Why Are My Gums Receding? A Canberra Dentist Explains
Have you noticed your teeth looking a little longer than they used to, or felt a twinge of sensitivity when you sip something cold? You might be experiencing gum recession — and you’re not alone. At Macquarie Dental Care, we see patients from Belconnen and across Canberra who are surprised to learn that even people with great oral hygiene habits can develop this condition.
What Is Gum Recession?
Your gums are made up of two types of tissue. There’s the firm, pink tissue that hugs your teeth and anchors to the bone underneath, and there’s the softer, moveable tissue lining your cheeks and lips. Healthy gum tissue forms a snug collar around each tooth, protecting the root underneath.
Gum recession happens when this gum line gradually pulls back, or “recedes,” exposing more of the tooth — including the root surface, which doesn’t have the same protective enamel coating as the crown of the tooth. Because the root surface is softer, it can be more vulnerable to decay and sensitivity once it’s exposed.
What Causes Gum Recession?
There are several reasons your gums may start to recede, and often it’s a combination of factors:
- Tooth position. If teeth come through crowded or misaligned, some may sit slightly outside the normal jawbone contour. This can mean there’s less bone and gum tissue covering the root from the start — sometimes noticeable in children as young as ten.
- Genetics. Some people are simply born with thinner or more delicate gum tissue, which can make them more prone to recession over time.
- Brushing technique. Brushing too hard or using a firm-bristled brush can gradually wear away gum tissue, even if you’re being diligent about your oral hygiene.
- Trauma. Injury to the gum tissue — from anything sharp, a fall, or even certain oral habits — can contribute to recession.
- Gum disease. Ongoing inflammation from plaque and bacteria can break down the tissue and bone supporting your teeth, leading to recession if it isn’t managed.
Why It’s Worth Addressing Early
Left unchecked, gum recession tends to progress rather than resolve on its own, and it can be accompanied by bone loss around the affected teeth. The good news is that a dental examination can help identify the cause early, which usually means simpler, more comfortable treatment options.
How Gum Recession May Be Treated
Treatment really depends on what’s driving the recession and how advanced it is:
- Improving your brushing technique. If aggressive brushing is a factor, our team can show you gentler, more effective methods that protect your gums while still keeping your teeth clean.
- Scaling and root planing. When gum disease is the underlying cause, a thorough professional clean below the gum line — combined with excellent home care and regular check-ups — can help stop the disease process and prevent further recession.
- Gum graft surgery. For more advanced recession, a soft-tissue graft may be recommended. This involves taking a small amount of tissue (often from elsewhere in the mouth, or in some cases a specialised tissue product) and grafting it over the exposed root area. This can help re-cover the root, reduce sensitivity, protect against further recession, and improve the appearance of the gum line.
A Gentle, Personalised Approach
Every smile is different, and the right treatment path depends on your individual history, the extent of recession, and your goals. That’s why a professional dental examination is so important — self-diagnosis can miss underlying issues like early gum disease.
At Macquarie Dental Care, our Belconnen-based team takes a gentle, unhurried approach to periodontal (gum) health. We’ll talk you through what we find, explain your options clearly, and help you choose a path that fits your comfort level and lifestyle.
Worried About Your Gums? Let’s Take a Look.
If you’ve noticed sensitivity, longer-looking teeth, or gum changes, don’t wait for it to progress. Book a check-up with our friendly Canberra team today, and let’s protect your smile together.
This article is for general education only and is not a substitute for personalised advice from your dentist. Please book an examination for an accurate assessment of your individual needs.
