Can Receding Gums Grow Back? How Dentists Treat Gum Recession

If your teeth look longer than they used to or feel more sensitive near the gumline, you may be seeing receding gums. Receded gum tissue doesn’t grow back on its own, but treatment can help prevent further recession, protect exposed roots, and address the cause of your gums pulling away.

Why Are My Gums Receding?

Gum recession can affect one tooth or several, and gum disease isn’t the only possible cause. Your dentist needs to identify why it’s happening before recommending treatment.

Common contributors include:

• Periodontal disease and plaque or tartar buildup
• Brushing too aggressively
• Smoking or other tobacco use
• Genetics or naturally thin gum tissue
• Tooth position, past orthodontic treatment, or trauma

Cleveland Clinic notes that recession can expose tooth roots, making them more sensitive and vulnerable to cavities. Because recession can be easy to miss until the gumline changes or sensitivity appears, it’s worth having the area checked. Even when the recession doesn’t hurt, exposed root surfaces deserve attention because they’re more vulnerable than the enamel-covered crown of the tooth.

Can Receding Gums Grow Back Without Treatment?

No. Once gum tissue has receded, it doesn’t simply regenerate to its original position.

Treatment focuses on controlling the cause and protecting the exposed root. If gum disease is driving the recession, controlling the infection can help protect the remaining gum and supporting bone. Gentler brushing or other changes may help when irritation or trauma contributes to the problem.

When Does Gum Recession Need Treatment?

Visible recession deserves a dental evaluation even if it doesn’t hurt. Bleeding, persistent bad breath, loose teeth, tenderness, or increasing sensitivity can signal an underlying gum problem. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research explains that dentists may measure periodontal pockets and use X-rays to look for bone loss when evaluating gum disease.

At Loganville Dental, periodontal disease therapy may include scaling and root planing when gum disease is present. If recession is significant, we may consider gum grafting to cover an exposed root and protect it from decay and sensitivity.

How We Evaluate Gum Recession in Loganville

We’ll look at the location and amount of recession, gum inflammation, pocket depth, tooth stability, your brushing habits, and other factors that may be contributing. When imaging is needed, our low-radiation digital X-rays can help us evaluate the bone supporting your teeth.

Dr. Hasan Syed earned his dental degree in 2012 and purchased the Loganville practice in 2017. Our practice uses conservative treatment planning, so we base the recommendation on what your gums and supporting structures actually need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can brushing too hard make gums recede?

Yes. Aggressive brushing can contribute to gum recession. Use gentle pressure and a soft-bristled toothbrush unless your dentist gives you different instructions.

Can gum recession cause tooth sensitivity?

Yes. Recession can expose the tooth root, which may make hot, cold, sweet foods, or brushing feel uncomfortable.

Schedule a Gum Evaluation in Loganville

If your gums are pulling away from a tooth or your roots are becoming sensitive, schedule a gum recession evaluation in Loganville with Loganville Dental. We’ll identify what’s causing the change and explain whether monitoring, changes at home, periodontal therapy in Loganville, or another treatment can help protect your teeth and gums.

Medically reviewed by Hasan Ali Syed, D.M.D. on September 10, 2026