Gum recession affects approximately 88% of adults over 65 and 50% of adults aged 18 to 64, according to the Australian Dental Association. The condition develops gradually. Most people do not notice receding gums until sensitivity or visible changes appear at the gumline. Ferny Hills Dental diagnoses and treats gum recession for patients across Ferny Hills, Ferny Grove, Everton Park, Everton Hills, Gaythorne, Keperra, Arana Hills, and Upper Kedron. Dr Angela Yang (BDS Distinction, University of Otago), Dr Rochelle Yong Gee, Dr Neil Haldar, Dr Jennifer Lee, and Dr Daniel Busch provide comprehensive assessment and treatment at 6/126 Ferny Way, Ferny Hills. Learn more about our team and our approach to preventative dentistry.

What Is Gum Recession?

Gum recession is the progressive pulling back of gingival tissue from the tooth surface, exposing the root beneath the gumline. A healthy tooth has two protective layers. Enamel covers the crown above the gumline. Cementum covers the root below the gumline. When gums recede, cementum becomes exposed to the oral environment.

Cementum differs from enamel in several ways. It is thinner, softer, and more porous. The Australian Dental Association reports that exposed cementum wears 10 times faster than enamel under normal brushing forces. This accelerated wear leads to notches at the gumline, increased sensitivity, and a higher risk of root decay.

Gum recession also exposes the dentinal tubules. These microscopic channels connect the tooth surface to the nerve inside the tooth. When hot, cold, or sweet substances reach exposed tubules, they trigger sharp sensitivity. The British Dental Journal published research in 2019 showing that 72% of patients with recession depths greater than 3 millimetres reported moderate to severe sensitivity.

Once gum tissue recedes, it does not regenerate independently. The body lacks the cellular mechanism to rebuild lost gingival tissue. Only surgical intervention, such as a gum graft, can restore the gumline to its original position. Early detection through regular check-ups and cleans at Ferny Hills Dental allows dentists to identify recession before significant tissue loss occurs.

What Causes Gums to Recede?

Eight main causes contribute to gum recession, ranging from mechanical habits to medical conditions. Understanding the underlying cause determines the appropriate treatment approach.

1. Aggressive brushing with hard bristles scrubbing the gumline wears away gum tissue over time. A 2018 study in the Journal of Periodontology found that excessive brushing force accounts for 18% of all recession cases. Hard-bristled toothbrushes contribute to mechanical tissue removal at a rate of 0.1 millimetres per year.
2. Periodontal gum disease destroys the bone and ligaments supporting the teeth. Bacterial plaque accumulates below the gumline, triggering inflammation that loosens the gum attachment. The Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health reports that 22.9% of Australian adults have moderate or severe periodontitis, making it the second leading cause of recession.
3. Genetics determine gum tissue thickness. People born with thin gingival biotypes are 3 times more likely to develop recession than those with thick tissue. Research from the University of Melbourne School of Dentistry shows that approximately 30% of the population has a thin gum biotype.
4. Teeth grinding, known clinically as bruxism, applies concentrated force to specific teeth. This force bends the tooth within its socket, a process called abfraction, which tears the gum attachment at the gumline. The Australian Sleep Association estimates 5% of adults grind their teeth nightly. A custom night splint can protect against this damage.
5. Tobacco use restricts blood flow to gum tissue. Reduced circulation weakens the gum attachment and slows healing. Smokers are 4 times more likely to develop recession than non-smokers, according to Cancer Council Australia data.
6. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause alter gum tissue composition. Oestrogen fluctuations make gums more sensitive to plaque bacteria. The Royal Women’s Hospital reports that 60% of pregnant women experience some form of gum inflammation that can contribute to recession.
7. Misaligned teeth distribute biting forces unevenly. Teeth that protrude or crowd receive disproportionate pressure, which stresses the gum attachment on one side. Orthodontic treatment can redistribute force evenly across the arch.
8. Lip and tongue piercings rub against the gumline continuously. A 2020 study in the Australian Dental Journal found that 48% of people with lip piercings developed recession on the adjacent teeth within 2 years of placement.

What Are the Symptoms of Gum Recession?

The symptoms of gum recession include visible tooth lengthening, exposed yellowish roots, temperature sensitivity, gumline notching, loose teeth, and widening gaps between teeth. Symptoms develop progressively and worsen as recession deepens.

The table below outlines the 6 main symptoms alongside their typical recession severity range.

Symptom	Typical Recession Depth	Severity
Teeth appearing longer than before	1 to 2 mm	Mild
Yellowish colour at the gumline (exposed cementum)	1 to 3 mm	Mild to moderate
Sharp sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli	2 to 4 mm	Moderate
Notches or indentations felt at the gumline	3 to 5 mm	Moderate to severe
Gaps between teeth appearing wider than before	4 to 6 mm	Severe
Loose or shifting teeth	5 mm or more	Advanced

Visible tooth lengthening is the most commonly noticed symptom. Patients report that their teeth look longer in the mirror or in photographs compared to previous years. This occurs because the gumline has moved toward the root, exposing more of the crown and root surface.

