Receding Gums Treatments
Receding gums can be unsettling, not just because they change the look of your smile, but because they often signal underlying oral health issues. Once gum tissue has pulled away from the teeth, it won’t grow back naturally.
The good news is that a range of treatments can restore function, protect exposed roots, and improve appearance. The right choice depends on how far the recession has progressed, what’s causing it, and your overall dental health.
Addressing the Cause
Every treatment for receding gums begins with identifying why the problem started. If gum disease is to blame, your dentist will likely start with deep-cleaning procedures to remove plaque and tartar buildup below the gumline.
In milder cases, this might be enough to halt the progress of gumline recession. That said, if misaligned teeth, aggressive brushing, or chronic grinding are contributing factors, those issues must be corrected, or else even the most advanced gum treatments will have limited success.
Non-Surgical Approaches
For people with early gum recession, non-surgical treatments can help stabilize the condition and halt its progress. A specialized type of dental cleaning called scaling and root planing can remove hardened deposits and smooth the tooth roots, removing the grooved surfaces that bacteria use to take hold. This procedure is often paired with antimicrobial rinses or localized antibiotic therapy to reduce inflammation.
Your dentist may also recommend changing your oral care routine. Switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush, using a gentler brushing technique, and incorporating daily flossing or water flossing can prevent additional wear on the gumline. For some, these changes alone can keep the condition from progressing.
Surgical Options for More Advanced Cases
When gum recession is more severe, surgical treatments may be the most effective route. Gum grafting is one of the most common options. In this procedure, a small amount of tissue, often taken from the roof of your mouth or a donor source, is placed over the exposed root. This not only protects the tooth but also helps improve the overall gumline.
Another approach is the pinhole surgical technique, a less invasive option where the gum tissue is loosened and gently repositioned to cover exposed roots. Recovery times are often faster compared to traditional grafting, though not all cases are suitable for this method.
In certain situations, guided tissue regeneration may be used. This involves placing a special membrane between the gum and bone to encourage new tissue growth, protecting the tooth’s foundation in the process.
Supportive Care
Regardless of whether you choose a surgical or non-surgical path, ongoing maintenance is key. Professional cleanings at regular intervals, consistent at-home care, and monitoring for any changes can keep your gums healthy after treatment. Quitting smoking, managing stress, and following a nutrient-rich diet can support healing and reduce the risk of future gum problems. A steady routine of preventive care ensures that the investment you’ve made in treating receding gums continues to pay off.
Receding gums can’t be reversed naturally, but modern dentistry offers a variety of ways to repair the damage and protect your smile. From deep cleanings and improved home care to surgical techniques that restore lost tissue, there’s a treatment plan for nearly every stage. The most important step is to seek evaluation early, before the problem worsens, and to commit to the preventive habits that will safeguard your gums in the years ahead.