How to Fix Receding Gums

Notice your teeth looking slightly "longer" than they once were? Experience a pang of sensitivity when you take a sip of an ice drink? You may be experiencing gum recession, a prevalent but commonly ignored oral health problem.

As reported by the CDC, more than 42% of adults 30 years and above have some gum disease, while almost 8% are dealing with its worst form. [1] But receding gums can be treated, and in most instances, improved, particularly with the appropriate care, tools, and habits.

What Exactly Is Gum Recession?

Gum recession is when the gum line gradually recedes from the tooth, revealing more root surface. Since root dentin is softer and yellower than enamel, recession is usually both cosmetic and functional. [2]

Receding gums may appear on a single tooth or on multiple teeth. It may be mild initially, but if neglected, it will worsen over time and can even result in severe problems such as:

• Tooth sensitivity
• Increased risk of decay
• Plaque buildup below the gum line
• Bone loss and, ultimately, tooth mobility

What Are the Symptoms of Receding Gums?

One of the simplest signs to notice is when your teeth begin to appear longer than they once were. That's generally a sign that your gums are receding. But there are other warning signs to look out for as well, including:

• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages
• Pain or tenderness along the gumline
• Discomfort while brushing or flossing
• Sharp zaps during professional cleanings
• Visible gaps or darker spots around the base of your teeth (exposed roots)

If any of these ring a bell, it's worth getting it checked. The sooner gum recession is treated, the simpler it is to prevent further progression.

Why Do Gums Recede?

There are a lot of reasons why your gums may begin to recede over time. Let’s have a quick overview:

How to Reverse Receding Gums Naturally

Let's be honest—once your gums start to recede, they will not grow back by themselves. Gum tissue is not like skin. But you can stop it in its tracks and, in some cases, heal your gum health naturally.

Here are some gentle, natural home remedies to take care of your gums:

1. Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush

Hard bristles and aggressive brushing will make recession worse. Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush (or better still, a sonic toothbrush like Oclean) and light, circular strokes, no scrubbing necessary.

2. Brush with care using a natural toothpaste

Some toothpaste ingredients (like SLS or abrasive whiteners) will irritate sensitive gums. Try using a natural or fluoride toothpaste with gentle ingredients like aloe vera, myrrh, or tea tree oil.

3. Saltwater rinses

Saltwater is one of the oldest tricks in the book, and it's no wonder why. It reduces swelling, kills bacteria, and calms inflamed gums. Simply mix half a teaspoon of salt with warm water, swish for 30 seconds, and spit.

4. Try oil pulling

Oil pulling is an old Ayurvedic method where you swish oil (coconut or sesame) around in your mouth for 10–20 minutes. It's purported to reduce plaque, maintain healthy gums, and naturally freshen your breath. [4]

5. Aloe vera gel

Aloe isn't just for sunburn. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compounds in aloe can calm red, inflamed gums. Some people use a little aloe gel on their gums after brushing, just make sure it's pure and food-grade.

6. Green tea or herbal teas

Green tea contains antioxidants that reduce inflammation. Regular consumption of green tea may benefit gum health in the long term. You may also swish with cooled-down herbal teas like chamomile or sage for the same purpose.

7. Massage your gums

Just like a muscle, your gums also require a little circulation. Gently massage your gums with a clean finger or gentle toothbrush to increase blood supply and maintain healthier tissue.

How to Fix Receding Gums

Resolving receding gums has everything to do with how bad the issue is and how it occurred to begin with. There are a number of ways to treat it, and they range from easy repairs to more complex dental work.

Let's get into it.

Non-Surgical Solutions (Best for Mild Gum Recession)

If your gum recession isn't too bad, still in its initial stages, your dentist will probably recommend non-surgical treatments such as:

1. Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)

Treat this as a "reset" for your gums. The dentist eliminates bacteria and plaque accumulation under the gum line that brushing can't reach. This helps your gums heal and reattach to your teeth. [5]

2. Topical Antibiotics

If recession is due to gum disease, your dentist will put a unique antibiotic gel beneath the gums. This helps combat infection and heal.

A tooth-colored resin is used to cover the exposed root, not just protecting the area but giving it a more natural look. It's a temporary one that improves comfort and appearance.

3. Orthodontic Treatment

When your teeth are overlapping or crooked, they put pressure on your gums and make them recede. Braces or aligners can move teeth to healthier positions, which seems to let the gum line recover naturally.

