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# Receding Gums: Causes and Treatment
- URL: https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/en/guide/receding-gums/
- Published: 2026-06-03T08:15:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T11:01:13.000Z
- Description: Teeth look longer, tooth necks become sensitive? Why gums recede and what can be done about it.
- Author: Hassan Al-Johmani M.Sc.
- Tags: #t-zahnfleisch-en, #lang-en, #ki-bild

When the teeth look “longer” or the tooth necks react to cold, the gums have often receded. Dentists call this gingival recession. It develops gradually – and it can be stopped.

In short

Common causes of receding gums are brushing too hard, thin gums, periodontitis, grinding and misaligned teeth. The cause is treated first; exposed root surfaces can then often be covered again using microsurgery.

## Causes

- brushing with too much pressure or hard bristles
- thin, delicate gums (inherited)
- [periodontitis](https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/en/gum-disease-treatment-nuremberg/)
- grinding and clenching
- misaligned teeth, lip or cheek frenula
- oral piercings

![Illustration: exposed tooth neck on a canine due to receding gums](https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/content/images/size/w960/2026/10/rg-rezession-1.webp)![](https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/assets/img/eu-ai/ai-generated-white.svg)

With a recession, the tooth neck is exposed.

## Treatment

Approach 
1. **Eliminate the cause**change brushing technique, treat inflammation, a splint if needed.
2. **Protect the tooth necks**fluoride varnish, desensitisation, a filling if needed.
3. **Recession coverage**microsurgical coverage with the body’s own tissue – see [gum lifting](https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/en/gum-recession-treatment-nuremberg/).

Read more
- [Gum lifting & recession coverage](https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/en/gum-recession-treatment-nuremberg/)
- [Sensitive teeth](https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/en/guide/sensitive-teeth/)
- [Brushing correctly](https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/en/guide/electric-toothbrush/)

Book your appointment at the Zahnarztpraxis St. Peter – via [online booking](https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/en/book-appointment/) or by phone on [0911 554181](tel:+49911554181). You will find us at Hainstraße 25, 90461 Nürnberg (tram 6/10 to Scharrerstraße, patient parking via Scharrerstraße).

## Frequently asked questions

Do gums grow back?

No, not on their own. But the recession can be stopped and exposed areas can be covered surgically.

Does a sonic toothbrush help?

Yes – with pressure control it can help you avoid brushing too hard.