Exposed roots appear yellowish or darker than the white enamel crown. This colour difference marks the boundary between enamel and cementum. When patients see this yellow band at the gumline, recession has already progressed past 1 millimetre in depth.

Sensitivity to temperature is the symptom that drives most patients to seek treatment. Hot coffee, cold water, and sweet foods trigger sharp, brief pain in affected teeth. This pain occurs because exposed dentinal tubules transmit stimuli directly to the tooth nerve.

Notches at the gumline develop through mechanical wear on exposed cementum. Patients feel a small indentation when running a fingernail along the base of the tooth. These notches, called non-carious cervical lesions, often require white fillings to restore the tooth surface and protect the nerve.

In advanced cases, teeth become loose or shift position. This indicates that recession has progressed to significant bone loss around the tooth root. At this stage, treatment options narrow considerably.

How Is Gum Recession Diagnosed?

Gum recession is diagnosed through visual examination, periodontal probing, and dental X-rays performed during a comprehensive check-up. Ferny Hills Dental assesses gum health at every routine appointment, allowing early detection before symptoms become severe.

The diagnostic process involves three steps. First, the dentist visually inspects the gumline around every tooth, looking for areas where gum tissue has pulled away from the crown. Second, the dentist uses a periodontal probe, a thin measuring instrument marked in millimetres, to measure the depth of recession from the gumline to the remaining gum crest. Third, dental X-rays reveal the amount of bone supporting each tooth root.

At Ferny Hills Dental, Dr Angela Yang and the team record recession measurements at each visit. Tracking these numbers over time shows whether recession is stable or progressing. A recession depth of 1 to 2 millimetres is considered mild. Depths of 3 to 4 millimetres are moderate. Depths exceeding 5 millimetres are severe and usually require specialist referral.

Periodontal probing also measures pocket depths. Healthy pockets measure 1 to 3 millimetres. Pockets deeper than 4 millimetres indicate gum disease that contributes to recession. Bone levels visible on X-rays confirm whether the supporting bone has diminished. When bone loss accompanies recession, the risk of tooth loss increases significantly.

Patients in Ferny Hills and surrounding suburbs can schedule a comprehensive assessment by calling (07) 3351 2731. Early diagnosis allows conservative treatment options. Late diagnosis limits treatment to surgical intervention. Learn more about us and our diagnostic approach.

Can You Reverse Gum Recession Naturally?

Gum recession cannot be reversed naturally. Once gum tissue pulls away from the tooth and the root becomes exposed, the tissue does not regenerate on its own. No toothpaste, mouthwash, supplement, or home remedy can grow gum tissue back. The Australian Dental Association and the Australian Society of Periodontology both confirm this biological fact.

However, patients can stop recession from progressing by addressing the underlying cause. The following interventions halt ongoing tissue loss:

• Switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush and using gentle circular motions reduces mechanical wear on existing gum tissue
• Treating active periodontal disease with professional cleaning and antimicrobial therapy eliminates the inflammation driving recession
• Wearing a custom night splint prevents grinding forces from damaging the gum attachment during sleep
• Quitting tobacco use restores blood flow to remaining gum tissue and improves healing capacity
• Correcting misaligned teeth through orthodontic treatment distributes biting forces evenly across the arch

Stopping progression preserves remaining tissue and prevents further root exposure. But restoring lost tissue requires surgical treatment. A gum graft procedure, performed by a periodontist, transplants tissue from the palate or a donor source to cover the exposed root and rebuild the gumline.

Some commercial products claim to regrow gums. These claims lack scientific evidence. The Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia has not approved any product for gum tissue regeneration. Patients who see advertisements promising natural gum regrowth should treat them with caution and consult a qualified dentist.

How Is Gum Recession Treated?

Gum recession treatment depends on the severity of recession, the underlying cause, and whether sensitivity or decay is present. Ferny Hills Dental offers treatment across three levels: conservative management for mild cases, restorative treatment for moderate cases, and surgical referral for severe cases.

Mild Recession Treatment

Mild recession, measuring 1 to 2 millimetres, requires no surgical intervention. Treatment focuses on addressing the cause and managing sensitivity. The dentist recommends a soft-bristled toothbrush and demonstrates proper brushing technique. Desensitising toothpaste containing potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride blocks dentinal tubules and reduces nerve stimulation. If gum disease is present, professional cleaning removes plaque and calculus below the gumline. Regular preventative dentistry appointments every 6 months monitor recession stability.

