No. Gum tissue that has pulled back from a tooth won’t regrow by itself. What you can do is stop the recession from getting worse with proper periodontal treatment, and in many cases cover the exposed root with a gum graft. Mild recession is very common in adults and usually manageable. Fast recession, bleeding or loose teeth point to something more serious.
So if your teeth look a little longer than they used to, or a sip of iced coffee zaps one tooth right at the gumline, you’re probably seeing early recession. It’s one of the most common things a dentist in Kitsilano finds at a routine exam, and it usually shows up years before it hurts. That’s why a checkup at a trusted dental clinic in Kitsilano is often where the story starts.
Recession is slow, which is good news. You almost always have time to act. Most early cases are handled with preventive dental care: a professional cleaning, gum pocket measurements and a few changes to how you brush.
When a root is already exposed and notched, there are options beyond surgery. A small amount of tooth-coloured composite bonding can cover a sensitive notch near the gumline and protect it from wear. For deeper recession, grafting is still the most reliable fix.
At Enhance Dental Centre on West Broadway, gum health is checked at every exam, and you can read about the dentist team and how they work before you come in. If you’re planning your visit, the clinic is easy to find on Google Maps.
What is gum recession?
Gum recession is when the gum line moves down (or up, on top teeth) and exposes part of the tooth root. Roots aren’t covered in enamel. They’re covered in a softer layer called cementum, which wears faster and reacts to cold, sweet and acidic food.
Your dentist measures recession in millimetres from the point where enamel ends (the cementoenamel junction) to the edge of the gum. A 1 mm change is barely visible. At 3 to 4 mm you’ll usually see it in the mirror.
Why are my gums receding?
There’s rarely one cause. Usually it’s 2 or 3 things stacking up over years.
- Brushing too hard. Medium or hard bristles and a scrubbing motion slowly push gum tissue back. It’s the number one cause we see in people with otherwise clean teeth.
- Periodontal disease. Bacteria under the gum line break down the bone and fibres holding the tooth. The gum follows the bone down.
- Thin gum tissue. Some people are born with thin, delicate gums. Genetics matter more than most people expect.
- Clenching and grinding. Heavy biting forces can flex teeth at the neck and contribute to notches and recession.
- Tobacco and vaping. Both reduce blood flow to the gums and hide bleeding, so disease moves quietly.
- Tooth position. A tooth that sits outside the arch has a thin layer of bone over it, so recession starts there first.
- Lip or tongue piercings that rub against the gum all day.
Is gum recession serious?
It depends on how much, how fast and why. Here’s a simple way to think about it.
| Stage | What you notice | What it usually means | Typical approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild (1 to 2 mm) | Slight sensitivity, tooth looks a bit longer | Common, often from brushing habits | Monitor, soft brush, desensitizing paste |
| Moderate (3 to 4 mm) | Visible root, notch at the gumline, food traps | Needs a cause found and fixed | Deep cleaning, bonding, possible graft |
| Severe (5 mm or more) | Long-looking teeth, gaps near gums, mobility | Higher risk of root decay and tooth loss | Periodontal therapy, grafting, specialist care |
The speed matters as much as the number. A millimetre over 10 years is very different from a millimetre in 1 year.
Can anything make receding gums grow back naturally?
I wish the answer was yes. You’ll see plenty of claims online about oil pulling, green tea, aloe vera gel and “gum regrowth” toothpaste. None of them rebuild lost gum tissue.
Some of these can calm inflammation a little, which makes gums look healthier and bleed less. That’s useful. The danger is that people see the improvement and delay treatment while the real cause keeps working.
What treatments can a dentist offer for receding gums?
Treatment follows the cause. Fix the cause first, then repair what’s left.
Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)
If gum disease is involved, the first step is removing hardened tartar and bacteria from under the gum line and smoothing the root surface. Local anaesthetic keeps it comfortable. Many people need 2 visits.
Gum grafting
A periodontal surgeon moves a thin piece of tissue (usually from the roof of the mouth) or uses donor tissue to cover the exposed root. Connective tissue grafts are the most studied option and tend to give the most predictable root coverage.
Minimally invasive techniques
Some practices use tunnelling or pinhole-style methods that reposition existing gum without large incisions. They suit certain cases. Your periodontal assessment decides whether you’re a candidate.
Bonding or restorations
Where the root has a notch (called an abfraction or abrasion lesion), composite resin can fill it, cut sensitivity and stop food from collecting there.
Orthodontic correction
If a tooth sits too far out, moving it back into the bone with aligners can sometimes improve the gum picture before or after grafting.
General, cosmetic or restorative: which type of care do you need?
