The first sign of gum recession is usually the sensitivity felt in the teeth. Apart from this, the symptoms of gum recession can be listed as follows: 

• Bleeding in the gums, when brushing teeth, or at normal times
• Bleeding when eating hard foods (such as apples, pears) 
• The tooth appears longer than normal  
• Redness or swelling of the gums 

Listed below are many factors that can cause receding gums:

• Periodontal diseases: These are bacterial gum infections that destroy gum tissue and the bone that holds your teeth in place. Gum disease is the main cause of gum recession.
• Genetic influences: Some people may be more susceptible to gum disease. Studies show that 30% of the population may be prone to gum disease regardless of the dental care they do.
• Wrong and hard brushing: If you brush your teeth too hard or incorrectly, you can cause the structure that protects the teeth (enamel) to wear off and your gums to recede.
• Insufficient dental care: Factors such as insufficient and infrequent brushing, not rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash, not using dental floss facilitate the transformation of plaques, especially between the teeth, into gingival stones called tartar. Tartars are very hard substances that stick to your teeth and gums and can only be removed with professional dental cleaning. These tartars can lead to gum recession.
• Experiencing hormonal changes: Events such as puberty or pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause that cause fluctuations in hormone levels throughout a woman’s life can cause gums to become more sensitive. In these cases, gingival recession is more common.
• Using tobacco products: Tobacco users are more likely to have sticky plaque on their teeth that is difficult to remove and can cause gum recession.
• Grinding and clenching your teeth: Sometimes, even if you don’t realize it yourself, you may clenched your teeth, especially during times of stress. Clenching or grinding your teeth can put too much force on your teeth, causing the gums to recede.
• Crooked teeth or a misaligned bite: When the teeth don’t come together in alignment, too much pressure can be placed on the tooth, gums, and bone, causing gum recession over time.
• Piercing the lip or tongue: A piece of jewelry worn in these areas may constantly contact the gums, causing wear and irritation of the gum tissue. If your gingival recession is only observed in the areas that come into contact with the piercing and not on other teeth, you can try to remove your piercing.

Mild gingival recession treatment is done by the dentist by thoroughly cleaning the affected area. During deep cleaning, plaque and tartar are carefully removed on the teeth and root surfaces below the gum line, and the exposed root area is smoothed to make it difficult for bacteria to attach. If your dentist deems it necessary, they may also prescribe antibiotics to get rid of any remaining harmful bacteria.

If your gum recession is too serious to be treated with a deep cleaning due to excess bone loss and very deep pockets, gum surgery may be needed to repair the damage caused by the recession.

• Although it has been reported that gingival recession is observed at any age; Age is seen as a risk factor for gingival recession. About 88% of people over the age of 65 have gum recession in at least one tooth.
• People who smoke and use tobacco products also have an increased risk of gum recession.
• If there is a family history of gingival recession, care should be taken because genetics is an important factor in gingival recession. 
• Diabetes is a chronic disease that can increase the risk of gum recession. 

The following surgical procedures are used to treat gum recession:

• Open flap operation: During this procedure, the dentist folds back the affected gingival tissue, removes harmful bacteria from the pockets, and then fixes the gingival tissue firmly in place on the root of the tooth, reducing or completely removing the gaps.
• Guided tissue regeneration: If the bone supporting your teeth has been destroyed as a result of gum recession, a procedure to rebuild lost bone and tissue may be recommended. As with reducing pocket depth, your dentist folds back the gum tissue and removes bacteria. A regenerative material such as a membrane, graft tissue or tissue stimulating protein is applied to this area. After the regenerative material is put in place, the gum tissue is fixed to the root of the tooth or teeth.
• Soft tissue graft: There are several types of gum tissue graft procedures, but the most commonly used is the connective tissue graft. In this procedure, tissue is taken from the upper palate or another donor site and sutured to the gingival tissue surrounding the exposed root.

The most basic way to prevent gingival recession is to perform full and regular dental care. Brush and floss your teeth daily and visit your dentist at least twice a year or as recommended. If you have gum recession, your dentist may want to see you more often. Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush and ask your dentist to show you the correct way to brush your teeth. Other ways to prevent gum recession include:

• If you are using cigarettes or any other tobacco product, quit immediately.
• Eat a balanced and healthy diet.
• Follow closely the changes in your mouth and do not neglect it.

By taking good care of your teeth, you can have a healthy smile forever.