Receding gums give you that feeling that your teeth are "getting longer", that a yellower line is appearing near the root, sometimes along with a new sensitivity. This is what we call gum recession, a very widespread and often gradual phenomenon. The good news: you can slow it down, and even stabilise it, by understanding its causes and adopting the right habits. Here is what makes gums recede, how to prevent it, and when you absolutely must see a dentist.
What is gum recession?
The gum forms a protective collar around every tooth. When it pulls back, it exposes the neck of the tooth and then the root — areas which, unlike the crown, are not covered with enamel. The root is protected by cementum, far thinner and more fragile, and directly beneath it lies the dentine with its micro-channels connected to the nerve.
Two consequences follow from this:
- Increased sensitivity to cold, heat and sweet things, since the dentine becomes accessible;
- A risk of root cavities, that area being more vulnerable than enamel.
Recession is common and often slow. It does not "repair" itself spontaneously: a gum that has receded does not grow back on its own — we answer this question in detail in can gums grow back? Can receding gums be reversed. Hence the importance of acting early, on the causes, to stop it progressing.
A healthy gum is pink, firm and sits closely against the tooth. A gum that recedes, turns red or bleeds deserves your attention: these are signals you should not ignore.
The main causes
Several factors, often combined, explain gum recession:
| Cause | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| Brushing too aggressively | Hard bristles and heavy pressure wear the gum down and mechanically push it back |
| Plaque and inflammation (gingivitis) | Chronic inflammation weakens the supporting tissues and makes the gum recede |
| Tartar left in place | It builds up under the gum and keeps the inflammation going |
| Bruxism | Clenching or grinding your teeth creates stresses that strain the gums |
| Age and predisposition | Tissues thin out over time; some people are simply more prone to it |
| Tobacco | It reduces blood flow to the gums and masks the signs of inflammation |
The most common paradox: you think you are doing the right thing by brushing hard, and that is precisely what pushes the gum back. Force has never cleaned better; it simply damages.
How to prevent and slow down recession
Prevention rests on one simple principle: control plaque without attacking the gum. Here is the routine to adopt.
First, the movement. A soft-bristled brush, light pressure and circular movements from the gum towards the tooth (never firm horizontal back-and-forth) protect the gum line. Brushing should caress, not scrub.
Then, the formula. A toothpaste with controlled abrasiveness spares the gum and the exposed neck of the tooth, while 1450 ppm fluoride strengthens the enamel and helps protect that neck area. A formula such as Pomegranate & Sakura Blossom, whose pomegranate is recognised for being rich in antioxidants, is a pleasant companion to a routine designed for gum comfort. We go into detail about this benefit of pomegranate in our article on pomegranate and gum health.
Finally, the essential complements:
- Interdental cleaning (floss or interdental brushes) every day, to dislodge the plaque where the brush cannot reach;
- Regular scaling at the dentist, because tartar cannot be removed by brushing;
- Quitting smoking, which clearly improves gum health;
- A night guard if you grind your teeth, on your dentist's advice.
A word about electric toothbrushes: used properly, with soft bristles and simply rested against the tooth without pressing, they can help you control pressure and limit that aggressive horizontal movement. Many models even include a pressure sensor that warns you when you push too hard — a real asset for protecting fragile gums.
These habits belong to a complete oral care routine, the only real guarantee over time. Consistency matters more than intensity: a gentle, meticulous brushing twice a day beats a vigorous, hurried one that wears the gum out.
When should you see a dentist?
Prevention at home has its limits, and gum recession often calls for a professional opinion. See a dentist without delay if:
- Your gums bleed regularly when you brush;
- They are red, swollen or painful;
- You notice that your teeth visibly "get longer" or move;
- Sensitivity at the neck of the tooth becomes a daily nuisance.
Recession can be a sign of gum disease (periodontitis) which, left untreated, weakens the tooth's support. Only a dentist can make the diagnosis, carry out deep scaling and, if needed, propose a treatment. Toothpaste supports that care; it does not replace it. To pick a formula suited to your gum comfort, the toothpaste quiz points you in the right direction in two minutes.
Your questions about receding gums
Can a gum that has receded grow back?
Spontaneously, no: established recession does not fill itself back in. You can, however, stabilise it by acting on the causes. In some cases, the dentist can offer solutions to cover the root again. All the more reason to act early.
Does an electric toothbrush make recession worse?
Not if it is used properly. A soft-bristled electric brush, rested against the tooth without pressing, can even help you control pressure. It is excessive force, manual or electric, that causes the problem.
Does recession always make teeth sensitive?
Often, yes, because it exposes the neck of the tooth and the dentine. A gently abrasive fluoride toothpaste helps ease that sensitivity, but if it is sharp or persistent, talk to your dentist.
Can a toothpaste cure recession?
No. A suitable toothpaste helps prevent it getting worse and protects the exposed area, but it cures neither gingivitis nor periodontitis. Those conditions call for professional treatment.
In summary
Receding gums expose the neck of the tooth and the root, hence the increased sensitivity and vulnerability. Prevention comes down to a balance: controlling plaque while sparing the gum — soft brush, light pressure, interdental cleaning, regular scaling and a gentle fluoride toothpaste such as Pomegranate & Sakura Blossom. But gums that bleed, redden or visibly recede call for a dentist's opinion, because toothpaste supports without curing. To find the right formula, take the toothpaste quiz.
This is just one piece of a larger picture. To put it back in context — spotting the early signs, understanding the causes and knowing which daily habits truly protect your gums — see our complete guide to gum health, which brings it all together in one place.