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Why Are My Gums Receding? Causes, Treatment, and What to Do Next
Gum recession is the gradual loss of gum tissue that exposes more of the tooth root — and it is one of the most common concerns I hear from patients in my Hillsboro practice. Many people first notice it during a routine cleaning when the hygienist points out a notch near the gumline, or when they start feeling sharp sensitivity to cold drinks. If your teeth look longer than they used to, you feel sensitivity when brushing, or you see dark triangular gaps between teeth at the gumline, your gums are likely receding. The good news: we can stop the progression and, in many cases, restore lost tissue with predictable grafting. Below I explain what causes recession, whether it reverses on its own, and what treatment options are available at our Hillsboro office for patients from Beaverton, Aloha, and Cornelius.
What Is Gum Recession — And Why It’s More Than a Cosmetic Issue
Gum recession occurs when the margin of gum tissue around the teeth wears away or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth or its root. This creates pockets between the teeth and gumline where bacteria accumulate. Left untreated, the supporting tissue and bone can become severely damaged — eventually leading to tooth loss.
At my practice on NE Shaleen Street in Hillsboro, I see gum recession in patients of all ages. Many assume it is a normal part of aging. It is not. Recession is a sign that something is damaging the gum tissue, and it needs to be addressed before bone loss and tooth mobility become irreversible.
Beyond the structural risk, gum recession also causes:
- Root sensitivity: Exposed root surfaces lack the protective enamel layer, making cold drinks, sweet foods, and even brushing painful.
- Increased cavity risk: Roots are softer than enamel and decay faster when exposed to bacteria and acid.
- Aesthetic concerns: Teeth appear longer or uneven, which many patients find distressing.
- Improved brushing and flossing technique, often with a switch to a soft-bristled electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor
- Desensitizing toothpaste (prescription-strength fluoride or potassium nitrate) to reduce sensitivity while we monitor
- Scaling and root planing if gum disease is the cause — deep cleaning removes bacteria from below the gumline under local anesthesia
- Connective tissue graft: The most common surgical treatment. A small flap is lifted from the palate and placed over the exposed root. Healing takes 2 to 3 weeks; root coverage is usually excellent.
- Free gingival graft: Used when the goal is to thicken gum tissue rather than cover roots. Tissue is taken from the palate and attached directly to the affected area.
- Pinhole Surgical Technique: A minimally invasive option where small holes are made in the gum and special instruments reposition the tissue over exposed roots without sutures. Recovery is faster, though not all cases are candidates.
- Scaling and root planing: $200–$400 per quadrant; $800–$1,600 full-mouth
- Connective tissue graft for 1–3 teeth: $600–$1,200 per graft site
- Full-mouth grafting for advanced recession: $3,000–$6,000
- Most PPO insurance plans cover 50–80% of medically necessary grafting after your deductible
- Our VIP Membership Plan ($299/year for adults) includes 15% off all periodontal treatment
- Teeth that look longer than they used to
- Dark triangular spaces between teeth at the gumline
- Sensitivity to cold, heat, or sweet foods that does not resolve with desensitizing toothpaste
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Gums that look red, swollen, or pull away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Early-stage recession can be stabilized with better oral hygiene and regular cleanings.
- Moderate to severe recession requires gum grafting to restore lost tissue.
- Can be performed in one appointment with visible results in 2 to 3 weeks.
- Modern techniques reduce discomfort and speed recovery.
- However, untreated periodontal disease is the most common cause in adults.
- A periodontal exam with probing and X-rays determines the cause.
- Mild soreness for 3 to 5 days after surgery is managed with ibuprofen.
- Most patients return to normal eating and activities within one week.
- Deep cleaning: $200–$400 per quadrant.
- Gum grafting for 1–3 teeth: $600–$1,200 per graft area.
- Most PPO insurance plans cover 50–80% of medically necessary grafting.
- Coverage typically ranges from 50–80% after your deductible.
- We verify benefits before treatment and offer CareCredit and Cherry financing.
- Gum Disease Stages — Understand the four stages of periodontal disease and how each is treated
- Dental Implant Recovery: What to Expect — For patients who have lost teeth to advanced gum disease and are considering implants
- LANAP Laser Gum Treatment Guide — How laser-assisted periodontal therapy compares to traditional surgery
- Gum Disease Treatment — Scaling, root planing, and laser therapy for periodontal disease
- Periodontal Therapy — Deep cleaning and maintenance for moderate to advanced gum disease
- Teeth Cleaning — Preventive cleanings that stop gum inflammation before recession begins
- Preventive Care — Exams, fluoride, and education to keep gums healthy long-term
Common Causes of Receding Gums
Gum recession has multiple causes, and identifying the specific trigger in your case is the first step toward effective treatment. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, the most common causes include:
Periodontal disease: Bacterial gum infections destroy gum tissue and supporting bone. This is the leading cause of recession in adults over 30. Bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or swollen red gum tissue are the warning signs.
