Receding Gums Treatment in Toronto: Causes and Options

If you've noticed your teeth looking a little longer than they used to, or a rough notch right where tooth meets gum, you're probably dealing with gum recession. It's one of the most common things we see at checkups, and most patients don't mention it until it starts to bother them, usually because a cold drink suddenly stings. The good news is that once we know what's causing it, there's almost always something we can do.

What Causes Receding Gums?

Gum recession happens gradually, so it's easy to miss until the root of a tooth is partly exposed. A few things tend to be behind it:

• Gum disease (periodontitis) that breaks down the tissue and bone supporting your teeth

• Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush over the years

• Teeth grinding or clenching, which puts extra pressure on the gum line

• Genetics; some people are simply born with thinner gum tissue

• Hormonal changes, including pregnancy, which can make gums more sensitive

• Tobacco use, which increases plaque buildup and slows healing

• A misaligned bite or crowded teeth that put uneven pressure on certain teeth

• Lip or tongue piercings that rub against the gum tissue

Most patients have more than one factor working together. Someone who grinds their teeth at night and brushes aggressively in the morning is putting double the pressure on the same spot.

Why Gum Recession Needs Attention

It's tempting to think of receding gums as a cosmetic issue, something that just makes your smile look a bit older. But the exposed root surface under your gum line isn't protected by enamel, so it's more vulnerable to decay and much more sensitive to hot, cold, and sweet foods. Left untreated, recession can progress to the point where it affects the bone supporting the tooth, which puts the tooth itself at risk. Catching it early gives you far more treatment options and a much simpler fix.

Treatment Options for Receding Gums

What we recommend depends on how much recession there is and what's causing it. Here's how the main options compare.

Treatment	Best For	What's Involved	Recovery
Scaling and root planing	Early recession linked to gum disease	A deep cleaning below the gum line that removes plaque and tartar and smooths the exposed root	Mild sensitivity for a few days
Bonding over the exposed root	Mild recession with sensitivity or a visible gap	Tooth-coloured bonding material placed over the exposed root surface	Immediate, no downtime
Gum grafting	Moderate to advanced recession	Tissue from the palate or donor tissue is placed over the exposed root	About 1 to 2 weeks
Pinhole surgical technique	Patients who want a less invasive option	A small pinhole is made and the existing gum tissue is gently repositioned, no grafting or sutures	A few days, minimal discomfort

For most patients with early, mild recession, a professional cleaning and a few changes at home are enough to stop it from getting worse. Grafting and the pinhole technique are reserved for cases where the root is significantly exposed or the recession is affecting how your bite feels.

Can Receding Gums Grow Back?

No. Gum tissue doesn't regrow on its own the way skin does. Once it recedes, it stays that way unless it's treated. That's exactly why grafting and the pinhole technique exist, to physically restore coverage over the exposed root rather than wait for tissue that won't come back by itself. Prevention really is the better strategy here, since stopping recession early can help you avoid surgery altogether.

How to Protect Your Gums from Further Recession

A few habits make a real difference:

• Switch to a soft-bristled brush and use gentle, circular strokes instead of aggressive back-and-forth scrubbing

• Wear a night guard if you grind or clench your teeth; we can fit one at your next visit, see our guide to teeth grinding treatment for more on how it works

• Keep up with regular dental cleanings so plaque and tartar don't sit against the gum line

• Get any signs of gum disease treated early, before they progress to recession

• If you smoke or vape, cutting back helps your gums heal and reduces further damage

When to See a Dentist About Receding Gums

Book an appointment if you notice any of the following: teeth that look longer than before, a visible notch or groove near the gum line, sharp sensitivity to cold or sweet foods, or gums that bleed easily when you brush. These are all signs it's worth having a look before the recession progresses further.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is receding gums always a sign of gum disease?

Not always. Gum disease is the most common cause, but brushing too hard, grinding, genetics, and hormonal changes can all cause recession on their own. We'll check your gum health at your visit to figure out which factor applies to you.

Does gum grafting hurt?

Most patients describe mild discomfort for a few days afterward, similar to a canker sore, and it's managed easily with over-the-counter pain relief. We'll walk you through exactly what to expect before booking the procedure.

Will dental insurance cover treatment for receding gums?

Many Ontario dental plans cover scaling and root planing as a preventive or periodontal treatment. Grafting and pinhole procedures are sometimes covered depending on your plan. Our team can help you check your coverage before treatment starts.

Can brushing too hard really cause my gums to recede?

Yes. Over years, a hard-bristled brush or heavy pressure wears away gum tissue the same way it can wear down enamel. Switching to a soft brush and a gentler technique is one of the simplest ways to protect your gum line going forward.

If you've noticed your gums pulling back or your teeth feeling more sensitive than usual, don't wait for it to get worse. Schedule an appointment with Lornview Dental and we'll figure out the right treatment for you.