Receding gums treatment
Receding gums need a cause-based assessment; treatment may control disease, reduce trauma, or cover exposed roots with grafting.
The short answer
Receding gums are treated by controlling gum disease or trauma and, when indicated, covering exposed roots with a gum graft or another periodontal procedure.
What happens when the gum margin moves towards the root?
The gum margin has moved toward the root, exposing part of the tooth that is normally covered. This can cause sensitivity, a longer-looking tooth, a notch near the gum line, or greater difficulty cleaning the area, while some recession causes no symptoms.
What can you do to protect receding gums each day?
Use a soft brush with light pressure, clean between the teeth, and avoid tobacco. A dentist or periodontist may measure the recession and gum thickness, check the bite and tooth position, remove hardened deposits, treat inflammation, or plan connective-tissue grafting when coverage is appropriate.
When should newly receding gums be examined?
Book an examination for newly noticed recession, root sensitivity, a bleeding or swollen margin, a loose tooth, or a change in how the tooth meets the opposing teeth. Prompt care matters when there is pus, severe pain, facial swelling, fever, or rapid change.
Which treatment options fit the cause of your recession?
Ask what caused the recession, whether the root is at risk of decay or wear, and whether monitoring, desensitising treatment, periodontal care, or grafting fits your case. Ask how the procedure would affect brushing, healing, and the appearance of the gum line.
Frequently asked questions
Do receding gums grow back on their own?
Gum tissue that has been lost usually does not return spontaneously, although inflammation can settle and the recession can be stabilised when its cause is treated.
Is gum grafting always needed?
No. The decision depends on progression, sensitivity, cleaning difficulty, tissue thickness, root exposure, and the patient’s goals.
Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.