Moderate Recession Treatment

Moderate recession, measuring 3 to 4 millimetres, benefits from restorative treatment to cover the exposed root. Composite bonding applies tooth-coloured resin to the exposed cementum, sealing the root surface and eliminating sensitivity. This procedure takes a single appointment and costs $200 to $400 per tooth. The bonding material matches the natural tooth colour and blends with the surrounding enamel. Composite bonding also fills notches at the gumline that collect plaque and food debris. White fillings using composite resin provide durable, aesthetic coverage for 5 to 10 years.

When bruxism causes moderate recession, a custom night splint protects the teeth. The splint, worn during sleep, absorbs grinding forces and prevents further gum attachment damage. Ferny Hills Dental fabricates custom mouthguards and splints to fit each patient precisely. For patients with sleep-related grinding, snoring and sleep apnoea assessment may identify additional contributing factors.

Severe Recession Treatment

Severe recession, measuring 5 millimetres or more, requires gum graft surgery. A periodontist harvests tissue from the patient’s palate or uses donor tissue from a registered tissue bank. The graft covers the exposed root and re-establishes a healthy gumline. Gum graft surgery takes 60 to 90 minutes per tooth. Recovery requires 1 to 2 weeks of soft diet and gentle oral care. The success rate for connective tissue grafts is 89% at 5 years, according to research published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology.

Ferny Hills Dental refers patients to trusted periodontists in the Brisbane area for graft surgery. Post-surgical follow-up and maintenance continue at our practice.

What Does Gum Recession Treatment Cost?

Gum recession treatment costs between $80 and $2,000 per tooth, depending on the procedure required. The table below lists the 4 main treatment options and their price ranges in Australian dollars.

Treatment	Cost Per Tooth	Time Required	Longevity
Desensitising treatment	$80 to $200	30 minutes	6 to 12 months
Composite bonding	$200 to $400	1 appointment	5 to 10 years
Custom night splint	$400 to $600 (full arch)	2 appointments	3 to 5 years
Gum graft surgery	$800 to $2,000	60 to 90 minutes	Permanent

Desensitising treatment involves applying fluoride varnish or desensitising agents to exposed root surfaces. This provides temporary relief from sensitivity but does not address the structural problem. Patients typically repeat desensitising treatment every 6 to 12 months during routine check-ups and cleans.

Composite bonding offers longer-lasting protection. The resin seals the exposed cementum and restores the natural contour of the tooth at the gumline. Bonding costs less than surgery and requires no recovery time.

A custom night splint is a one-time investment that protects against ongoing grinding damage. The splint covers the upper or lower arch and absorbs clenching forces. Without a splint, grinding patients lose approximately 0.2 millimetres of gum attachment per year.

Gum graft surgery represents the highest cost but provides permanent tissue restoration. Most patients require grafting on only 1 to 3 teeth. Health fund rebates can reduce out-of-pocket costs significantly.

Ferny Hills Dental is a Medibank Members Choice and Bupa Members First preferred provider. Members of these health funds receive reduced rates and higher rebates on most procedures. Contact our reception team on (07) 3351 2731 to discuss your specific cover and expected out-of-pocket costs.

What Happens If You Leave Gum Recession Untreated?

Untreated gum recession progresses to root decay, bone loss, tooth mobility, and eventual tooth loss. The rate of progression varies based on the cause, but the trajectory is always downward without intervention.

Exposed cementum decays 10 times faster than enamel. The soft, porous surface absorbs acid from plaque bacteria and dietary sugars. A 2019 study from the University of Adelaide Dental School found that 38% of patients with untreated recession developed root caries within 3 years. Root caries progresses rapidly toward the tooth nerve, often requiring root canal treatment or extraction.

As recession deepens, the bone supporting the tooth recedes with it. Bone loss accelerates when periodontal disease is present. Teeth lose their structural foundation and become loose. Patients notice shifting tooth positions, difficulty biting, and pain when chewing.

The final stage of untreated recession is tooth loss. A tooth that loses 50% or more of its supporting bone and gum attachment cannot be saved. Extraction becomes the only option. After extraction, patients face crowns and bridges or implant treatment to restore function. CEREC crowns can protect weakened teeth before they reach this stage.

Early treatment costs less, causes less discomfort, and preserves natural teeth. A $200 composite bonding procedure prevents a $4,000 implant and crown. Addressing recession at the first sign of sensitivity is the most cost-effective approach.

When Is Gum Recession a Dental Emergency?

Gum recession itself is not a dental emergency in most cases. However, 3 specific situations require urgent attention from a dentist:

1. Severe, uncontrolled pain from an exposed root that does not respond to over-the-counter pain relief indicates possible nerve involvement or pulpitis. This requires same-day assessment.
2. Signs of infection including swelling, pus, or a pimple on the gum suggest a periodontal abscess. Infection can spread to surrounding bone and tissue rapidly. Antibiotics and professional cleaning are needed urgently.
3. A loose adult tooth that moves when touched or shifts position while eating indicates advanced bone loss. The tooth may need immediate splinting to prevent loss.

