Gum recession is a common dental problem that causes pain and sensitivity. Many people don't know they have gum recession, because it occurs gradually. Receding gums are a clear sign of gum disease, which many people might ignore. "Gingival Recession," otherwise known as receding gums, is a condition where the diseased tissue around a tooth begins to wear away or pull back. Research has shown that 50 percent of people suffer from some sort of recession with their gums.