How to fix receding gums

Can receding gums be reversed?

No. Cleveland Clinic says receding gums do not grow back and the condition cannot be cured, but it can be managed and treatment can keep it from getting worse. Healthline says gum tissue does not regenerate the way skin does, so treatment aims to stop or slow further recession. Mild cases may be treated without surgery, and moderate to severe cases are usually referred for grafting.

What causes gums to recede

Treating recession starts with finding the cause. Cleveland Clinic lists brushing too hard, plaque or tartar build-up, periodontal (gum) disease, trauma to the gums, misaligned teeth, smoking or chewing tobacco, and lip or tongue piercings. It says poor oral hygiene often contributes, some people are genetically prone to thin gum tissue, and the condition is most common in people over 65.

Untreated recession can lead to bone loss, loose teeth and tooth loss, according to Cleveland Clinic, and makes teeth more prone to cavities and sensitivity, which is why early evaluation matters.

How to stop receding gums getting worse

Cleveland Clinic's prevention advice is to brush thoroughly twice a day with a soft-bristled brush, floss once a day, use an antimicrobial mouthwash twice a day, keep up with regular dental cleanings, and avoid smoking and chewing tobacco. Healthline adds that at home you should brush gently twice a day with a soft brush, floss daily and get cleanings about every six months, and that a dentist can measure the recession and plan next steps. Not all recession is preventable, especially with a genetic predisposition.

Treatments that dentists use

Both Cleveland Clinic and Healthline list non-surgical and surgical options, and the choice depends on the cause and severity.

• Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) for gum disease, sometimes with an antibacterial gel or antibiotic mouthwash.
• Dental bonding, gum-colored resin over exposed roots.
• Orthodontics to realign crooked teeth that contribute to recession.
• Desensitizing toothpaste and fluoride varnish to ease sensitivity.
• Laser treatment, flap surgery and the tunnel technique, which Healthline lists.
• Gum graft surgery, usually by a periodontist, taking tissue from the roof of the mouth or occasionally donor tissue.

Gum graft surgery

Cleveland Clinic calls gum graft surgery the most predictable and long-lasting option, usually performed by a periodontist, and says most people feel back to normal in about two weeks. Healthline lists grafts as moving tissue from another part of the mouth. A graft covers exposed roots, but it is surgery, so ask your periodontist about the type of graft, what to expect during healing, and whether the cause of the recession has been treated.

Can receding gums be fixed at home?

Not by reversing them. Healthline covers oil pulling, green tea and aloe vera and says none made gum tissue regrow. It says a 2020 review linked oil pulling with less plaque and gum inflammation, a 2021 meta-analysis suggested green tea may fight gum-inflammation bacteria but the evidence was judged insufficient, and a 2024 study found aloe vera gel applied under the gums with scaling and planing reduced bacteria and inflammation more than scaling alone, with each needing more research.

The ADA says there is no reliable scientific evidence that oil pulling whitens teeth or reduces cavities, and does not recommend it as a dental hygiene practice. So treat these as optional extras at best, and never as a substitute for seeing a dentist or for brushing and flossing.

What to expect at a dental visit

A dentist will measure the recession and check the gums for disease, ask about your brushing technique and habits such as smoking, and may suggest a periodontist. The sooner it is found the more options you have, according to Cleveland Clinic, which says early detection gives the best outcome.

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