How to Fix Receding Gums: Treatment Options That Work

Gum tissue does not grow back on its own once it recedes. If your gums have pulled away from your teeth, treatment is the only way to stop it from getting worse and to rebuild what’s already been lost. The good news is that receding gums are treatable, and catching the problem early gives you more options.

What Causes Receding Gums

Gum recession usually builds up slowly, from one or more of these:

• Brushing too hard. A stiff-bristled brush or aggressive technique wears down gum tissue over time.
• Gum disease. Bacteria under the gumline breaks down the tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place.
• Genetics. Some people are simply born with thinner gum tissue that recedes more easily.
• Teeth grinding. Constant pressure from clenching or grinding puts stress on the gums.
• Tobacco use. Smoking and vaping reduce blood flow to gum tissue, slowing healing and speeding up recession.

Most people have more than one of these factors at once, which is why recession can be hard to pin on a single cause.

Can Receding Gums Grow Back on Their Own?

No. Gum tissue does not regenerate the way skin does. Once it recedes, that tissue is gone unless a dentist or periodontist replaces it. This surprises a lot of patients, because early symptoms like sensitivity can come and go, making it seem like the gums are healing themselves. They aren’t. The recession is still there, and it can keep progressing quietly in the background.

This is exactly why it’s worth checking with a dental professional early, before more tissue and bone are lost.

Home Care Steps That Slow Gum Recession

While home care can’t reverse recession, it can slow it down and protect the gum tissue you still have:

• Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and use gentle, circular motions instead of scrubbing back and forth.
• Floss daily to keep bacteria from building up along the gumline.
• Treat any gum disease early. The longer inflammation sits untreated, the more tissue it damages.
• Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth.
• Cut back on or quit tobacco use.

Think of these steps as damage control, not a cure. If recession has already started, home care keeps it from getting worse. It won’t bring back tissue that’s already gone.

Professional Treatment Options

Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)

For early-stage recession caused by gum disease, a deep cleaning below the gumline removes bacteria and smooths the tooth root. This helps the gums reattach where possible and stops the disease process that’s driving the recession.

Gum Grafting

For recession that’s already progressed, gum grafting is the main treatment that actually rebuilds lost tissue. A periodontist takes tissue, often from the roof of the mouth or a donor source, and attaches it to the area where gum has receded. This covers exposed tooth roots, reduces sensitivity, and protects the tooth from further bone loss.

Gum grafting is a surgical procedure, but it’s done routinely and most patients recover within one to two weeks. It’s the closest thing to “growing back” gum tissue that modern dentistry can offer.

If the recession is connected to broader gum disease, your treatment plan may also involve periodontal treatment to address the underlying infection before or alongside grafting.

When to See a Periodontist

See a periodontist if you notice:

• Teeth that look longer than they used to
• Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
• A visible gap or notch where the tooth meets the gum
• Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing

Catching recession early usually means simpler treatment. Waiting lets it progress toward bone loss, which is harder and more expensive to treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can receding gums grow back on their own?

No. Gum tissue doesn’t regenerate without treatment. A gum graft is the procedure that rebuilds tissue that’s already been lost.

Is a gum graft painful?

Most patients describe mild to moderate discomfort for a few days after surgery, managed with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication. It’s generally less uncomfortable than patients expect going in.

How much does gum graft surgery cost?

Cost depends on how much tissue needs to be grafted and the technique used. The best way to get an accurate number is a consultation, where Dr. Ghadri can evaluate your specific case.

How long does it take to recover from a gum graft?

Most patients are back to normal eating and activity within one to two weeks, with full healing of the graft site taking a few months.

Get an Evaluation

If your gums have started to recede, waiting doesn’t help. The sooner a periodontist evaluates the cause, the more options you have. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ghadri at OSYNTRA Periodontics in Tacoma to find out what’s driving your recession and which treatment fits your situation.