Surgical Treatments (For Moderate to Severe Recession)

If gums have receded a lot or damaged a lot of underlying bone, surgery might be the course of action:

1. Gum Graft Surgery

Healthy tissue (typically taken from the top of your mouth) is grafted onto the problem area. It covers the vulnerable root, shields your tooth, and enhances the appearance of your smile. 

There are various grafting procedures, and your gum specialist will select the most appropriate one for your situation. Most of these procedures are now minimally invasive and heal quickly with proper care.

2. Open Flap Cleaning

It is the gold standard procedure. If deep pockets have developed around the teeth and gums, your dentist may lift up gum tissue to remove plaque and bacteria from beneath, and then sew it back down tightly. This makes the pockets smaller and allows the gums to fit more tightly around the teeth. [6]

3. Regeneration Therapy

When gum disease has destroyed the bone, a unique regenerative material (such as a membrane or protein gel) can be inserted in the problem area to stimulate your body to re-grow bone and tissue naturally.

4. Tissue Grafting

For more serious situations, a soft tissue graft is usually the best solution. It replenishes missing gum and covers your tooth roots, eliminating sensitivity and further damage.

Can Receding Gums Be Completely Reversed?

Unfortunately, once your gums have receded, they can't grow back by themselves. Gum tissue does not regenerate like skin. That is why catching it and treating it early is so crucial. But although you can not completely reverse gum recession, you can prevent it from worsening, and in many cases, you can re-establish your gum line using dental procedures.

How to Prevent Gum Recession

Here are some easy but effective tips to help avoid gum recession:

Brush softly, twice daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush such as the Oclean X Lite Smart Sonic Toothbrush and do not brush too hard. Brushing too hard can actually hurt your gums in the long run.

• Floss daily: It removes plaque from places your toothbrush can't reach. This prevents bacteria from accumulating along the gum line.
• Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash: It helps reduce bacteria that can lead to gum disease.
• Get regular dental cleanings: Most people do well with a cleaning every 6 months, but if you’re at higher risk, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits.
• Avoid tobacco: Smoking or chewing tobacco weakens your gums and makes them more prone to infection.
• Treat grinding or clenching: If you grind your teeth at night, talk to your dentist about a mouthguard. Excess pressure on teeth can cause gums to recede.
• Watch for early signs: If your teeth begin to look longer, or you feel sensitivity, don't just overlook it. Catching gum problems early makes a huge difference.

The Bottom Line

Receding gums can be frightening, but don't worry – with proper care and prompt treatment, you can save your smile and prevent further damage. Although gums won't regrow by themselves, modern dentistry has many successful treatments to regain your gum health and confidence.

Being regular with oral care, brushing gently, and visiting your dentist frequently can make a difference. The sooner you act, the simpler it is to cope with—so don’t ignore the signs. Your gums deserve attention, too!

Reference

1. “Gum Disease by the Numbers.” NIH MedlinePlus Magazine, 25 Jan. 2018, magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/gum-disease-by-the-numbers. 

2. Sarhan, Susan, et al. “Prevalence, Etiology and Clinical Characteristics of Gingival Recession in a Sample of Adult Egyptian Dental Patients: A Cross Sectional Study.” BMC Oral Health, vol. 25, no. 1, 7 May 2025, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12060494/, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-025-06020-3. 

3. Jati, Ana Suzy, et al. “Gingival Recession: Its Causes and Types, and the Importance of Orthodontic Treatment.” Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics, vol. 21, no. 3, June 2016, pp. 18–29, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4944726/, https://doi.org/10.1590/2177-6709.21.3.018-029.oin. 

4. Christiano, Donna. “The Truth about Receding Gums.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 14 June 2023, www.healthline.com/health/receding-gums-grow-back. 

5. Imber, Jean-Claude, and Adrian Kasaj. “Treatment of Gingival Recession: When and How?” International Dental Journal, vol. 71, no. 3, June 2021, pp. 178–187, https://doi.org/10.1111/idj.12617.

6. Bellver-Fernandez, R, et al. “Surgical Treatment of Localized Gingival Recessions Using Coronally Advanced Flaps with or without Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft.” Medicina Oral Patología Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2016, pp. e222–e228, https://doi.org/10.4317/medoral.21043. Accessed 24 Mar. 2019.