How to Stop Receding Gums

Is Gum Recession Reversible?

No, receded gum tissue cannot regrow on its own. Once the gum margin moves down the root, the body does not rebuild it. Even so, recession usually progresses slowly, so early action makes a real difference. Treating the cause is how to stop receding gums from getting worse. Surgery can then restore coverage where needed.

“Of 10,676 US adults examined, 91.6% showed gum recession on at least one tooth. In short, it affects almost every adult in the country.”

Romandini M, Soldini MC, Montero E, Sanz M. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 2020.

What Makes Gums Recede?

Gum recession rarely has a single cause. Most often, plaque and tartar trigger gum disease, which slowly destroys the bone beneath the gum. Aggressive brushing, naturally thin gums, crowded teeth and smoking add to the risk. So any plan for how to stop receding gums starts with your own triggers.

Where does gum disease fit in?

Plaque left on the teeth hardens into tartar, also called calculus. Bacteria in this layer inflame the gum, and the inflammation then spreads to the bone below. As that bone shrinks, the gum follows it down the root. Bleeding when you brush is usually the first clue, so read our guide to bleeding gums too.

Can brushing too hard cause recession?

It can contribute, especially with a hard brush and a scrubbing, side-to-side motion. Canines and premolars often suffer first because they sit slightly forward. Still, studies on brushing alone give mixed results. Thin gums and teeth positioned outside the bone raise the risk far more.

Piercings, smoking and clenching

Smoking reduces blood flow to the gums and masks early bleeding. Lip and tongue piercings rub against the lower front gums. No strong evidence shows that clenching causes recession by itself. Yet it can wear the tooth neck, as our article on stress and teeth grinding explains.

How Do You Know Your Gums Are Receding?

Teeth that look longer than they used to are the classic sign. You may notice a yellowish band near the gum line, where root surface shows through. Many people only ask how to stop receding gums once cold drinks start to sting. Later, small dark triangles can open up between the teeth.

Gingival recession

The clinical term for gums that have moved down the tooth and exposed part of the root.

Periodontitis

Advanced gum disease that destroys the bone and fibres holding a tooth in place.

Scaling and root planing

A deep clean under the gum line that removes tartar and smooths the root surface, usually under local anaesthetic.

Connective tissue graft

Surgery that places a thin layer of tissue, usually from the palate, over an exposed root.

Gum phenotype

The thickness and width of firm gum around a tooth; thin phenotypes recede more easily.

When does recession start to hurt?

Recession itself is usually painless, so it can go unnoticed for years. Discomfort tends to come from exposed roots reacting to cold, heat or sweets. Our page on sensitive teeth covers other causes of that twinge. But throbbing pain, pus, a loose tooth or fever need a same-day dental visit. Facial swelling or trouble swallowing or breathing is an emergency. Go to an emergency department straight away.

How to Stop Receding Gums at Home

At home, how to stop receding gums comes down to less pressure and less plaque. So switch to a soft brush, use gentle circles and clean between your teeth daily. Quitting smoking is one of the most useful steps. These habits will not regrow tissue, but they slow or stop further loss.

1. Use a soft toothbrush, or an electric brush with a pressure sensor.
2. Angle the bristles towards the gum line and use small circles, not scrubbing.
3. Clean between your teeth daily with interdental brushes or floss.
4. Stop smoking; a pharmacist can help you quit.
5. Wear a night guard if your dentist confirms clenching or grinding.

Will a special toothpaste fix receding gums?

No toothpaste can rebuild gum tissue or stop your gums from receding on its own. A desensitising paste can calm the twinge from exposed roots, so use one if cold drinks hurt. Pick a low-abrasion formula and spit rather than rinse. Then let your dentist check whether the recession is still active.

What Will Your Dentist Do to Stop the Recession?

Your dentist first measures your gum pockets and how far each gum has receded. Next comes a professional clean to remove tartar above and below the gum line. If gum disease is present, a deeper clean called scaling and root planing follows. In many mild cases, these steps alone stop the recession.

What happens during scaling and root planing?

After numbing the area, the hygienist or dentist cleans tartar and bacteria out of each pocket. They then smooth the root so plaque struggles to stick again. Most people feel only pressure, although gums can stay tender for a day or two. Our scale and polish page explains the routine clean.

What if bone loss has set in?

Advanced recession usually comes with bone loss. The gum infection has to settle first. Then your dentist may suggest regenerative surgery, such as a bone graft, for deep defects. Very loose teeth may need splinting, or replacement with an implant.

When Is a Gum Graft the Right Next Step?

A graft makes sense when much of a root is visible or recession keeps progressing. Very thin gum around a tooth is another reason to consider one. The aim is to cover the root, reduce sensitivity and thicken the gum. As a result, the area becomes more resistant to future recession.

How does a connective tissue graft work?

After local anaesthetic, the dentist loosens the gum around the tooth. Then a thin strip of palate tissue covers the exposed root, held by fine stitches. A Cochrane review compared root coverage methods across 48 randomised trials. When thicker gum is a goal as well, connective tissue grafts gave slightly better results. For front teeth, our gum aesthetics page explains how we plan the gum line.

The first two weeks after a graft

Expect soreness in the palate and the treated area for a few days. Pain relief advised by your dentist and a cold compress keep it manageable. Stitches typically come out after one to two weeks. Until then, avoid brushing the site, eat soft food and skip cigarettes.

Do Natural Remedies Make Gums Grow Back?

No natural remedy has been shown to regrow gum tissue. Oil pulling, aloe vera, green tea and essential oils feature in many online claims. But none of them rebuilds a receded gum line, and some undiluted oils irritate the gums. Online tips on how to stop gums receding naturally rarely mention that waiting lets bone loss continue.