Who Is At Risk? — Does everyone get gum recession?
Short answer: Does everyone get gum recession?
Not everyone develops noticeable gum recession, but many adults will show some gum margin loss as they age. For some people, the change is small and slow; for others, it can be fast and obvious. How severe and when a recession occurs depend on a mix of genetics, habits, and health. Early signs may be easy to miss without a dental exam.
Main risk factors
Some people are born with naturally thinner gum tissue that is more likely to shrink. Brushing too hard or using an abrasive toothpaste can wear away gums over time. Chronic gum infection (periodontitis) is a top cause of recession. Other contributors include tobacco use, teeth clenching or grinding, tooth movement from braces, uncontrolled diabetes, and certain medications that affect gum health.
How risk adds up
A recession usually results from multiple causes. For example, thin gums, aggressive brushing, and early gum disease will combine to make loss worse than any single factor alone. Small issues—like a tilted tooth or nighttime grinding—can speed up decline when paired with poor oral hygiene or smoking. Managing multiple risks offers the best chance of slowing or stopping a recession.
When to see your dentist
Make an appointment if you notice visible tooth root, new or worsening sensitivity, bleeding when you brush, pockets around teeth, or any loosening. Even mild symptoms warrant checking, as early treatment can prevent significant tissue and bone loss. Your dentist or periodontist can track changes and recommend steps to protect your gums before surgery becomes necessary.
Taking Control of Your Oral Health
How Dentists Diagnose and Treat Gum Recession
Diagnosis: what your dentist will check
A dentist or periodontist will measure pocket depth and recession height with a periodontal probe, take intraoral photos, and check for bleeding or loose teeth. They may use charting to track changes over time. If surgery or implants are possible, 3D imaging (CBCT) and an occlusal analysis—how your teeth meet—help plan treatment and identify bite forces that could worsen recession.
Non-surgical management
Early care focuses on stopping damage. This can include professional cleaning (scaling and root planing), correcting aggressive brushing technique, switching to a soft brush and low-abrasion toothpaste, and applying desensitizing agents for exposed roots. Night guards reduce harm from grinding. Quitting tobacco and controlling diabetes also lowers risk. Non-surgical steps often stabilize the problem and reduce symptoms.
Surgical options and goals
If tissue loss is severe or roots need coverage, surgical choices aim to stop progression and restore tissue when possible. Common procedures include connective tissue grafts to thicken and cover roots, coronally advanced flaps to move gum tissue over exposed areas, and biologic agents like enamel matrix proteins to encourage regeneration. The exact approach depends on the defect, tooth position, and patient goals.
Recovery and long-term outlook
Healing after gum surgery usually takes a few weeks for soft tissue and several months for full maturation. You’ll get clear home-care instructions—gentle cleaning, soft diet, and follow-up visits for suture removal and monitoring. Long-term success depends on controlling the underlying causes: good oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, bite management, and lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking. With proper care, many patients keep grafts and restored gum margins for years.