A full-service clinic covers all three, and gum recession often touches each one.
| Type of care | Goal | Examples for gum recession |
|---|---|---|
| General and preventive | Stop damage early | Exams, cleanings, pocket charting, brushing coaching |
| Restorative | Repair lost structure | Fillings for root decay, bonding, grafts, periodontal surgery |
| Cosmetic | Improve how the smile looks | Evening out the gum line, matching tooth shape and shade after treatment |
What happens at your first visit?
- Health history. You’ll go over medications, smoking, past dental work and any sensitivity you’ve noticed.
- Gum charting. The hygienist gently measures pocket depths and recession around every tooth. It feels like light pressure.
- X-rays. These show the bone level that the gums can’t.
- Bite check. Signs of grinding, worn edges and tooth position are noted.
- Explanation and plan. You’ll see your numbers, hear what’s causing the recession and get options ranked by priority.
- Follow-up schedule. Usually re-measurement in 3 to 6 months so you can see whether it’s stable.
Signs you should book a dental visit soon
- A tooth that looks noticeably longer than its neighbour
- Sharp sensitivity right at the gum line
- Bleeding when you brush or floss
- A notch you can feel with your fingernail
- Bad taste or bad breath that doesn’t go away
- Any tooth that feels loose or shifts when you bite
A loose tooth, swelling or pus around a gum needs prompt care. If that happens after hours, call an emergency dentist in Vancouver rather than waiting a week.
What does this look like in real life?
These are typical situations a family dentist in Vancouver BC sees every month.
Common mistakes people make with receding gums
- Brushing harder because the teeth “look dirty” near the gums
- Waiting for pain. Recession usually doesn’t hurt until it’s advanced
- Relying on whitening toothpaste, which can be abrasive on exposed roots
- Skipping cleanings after a graft or deep cleaning
- Assuming bleeding gums are normal
Does gum treatment hurt?
This is the fear we hear most. Modern local anaesthetic means deep cleanings and grafts are usually done with very little discomfort during the appointment. Most graft patients describe the next few days as sore, a bit like a burn on the roof of the mouth from hot pizza.
And if you’re anxious, say so at the start. A good team will explain each step before it happens and give you a way to pause.
How to stop gum recession from getting worse
- Use a soft or extra-soft brush, held at a gentle angle to the gum line.
- Try an electric brush with a pressure sensor if you tend to scrub.
- Clean between teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes.
- Use a fluoride or desensitizing toothpaste on exposed roots.
- Ask about a night guard if you clench or grind.
- Quit tobacco and vaping. Gums respond fast once you stop.
- Keep regular cleanings, every 3 to 6 months depending on your gum health.
How do you choose the right dental clinic in Kitsilano or Vancouver?
Look for dentists registered with the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia (CDSBC), whose role now sits with the BC College of Oral Health Professionals. Registration means the dentist meets provincial standards for training, infection control and ethics, and you can check it on the college’s public registry.
After that, look at access to gum care in-house, how clearly the team explains your options and what other patients say. Enhance Dental Centre is one of the most trusted names locally, with a 5.0 Google rating from more than 270 patient reviews, which is part of why many people call it the best dental clinic in Vancouver for clear, honest care.
The clinic is accepting new patients and CDCP patients, so if you’re looking for a CDCP dentist in Vancouver, you’re welcome. Hours are Monday and Tuesday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Wednesday and Thursday 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, which gives you evening appointments midweek.
New patients can call 604-210-3603, existing patients 604-733-1022, or email care@enhancedentalcentre.com. The office is at 2219 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6K 2E4.
Frequently asked questions
Can receding gums reattach to the tooth?
Gum tissue that has receded doesn’t reattach by itself. Inflamed gums can tighten up after treatment, and a graft can cover the root, but the original tissue doesn’t regrow.
How fast do gums recede?
Usually slowly, often a fraction of a millimetre per year. Fast change over months suggests active gum disease, trauma or aggressive brushing and should be checked soon.
Is gum grafting permanent?
Grafts are long lasting when the cause is controlled. If hard brushing, grinding or gum disease continues, recession can return around the graft.
Does the CDCP help with gum treatment?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan covers many preventive and periodontal services for eligible patients, with some needing preauthorization. Your clinic can check your coverage before treatment.
Can I stop receding gums at home?
You can slow or stop recession caused by brushing habits with a soft brush, gentle technique and daily flossing. Recession linked to gum disease needs professional cleaning to stop.
Conclusion
Receding gums don’t grow back, but recession can almost always be stopped, and exposed roots can often be covered.
The sooner the cause is found, the simpler the fix tends to be.
A gentle gum check at your next visit is the easiest place to start.