Receding Gums: Causes and Treatment in Atlanta
When Teeth Start to Look Longer
Receding gums pull back from the teeth and expose the root surface. Common causes are gum disease, brushing too hard, grinding, thin gum tissue, and tooth position. Receded gums don't grow back on their own, but treatment can stop recession from getting worse and protect exposed roots.
Early recession is easiest to protect. You may notice sensitivity, a notch at the gumline, or teeth that look longer.
What Can Cause Receding Gums?
Recession often has more than one cause.
| Possible cause | What you may notice | How it's treated | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gum disease | Recession with bleeding or deep pockets | Periodontal therapy | Periodontal Therapy |
| Brushing too hard | Recession on the side you brush hardest; notches at the gumline | Softer brush, technique changes | — |
| Grinding or clenching | Recession with worn teeth and notches | Protective appliance | Fillings |
| Thin gum tissue | Recession in some people despite good care | Monitoring; grafting referral if progressing | Periodontal Therapy |
| Tooth position | Recession on teeth that stick out | Orthodontic alignment may help | SureSmile Clear Aligners |
| Tobacco use | Recession with gum disease | Quitting support, periodontal care | — |
This table describes common patterns, not a diagnosis. Your examination determines the cause and the right care.
When to Call Right Away
Call 404-233-1102 the same day if you notice any of the following.
Recession with bleeding, swelling, or loose teeth
Recession that seems to be progressing quickly
Pain on an exposed root
When medical care comes first: Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling spreading quickly in the face or neck, uncontrolled bleeding, or serious facial injury.
What You Can Do Until Your Visit
These steps can ease discomfort, but they don't treat the cause.
Use a soft brush with light pressure, or an electric brush with a pressure sensor.
Try a nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste for sensitive exposed roots.
Clean between your teeth gently every day.
Mention grinding or clenching at your visit.
What to Expect at Your Visit
Every visit starts with listening. We examine before we recommend, and the decision is always yours.
Periodontal evaluation. We measure recession, pockets, and the width of healthy gum tissue.
Look for causes. Brushing habits, grinding, tooth position, and gum disease.
Protect exposed roots. Home care, desensitizing care, or bonding over notches.
Referral when needed. If recession is progressing, we refer to a periodontist to discuss gum grafting.
How We Approach Receding Gums at Atlanta Dental Wellness
We look for every contributing cause, not just the recession itself.
We recommend fluoride-free options for root sensitivity, such as nano-hydroxyapatite.
We use BPA/Bis-GMA-free composite when bonding is needed.
We refer to a periodontist when surgical care should be considered.
Both of our dentists, Dr. Cale Jackson and Dr. Matthew Giordano, are SMART-certified and accredited by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT).
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers address common questions patients ask about receding gums. Your examination and health history may lead to different advice for you.
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No. Gum tissue that has receded does not grow back on its own.
Treatment can stop further recession, and gum grafting by a periodontist can cover exposed roots in some cases.
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Treat any gum disease, brush gently with a soft brush, and address grinding.
Regular checkups let us measure changes over time.
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Early signs include teeth that look slightly longer, a notch near the gumline, and new sensitivity.
You may also feel a ridge where enamel ends and the root begins.
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Mild recession is common and can be stable for years. Recession with gum disease or rapid change needs treatment.
Exposed roots are also more prone to sensitivity and decay.
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Sometimes. Moving a tooth into a better position can help the gum tissue around it.
It depends on the cause. We evaluate this before recommending aligners.
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Gum grafting is done with numbing, and most discomfort afterward is manageable.
We refer to a periodontist for grafting, who can explain the procedure in detail.
Last reviewed: October 2026 by Cale Jackson, DMD, SMART-certified and IAOMT-accredited biological dentist, Atlanta Dental Wellness.
Protect Your Gums and Roots
If your gums are receding, schedule a periodontal evaluation with Atlanta Dental Wellness in Atlanta. We'll find the causes and explain your options.