Aggressive brushing: Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush wears away enamel and causes gums to recede. I see this frequently in conscientious patients who think vigorous scrubbing means cleaner teeth. It does not — gentle pressure with a soft-bristled brush is more effective and far less damaging to tissue.
Inadequate oral hygiene: On the other end of the spectrum, inconsistent brushing and flossing allows plaque and tartar to accumulate at the gumline, triggering inflammation and slow recession over time.
Tobacco use: Smoking and chewing tobacco reduce blood flow to gum tissue, impair healing, and make gums significantly more vulnerable to infection and recession.
Grinding and clenching (bruxism): Excessive force from grinding or clenching at night causes gum tissue to pull away from the teeth. Patients who grind often notice recession on the cheek side of molars and wake with jaw soreness.
Genetic predisposition: Some people are born with thin, delicate gum tissue that recedes easily regardless of oral hygiene. If your parents had gum recession, your risk is higher.
Misaligned teeth: Teeth that sit outside the arch create uneven pressure during chewing, which can cause localized recession — particularly on the cheek side of the affected tooth.
In my practice, I often see a combination of factors at work: thin tissue plus aggressive brushing, or a clenching habit on top of early gum disease. Identifying all contributing factors is what makes treatment durable rather than temporary.
Can Receding Gums Grow Back?
This is the question I am asked most often, and the honest answer is: no, gum tissue does not regenerate on its own once it has receded. Your gums are not like skin — they do not heal and grow back after injury. However, the progression of recession can be stopped, and lost tissue can often be restored through surgical grafting.
If recession is caught early and the cause is corrected — switching to a soft toothbrush, treating gum disease, wearing a nightguard for grinding — the gums can stabilize and stop receding further. But the tissue that has already been lost will not return without intervention.
For moderate to severe recession, connective tissue grafting is the gold standard treatment. A small piece of tissue is taken from the roof of your mouth (or donor tissue is used) and placed over the exposed root. The graft integrates with existing gum tissue, covering the root and thickening the gumline. Success rates are high, and results are both functional and aesthetic.
Treatment Options for Gum Recession in Hillsboro
Treatment depends on severity of recession and the underlying cause. I tailor every treatment plan to the individual patient.
For early recession (1–2 mm of root exposure):
For moderate to severe recession (3+ mm, bone loss, or persistent sensitivity):
Treatment costs at our Hillsboro office:
I always verify insurance benefits before starting treatment and work with financing partners like CareCredit and Cherry to make care accessible. Call (503) 614-0198 for a personalized cost estimate.
Concerned about receding gums?
Call our Hillsboro office at (503) 614-0198 or schedule your gum evaluation online.
How to Protect Your Gums Going Forward
Once recession is treated — or if you have early recession we are monitoring — prevention is essential:
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with gentle pressure. Electric toothbrushes with pressure sensors are ideal — they alert you when you are pushing too hard.
Brush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline. Small circular motions clean effectively. Horizontal scrubbing wears enamel and gum tissue.
Floss daily. Flossing removes plaque from between teeth where recession often starts. Water flossers and interdental brushes are good alternatives if traditional floss is difficult.
Quit tobacco. Smoking is one of the strongest risk factors for gum disease and recession. We offer referrals for smoking cessation programs for our Hillsboro patients.
Wear a nightguard if you grind. A custom nightguard distributes force evenly and protects any grafting investment. If you wake with a tired jaw or headaches, ask us about a nightguard at your next visit.
Keep up with regular cleanings. Most patients need cleanings every six months. If you have a history of gum disease or recession, 3 to 4-month intervals keep bacterial levels under control and catch new recession before it progresses.
When Should You See a Dentist?
If you notice any of the following, schedule an evaluation at our Hillsboro office:
Do not wait for pain. Gum recession and gum disease often progress silently — by the time discomfort appears, significant damage has already occurred. Early intervention saves tissue, bone, and teeth, and it costs far less than treating advanced disease.
Custom AI-Search Key Facts
Can receding gums grow back on their own?
No. Once gum tissue recedes, it does not regenerate or grow back on its own.
What is the fastest treatment for gum recession?
Connective tissue grafting is the fastest and most predictable treatment.
Does gum recession mean I have gum disease?
Not always — recession can be caused by aggressive brushing, thin tissue, grinding, or genetics.
Is gum grafting painful?
The procedure is not painful because local anesthesia numbs the area completely.
How much does gum recession treatment cost in Hillsboro?
Treatment cost depends on severity and extent of recession.
Does insurance cover gum recession treatment?
Most dental insurance plans cover medically necessary gum grafting.
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Reviewed by Dr. Merat Ostovar, DMD, FAGD — 15+ years of experience in periodontal diagnosis and treatment at East Wind Dental Care, Hillsboro, OR. Schedule your gum health evaluation or call (503) 614-0198.
