate gum loss.
- Oral piercings that rub the gum, and hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause.
Signs of gum recession
- Teeth look longer, or you can see a darker yellow band near the gum
- Sensitivity to cold, sweet or brushing at the gumline
- A notch you can feel with a fingernail where the gum meets the tooth
- Gums that bleed, look red, or have pulled away from one tooth more than its neighbors
- Food catching between teeth where it never used to
Do receding gums grow back?
No. Gum tissue that has been lost does not regenerate on its own, and no toothpaste, rinse or home remedy restores it. What you can do is stop it getting worse, treat the sensitivity, and in many cases surgically rebuild the lost tissue. Catching recession early keeps the simple options on the table.
Treatment options
Fix the cause first
Every recession plan starts here. For brushing damage we switch you to a soft or electric brush and retrain technique. For gum disease we treat the infection with a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and set a maintenance schedule. For grinders we fit a custom night guard. Without this step, any repair simply recedes again.
Desensitizing treatment
Fluoride varnish applied in the office, prescription-strength toothpaste, and bonding agents sealed over exposed root surface stop the cold sensitivity for most patients within a few visits.
Composite bonding on exposed roots
When recession has left a notch or the root is decaying, tooth-colored bonding covers and protects the surface and visually shortens the tooth. It does not replace gum, but it addresses sensitivity and appearance in a single visit.
Gum grafting
For moderate to severe recession, a periodontist grafts tissue over the exposed root. Options include connective-tissue grafts taken from the palate, donor tissue that avoids a second surgical site, and the pinhole technique, which repositions existing gum through a tiny entry point without sutures. Grafts stop further recession, restore protection to the root, and thicken thin tissue so it holds up long-term. We coordinate the referral and manage your care alongside the specialist.
Orthodontic repositioning
If a tooth is receding because it sits outside the bone, moving it back into the arch with clear aligners can actually bring gum coverage back as the bone fills in behind it, sometimes avoiding a graft entirely.
What recession treatment costs
Deep cleaning and desensitizing are usually covered in large part by dental insurance. Bonding on exposed roots is typically a few hundred dollars per tooth and is often covered when there is decay. Gum grafting generally runs from around $600 to $1,500 per tooth in the Seattle area, with partial insurance coverage when recession threatens the tooth. We provide written estimates and check benefits before any procedure.
Preventing further recession
- Use a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush and let the bristles do the work
- Brush along the gumline at a 45-degree angle rather than scrubbing across it
- Floss or use interdental brushes daily to keep gum disease at bay
- Wear a night guard if you grind
- Quit tobacco
- Keep up with cleanings so we can measure and track your gum levels each visit
Frequently asked questions
Is gum recession serious?
Left alone it leads to root decay, worsening sensitivity, loose teeth and eventually tooth loss. Treated early it is very manageable.
Can receding gums be reversed naturally?
Lost tissue does not regrow with oil pulling, salt water, or any over-the-counter product. Those can soothe inflammation but will not restore gum height.
At what point do I need a gum graft?
When recession is progressing despite fixing the cause, when the root is sensitive or decaying and bonding is not enough, or when the remaining gum is so thin it will not survive long-term. We measure recession at each exam so you will know if it is changing.
Does gum grafting hurt?
The grafted site is sore for several days, similar to a pizza burn on the palate if tissue is taken from there. Donor-tissue and pinhole techniques reduce that considerably.
Noticed your gums pulling back? Let's measure it
Dr. Kunal Narang and Dr. Aiman Pourahmari at The Dental Atelier in Lynnwood will chart your gum levels, identify the cause and lay out the options from least to most invasive. Book online or call 425-774-0111.
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