Gum recession or commonly known as receding gums are usually symptoms of an underlying disease like gum disease, mouth injury or trauma.  Other individuals may have naturally thin gums which makes them prone to recession.  Older people are subject to receding gums because the gum recession increases as we age.  Dental examination, x-rays and dental history and family medical history are needed when diagnosing receding gums. There are surgical and non-surgical treatments for receding gums and the treatments depends on the severity of the disease. If patients do have severe receding gums, the dentist may refer their patients to a periodontist.