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Dentist Disaster

Decay & gums

Receding gums

Routine5 treatment options

Gums shrinking back to expose the roots can cause sensitivity and 'long' looking teeth. The causes and how to stop it getting worse.

How urgent is it? Routine

Mention it at your next check-up. See a dentist sooner if your gums bleed, feel sore or swollen, or teeth feel loose, as these can be signs of gum disease.

What it is

Receding gums are gums that have shrunk back from the teeth, exposing the softer, more sensitive root surface. Teeth may look longer, small dark triangles can appear between them, and cold drinks or brushing may cause sharp twinges.

Recession becomes more common with age, but it is also a complication of gum disease, and brushing too hard or with a hard brush can contribute. An uneven bite and grinding have also been linked to gums pulling away from the teeth.

Treatment aims to stop further recession and manage any sensitivity. Your dentist will check whether gum disease is involved and advise on how to brush without causing more damage; for thin gums or exposed roots, a specialist may sometimes suggest a gum graft.

Signs and causes

Common signs

  • Teeth that look longer than before
  • Sensitivity, especially to cold or when brushing
  • Visible root surfaces near the gumline
  • Small dark triangles opening between teeth

Usual causes

  • Gum disease (periodontitis)
  • Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush
  • Getting older
  • Grinding, clenching or an uneven bite
  • Naturally thin gum tissue, or the position of a tooth in the bone
  • Gums shrinking back as inflammation settles after gum treatment

Ways to fix it

The options a dentist may discuss with you, and when each one tends to be used. Which one suits you depends on an examination.

  1. Daily oral hygiene

    Gentle technique with a soft or medium brush and a desensitising toothpaste to prevent further damage and ease sensitivity.

    Available on the NHSHome care

  2. Fluoride treatments and fissure sealants

    A dentist may apply a desensitising treatment or prescribe a high-fluoride toothpaste; 5,000ppm toothpaste is used for people with gum recession.

    Available on the NHSPreventive

  3. Fillings

    Covering worn, exposed areas near the gumline that are sensitive.

    Available on the NHSRestorative

  4. Gum disease treatment

    When periodontitis is causing the recession.

    Available on the NHSPreventive

  5. Night guards and splints

    If grinding or clenching is contributing.

    Sometimes on the NHSPreventive

What you can do now

  • Use a soft brush, small circular movements and light pressure
  • Try a toothpaste for sensitive teeth and rub a little onto sensitive areas at night
  • Spit after brushing rather than rinsing with water

Preventing it

  • Brush twice a day and clean between teeth daily to keep gum disease at bay
  • Avoid scrubbing hard - an electric brush with a pressure sensor can warn you if you press too hard
  • Do not smoke

Common questions

Can receded gums be repaired?

Treatment usually focuses on preventing further loss and easing sensitivity. In some cases a specialist may recommend soft-tissue grafting - minor surgery using gum tissue from elsewhere in your mouth to cover an exposed root and thicken thin gums. Your dentist can tell you whether a referral is appropriate.

Why do my teeth look longer after gum treatment?

As inflamed, swollen gums heal after periodontal treatment they can shrink back to the level of the bone, which can make teeth look longer and leave small gaps between them.

Can brushing too hard cause receding gums?

Brushing too hard or with a hard toothbrush is one of the recognised causes of gum recession and sensitive teeth.

Products that may help at home

These support good daily care; they don’t replace treatment from a dentist. Some links may be affiliate links.

Sensodyne Rapid Relief toothpaste

A sensitivity toothpaste marketed for fast relief. The Oral Health Foundation notes that sensitive toothpastes work by blocking…

Features & who it suits

Sensodyne Repair & Protect toothpaste

A toothpaste for sensitive teeth built around NovaMin. As with any sensitivity toothpaste, you need to keep using it for the…

Features & who it suits

Sources we used

Checked September 2026. Guidance changes, so always follow the advice of your own dental team. About our sources.