Receding Gums: Why It Happens and How to Treat It
If your teeth look a little longer than before, or you feel a sharp twinge when sipping cold water, you may be noticing early gum recession. This is common and often develops slowly, which is why many patients in Sector 39, Gurugram only notice it once the tooth root is visible. Understanding why it happens can help you catch it early and choose the right treatment.
What Is Gum Recession?
Gum recession happens when the gum tissue surrounding your teeth pulls back or wears away, exposing more of the tooth or even the root surface. Since the root is not covered by hard enamel, exposed areas are often sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods and can look uneven compared to the rest of your smile.
Common Causes of Receding Gums
Aggressive or Incorrect Brushing
Brushing too hard, using a hard-bristled brush, or scrubbing side to side can gradually wear away gum tissue, especially along the outer surfaces of teeth. Many people do this without realising it, thinking harder brushing means cleaner teeth.
Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)
Plaque and tartar buildup along the gumline can lead to gingivitis and, if untreated, periodontitis. This infection breaks down the gum and bone supporting your teeth, causing recession along with possible bleeding, bad breath, or loose teeth.
Genetics
Some people are simply born with thinner gum tissue or teeth positioned slightly outside the normal jaw line. This makes gums more prone to recession even with careful oral care.
Teeth Grinding and Clenching (Bruxism)
Grinding your teeth, often at night, puts excess force on teeth and the surrounding gum and bone. Over time this pressure can contribute to gum recession, particularly when combined with other risk factors.
Other Contributing Factors
- Poorly fitted dentures or old orthodontic treatment that shifted teeth
- Tobacco or gutka use
- Lip or tongue piercings rubbing against the gums
- Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy
Signs You Should Get Checked
- Teeth appearing longer than before
- Visible yellowish root surface near the gumline
- Increased sensitivity to cold, hot, or sweet foods
- A notch or groove felt near the gumline
- Gums that bleed easily during brushing
Treatment Options for Receding Gums
Treatment depends on how much recession has occurred and what is causing it. Your dentist will examine your gums, check for bone loss with X-rays if needed, and recommend a suitable plan.
Conservative, Non-Surgical Options
- Desensitizing treatments: Special toothpaste or in-clinic fluoride varnish applications can reduce sensitivity from exposed roots.
- Professional cleaning (scaling): Removes plaque and tartar that fuel gum disease, helping stop further recession.
- Brushing correction: Your dentist may guide you on gentler technique and recommend a soft-bristled brush.
- Night guard for grinding: A custom guard reduces force on teeth and gums during sleep.
- Composite bonding: A tooth-coloured filling material can cover small areas of exposed root and reduce sensitivity, without surgery.
Surgical Options for Advanced Recession
- Gum graft surgery: Tissue is taken from another part of the mouth (or a suitable graft material) and placed over the exposed root to cover it and add thickness to thin gums.
- Pinhole surgical technique: A minimally invasive method where existing gum tissue is gently repositioned to cover recession, often with less discomfort than traditional grafting.
- Regenerative procedures: In cases with bone loss from gum disease, treatments to encourage bone and tissue regeneration may be recommended alongside grafting.
Typical Cost Range in Sector 39, Gurugram
| Treatment | Typical Range (INR) |
|---|---|
| Desensitizing treatment (per session) | 800 to 2,000 |
| Professional cleaning | 1,500 to 4,000 |
| Composite bonding (per tooth) | 1,500 to 3,500 |
| Night guard for grinding | 3,000 to 8,000 |
| Gum graft surgery (per site) | 8,000 to 25,000 |
These are general estimates. Actual cost depends on the extent of recession, number of teeth involved, and the technique used, which your dentist will explain after examination.
Preventing Further Recession
Once gum tissue is lost, it does not grow back on its own, so prevention matters. Use a soft-bristled brush with gentle circular motions, avoid tobacco products, get regular dental check-ups, and address teeth grinding early. If you notice any signs of recession, seeing a dentist sooner rather than later can help limit further damage and keep treatment simple.
Have questions about your teeth?
Keep Smiling Dental · Near Medanta, Sector 39, Gurugram
Frequently asked questions
Can receded gums grow back on their own?
No. Gum tissue does not regenerate naturally once lost. Treatment can stop further recession and cover exposed roots, but the gum will not grow back by itself.
Is gum recession always a sign of gum disease?
Not always. It can also result from hard brushing, teeth grinding, genetics, or old orthodontic movement. A dental check-up helps identify the actual cause.
Does a gum graft hurt?
The procedure is done under local anaesthesia, so you should not feel pain during it. Mild soreness for a few days afterward is normal and manageable with medication.
How can I stop my gums from receding further?
Switch to a soft-bristled brush, use gentle technique, treat any gum disease early, manage grinding with a night guard if needed, and get regular dental cleanings.
Treatment costs mentioned on this page are indicative ranges for the Sector 39, Gurugram region. Your exact cost depends on your case and will be confirmed after a clinical examination at the clinic.