Medically Reviewed by Dr. Laura Sharbash, DDS, FAGD, D.ABDSM on August 3, 2026
Your gums are not supposed to disappear on you, but for millions of adults, that is exactly what happens, slowly and quietly, until sensitivity shows up uninvited and teeth start looking a little taller than they used to. Gum recession tends to sneak up on people because it does not always hurt at first. By the time you notice something is off, the tissue has already pulled back from where it belongs.
The good news is that gum recession is manageable when it is caught and treated with the right approach. At Newport Beach Dental Center, Dr. Laura Sharbash, DDS, FAGD, D.ABDSM, brings a conservative, biomimetic perspective to every evaluation, which means we look at the full picture before making any recommendations. Our periodontics services are designed to address gum concerns at every stage, whether you are dealing with early-stage recession or a more advanced condition.
What Causes Gum Recession?
There is no single culprit behind receding gums, and that is actually what makes it so easy to miss until it has already progressed. Some of the most common contributing factors include the following.
These factors often pile up, and data from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research show that 42.2% of U.S. adults aged 30 and older have some form of periodontal disease, a condition closely linked to gum recession. Tobacco use is also connected to a higher risk of gum disease generally, which compounds the problem further.
How to Recognize the Symptoms of Gum Recession
Gum recession gives off some fairly clear signals once you know what to look for.
What makes recession a little tricky is that it does not always come with pain, so it is easy to put off until a routine visit catches it. Identifying it early keeps treatment simpler and more conservative.
When to See a Dentist About Gum Recession
A single symptom on its own is not necessarily urgent, but a combination of sensitivity, a changing gumline, or any looseness is worth having evaluated sooner rather than later. Recession does not reverse on its own, and the longer it continues, the more of the root and supporting bone can become involved. If any of the signs above sound familiar, or it has simply been a while since your last periodontal check, reach out to our office to get a clear picture of what is happening.
Treatment Options for Receding Gums
The right approach to treating recession depends on what caused it and how far it has progressed. In many cases, treatment starts conservatively and only moves toward surgery when it is genuinely warranted.
Both approaches reflect Dr. Sharbash’s commitment to biomimetic dentistry, which prioritizes preserving natural structure whenever possible. Our dedicated page on gum recession treatment walks through what each option may involve in more detail.
How We Determine the Right Treatment
Every recommendation starts with a full periodontal evaluation, including measuring gum tissue around each tooth and reviewing what may have caused the recession in the first place. If grafting is being considered, our page on gum grafting and whether you need it breaks down what the procedure involves, what the different graft types are used for, and how recovery typically goes. We only recommend surgery once more conservative options have been ruled out or attempted first.
Keeping Your Gums Healthy Long-Term
Protecting your gum tissue over time does not require a complicated routine. A few consistent habits go a long way:
- Soft-bristled toothbrush: A gentler brush and lighter pressure reduce ongoing wear on the gum tissue.
- Daily flossing: Removing plaque between teeth helps prevent the bacterial buildup that leads to periodontal disease.
- Regular dental visits: Routine cleanings and periodontal checks catch early changes before they progress.
- Custom nightguards: If grinding is part of the picture, a nightguard takes the pressure off your gums and bone while you sleep.
Handling early signs of inflammation before they develop further is, without question, the most effective long-term strategy for keeping your natural gum tissue in place.
Healthier Gums Start at Newport Beach Dental Center
Receding gums are common, but that does not make them inevitable or irreversible. Dr. Sharbash holds a Fellowship from the Academy of General Dentistry, a credential held by fewer than 6% of general dentists in the U.S., and she brings that depth of clinical training to every periodontal evaluation. Our conservative approach means we look for the most effective and least invasive path forward for your specific situation.
We accept Delta Dental as an in-network provider, and financing options through CareCredit and Cherry are available to help make care accessible. If sensitivity, a shifting gumline, or a general curiosity about your gum health has been on your mind, we would love to help you get some answers. Request an appointment online and let us take a look.
Frequently Asked Questions About Receding Gums
Can receding gums grow back on their own?
Gum tissue that has receded generally does not regenerate on its own. However, recession can be stopped from progressing further with the right care, and in cases with root exposure or thin tissue, grafting can restore lost coverage.
Is gum recession always caused by gum disease?
No. While periodontal disease is a common cause, recession can also result from aggressive brushing, teeth grinding, genetics, hormonal changes, or tobacco use. A dental evaluation helps identify which factors are contributing in your case.
What happens if receding gums are left untreated?
Untreated recession can progress to greater root exposure, increased sensitivity, a higher risk of decay near the roots, and eventually looseness if the supporting bone becomes involved. Addressing it earlier generally allows for more conservative treatment.
How can I tell if my gum recession needs a graft?
Signs like persistent sensitivity, visible root exposure, or recession that keeps progressing despite good habits suggest grafting may be worth discussing. A periodontal evaluation is the most reliable way to know for certain.
Does insurance cover treatment for receding gums?
Coverage depends on your specific plan and whether treatment is considered medically necessary. Newport Beach Dental Center is in-network with Delta Dental, and CareCredit and Cherry financing are available for patients without coverage.
About the Author
Dr. Laura Sharbash, DDS, FAGD, D.ABDSM
Newport Beach Dental Center
Dr. Sharbash leads Newport Beach Dental Center with a conservative, biomimetic approach to general and periodontal care. She is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), a credential held by fewer than 6% of general dentists nationwide.
