Receding gums are a sign of a greater problem, by which if left alone, can lead to serious health problems like heart disease and stroke. However, sometimes receding gums can be a sign of something more than that. In many cases, receding gums are caused by periodontal disease (gum disease). If you suffer from receding gums due to gingivitis there are options available through your dentist to heal the infection and encourage the gums to grow back over the surface of the teeth. Choosing not to take the appropriate steps to cure receding gums can have some very unpleasant side effects on your appearance and dental health. treatment of receding gums by your periodontist can greatly extend the lifespan of your teeth.