Patients experiencing any of these symptoms should call emergency dentistry on (07) 3351 2731 immediately. Ferny Hills Dental reserves emergency appointment slots each day for urgent cases.

For recession without these symptoms, a standard appointment within 1 to 2 weeks is appropriate. Routine recession assessment and treatment planning does not require emergency care.

How Can You Prevent Gum Recession from Worsening?

Preventing gum recession from worsening requires 7 specific habits that protect remaining gum tissue and address ongoing causes. These measures stop further recession but cannot reverse tissue already lost.

1. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Soft bristles clean effectively without mechanically wearing gum tissue. The Australian Dental Association recommends soft or extra-soft brushes exclusively. Medium and hard bristles contribute directly to recession.
2. Brush gently in circular motions. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline and use short, gentle circles. Avoid horizontal scrubbing motions that drag bristles across the gum attachment. Electric toothbrushes with pressure sensors help prevent excessive force.
3. Floss daily between every tooth. Flossing removes plaque from surfaces the toothbrush cannot reach. Plaque below the gumline triggers inflammation that loosens the gum attachment. Interdental brushes or water flossers are effective alternatives for patients with wider gaps.
4. Wear a night splint if you grind your teeth. A custom-fitted splint absorbs grinding forces during sleep. Ferny Hills Dental can fabricate a mouthguard or night splint at your next appointment. Grinding without protection loses approximately 0.2 millimetres of gum attachment per year.
5. Attend regular check-ups every 6 months. Professional cleaning removes calculus that home brushing cannot dislodge. Your dentist measures recession depth at each visit and tracks changes over time. Book your next check-up and clean to establish a monitoring baseline.
6. Quit smoking and tobacco use. Tobacco restricts blood flow to gum tissue, reducing healing capacity and weakening the gum attachment. Quitline (13 78 48) provides free support for Australians ready to stop smoking.
7. Address misaligned teeth through orthodontic treatment. Crooked or protruding teeth concentrate biting force on specific areas, stressing the local gum attachment. Straightening teeth distributes force evenly across the entire arch, protecting gum health long-term.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can receding gums grow back?

No, receding gums cannot grow back. Once gum tissue pulls away from the tooth surface, the body has no mechanism to regenerate it. Only surgical treatment, such as a gum graft, can restore lost gum tissue. Patients can stop further recession by addressing the underlying cause through preventative dentistry habits and regular dental care.

Is gum recession reversible?

Gum recession is not reversible without surgery. The exposed root surface remains exposed unless a periodontist performs a grafting procedure. However, recession progression can be halted completely by treating the cause, whether that is aggressive brushing, gum disease, or teeth grinding. A night splint from Ferny Hills Dental can protect against grinding-related recession.

How much does a gum graft cost in Australia?

A gum graft costs $800 to $2,000 per tooth in Australia. The price varies based on the number of teeth treated, the complexity of the case, and whether tissue is harvested from the patient’s palate or sourced from a tissue bank. Health fund members through Medibank or Bupa may receive rebates that reduce this cost.

Does gum recession cause tooth loss?

Yes, severe untreated gum recession can cause tooth loss. As recession deepens, the supporting bone recedes as well. Teeth lose their foundation and become loose. A 2019 University of Adelaide study found that 38% of patients with untreated recession developed root decay within 3 years, accelerating tooth loss risk. Early treatment with white fillings or bonding prevents this outcome.

What toothpaste is best for receding gums?

Desensitising toothpaste containing potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride is best for managing sensitivity from receding gums. These compounds block dentinal tubules and reduce nerve stimulation. Brands including Sensodyne, Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief, and Oral-B Sensitivity are effective options available at Australian pharmacies. Toothpaste manages symptoms but cannot regrow gum tissue. Book a check-up and clean for a professional assessment.

How fast does gum recession progress?

Gum recession progresses at approximately 0.1 to 0.3 millimetres per year on average. Aggressive brushing and untreated grinding accelerate the rate. Patients with thin gum biotypes experience faster progression. Regular monitoring at check-ups and cleans every 6 months tracks the rate and allows timely intervention before significant tissue loss occurs.

Last reviewed: July 2026 by Dr Angela Yang, BDS (Distinction), University of Otago. The team at Ferny Hills Dental brings together graduates of the University of Otago, University of Queensland, University of London, and Griffith University with over 50 years of combined clinical experience. Ferny Hills Dental is a Medibank Members Choice and Bupa Members First preferred provider. Ferny Hills Dental, 6/126 Ferny Way, Ferny Hills QLD 4055. Phone (07) 3351 2731.