How to Stop Receding Gums From Getting Worse7 min

Noticing that your teeth look longer or that the gum line seems to be changing can be unsettling. The honest answer is that gum tissue that has already receded does not grow back on its own. But you can take steps to help slow further recession, protect exposed roots and find out whether treatment is needed. Cleveland Clinic explains that recession cannot be reversed, though care can help keep it from getting worse.

What is gum recession?

Gum recession happens when gum tissue pulls away from a tooth and exposes more of its root. The crown of a tooth is covered by enamel, but the root is covered by cementum, which is less protective. An exposed root can be more vulnerable to decay and may feel sensitive to temperature, sweets or brushing. (Cleveland Clinic; Imber and Kasaj, International Dental Journal)

What signs should you look for?

Gum recession may be subtle, especially when it develops slowly. Possible signs include:

• One or more teeth look longer than before.
• You can see more of a tooth root, or notice a notch or ridge near the gum line.
• A tooth feels sensitive to cold, heat, sweets or brushing.
• Food catches near the gum line.
• The gum line appears uneven or different from nearby teeth.

Sensitivity and longer-looking teeth can have other causes, too. A dentist can examine the area to help identify what is happening. (Cleveland Clinic; NIDCR; Imber and Kasaj)

Why do gums recede?

There is not always one clear cause. Recession can have several contributing factors, and it does not automatically mean you have poor oral hygiene.

Common causes and risk factors include:

• Plaque and gum inflammation: Plaque can irritate gum tissue. If it hardens into tartar, a dental professional needs to remove it. (NIDCR)
• Brushing with too much force: A hard-bristled brush, rough technique or highly abrasive toothpaste can contribute to mechanical wear. (Cleveland Clinic; Imber and Kasaj)
• Tobacco use: Smoking and chewing tobacco are risk factors for gum problems. (NIDCR; Cleveland Clinic)
• Tooth position or past orthodontic work: Crooked or tipped teeth, and a history of braces, may be relevant. (Cleveland Clinic; ADA)
• Piercings or naturally thin gum tissue: Lip or tongue piercings and thin gum tissue can also play a part. (Cleveland Clinic; Imber and Kasaj)

How to stop receding gums from getting worse at home

Home care cannot replace gum tissue that has already been lost. It can, however, help protect the gum line, limit plaque buildup and reduce avoidable irritation. Try these steps while arranging an exam if you have noticed a change.

1. Switch to a soft or extra-soft toothbrush. Brush gently rather than scrubbing back and forth. Soft or ultra-soft bristles are less damaging to gum tissue than harder brushing. (Imber and Kasaj)
2. Choose a lower-abrasive toothpaste. If your toothpaste is highly abrasive, ask a dental professional whether a gentler option would suit you. This helps reduce mechanical wear; it does not regrow gums. (Imber and Kasaj)
3. Clean between teeth without forcing. Use floss or an appropriately sized interdental brush gently. If a tool does not fit comfortably, do not push it into the space; ask a dentist or hygienist to show you a suitable method. Daily cleaning between teeth helps remove plaque. (NIDCR; NHS)
4. Keep up daily plaque control. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth each day. Regular dental visits matter too: brushing cannot remove tartar once it has formed. (NIDCR; NHS)
5. Avoid tobacco. If you smoke or chew tobacco, ask your healthcare team about support for quitting. Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for gum disease and can affect treatment. (NIDCR)
6. Ask about clenching if you have a notch. A dentist can assess whether clenching or grinding may be contributing to a worn area and whether a night guard is appropriate. Do not assume a notch is caused by brushing alone. (Imber and Kasaj)
7. Manage sensitivity without expecting regrowth. Desensitizing toothpaste with ingredients such as potassium nitrate, stannous fluoride, arginine or strontium chloride may help calm sensitivity. These products address symptoms, not missing gum tissue; they can take time to work. (Cleveland Clinic; Imber and Kasaj)

What does not regrow gums?

No toothpaste, rinse, oil, vitamin, supplement or at-home device regrows gum tissue that has receded. Desensitizing products may help with nerve sensitivity, but they do not rebuild the gum line. Be cautious of products or routines marketed as “gum growth” solutions: the realistic goal is to protect the exposed root and prevent further damage. A dentist or periodontist can discuss whether root coverage is an option. (Cleveland Clinic; Imber and Kasaj)

Receding gums treatment: what a dentist can do

Receding gums treatment depends on what is causing the change. A dental exam can show whether you have recession, gum disease, tooth wear or another issue. A dentist may:

• Use a periodontal probe to measure gum recession and the spaces around your teeth.
• Take X-rays to check for bone loss.
• Recommend a professional cleaning or deep cleaning if gum disease is present.
• Use tooth-colored bonding to cover an exposed root in some cases.
• Refer you to a periodontist to discuss gum graft surgery for more significant recession.

A gum graft is a surgical procedure intended to cover an exposed root and help prevent further recession. It can be an option for suitable cases, but it involves surgery and a recovery period. Whether it is right for you depends on the tooth, the amount of recession and your overall gum health. (NIDCR; Cleveland Clinic; ADA)

When should you get seen?

Schedule a dental visit if you notice gum changes, bleeding, persistent sensitivity or pain. Seek prompt care for loose or shifting teeth, a fast change in one area, a lump, an ulcer or signs that concern you. (ADA MouthHealthy; NHS)

For swelling with fever, spreading facial swelling, pus, or a knocked-out or broken tooth, seek urgent dental care. Do not wait for a routine appointment if symptoms are worsening. (NHS)

How can teledentistry help?

A photo-based or video consultation can help you talk through what you have noticed, review your brushing routine and products, and triage whether you should seek prompt in-office care. A clinician may also help consider whether the appearance could involve gum recession, tooth abrasion or signs of gum disease.

But recession cannot be measured or diagnosed over video. A hands-on exam is needed for probing, and X-rays may be needed to assess supporting bone. If you need those checks or a surgical opinion, a virtual dental consultation can help you plan a referral to a local dentist or periodontist.

Dentulu’s MouthCAM can help you take photos of your gum line over time so you have images to share and compare at a dental visit. If gum disease is a concern, a salivary testing kit may be one optional source of information, but it does not replace an exam or diagnose recession. Read more about what an oral microbiome test can and cannot tell you.

Frequently asked questions

Can receding gums grow back?

No. Gum tissue that has receded does not grow back on its own. You can work to prevent further recession and protect the exposed root; a dentist or periodontist can discuss surgical root coverage when appropriate. (Cleveland Clinic; ADA)

Is gum recession always caused by brushing too hard?

No. Brushing technique can contribute, but plaque-related inflammation, tobacco, tooth position, piercings and naturally thin gum tissue may also play a role. Recession is often multifactorial. (Cleveland Clinic; Imber and Kasaj)

Will desensitizing toothpaste fix gum recession?

It may help ease sensitivity, but it will not rebuild gum tissue or cover an exposed root. Ask a dental professional if sensitivity continues or worsens. (Cleveland Clinic)

Do I need gum graft surgery?

Not necessarily. Some people may be monitored or offered other care, such as bonding. A periodontist can assess the area and explain whether surgery could help with root coverage in your case. (Cleveland Clinic; Imber and Kasaj)