Receding gums treatment options and limits
Receding gums can often be stabilised by treating the cause, improving brushing technique, and repairing exposed roots when needed.
The short answer
Receding gums may be stabilised by treating gum disease or trauma, while exposed roots can be protected with desensitising care, bonding, or gum grafting when appropriate.
What does gum recession expose below the enamel crown?
Gum recession means the gingival margin has moved toward the root, exposing part of the tooth below the enamel crown. It can result from periodontal inflammation, forceful brushing, a thin gum type, tooth position, or local trauma.
How can you clean receding gums without causing irritation?
Use a soft brush with gentle pressure, clean between the teeth daily, and avoid scrubbing horizontally at the gumline. A dentist measures recession, checks gum pockets and bone support, and may remove plaque deposits before discussing root covering or restorative treatment.
When should worsening gum recession be assessed?
Arrange an examination if recession is progressing, the root is sensitive, the gum bleeds or is swollen, or the tooth feels loose. Urgent care is needed for facial swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing or breathing.
How much exposed root needs protection in your case?
Ask which cause is present, whether there is periodontal bone loss, and how much exposed root needs protection. Ask whether monitoring, periodontal treatment, bonding, or a gum graft best fits the tooth and your gum tissue.
Frequently asked questions
What should you do first for receding gums at home?
Use a soft brush with gentle pressure, clean between the teeth daily, and avoid scrubbing horizontally at the gumline. A dentist measures recession, checks gum pockets and bone support, and may remove plaque deposits before discussing root covering or restorative treatment.
When does this need prompt care?
Arrange an examination if recession is progressing, the root is sensitive, the gum bleeds or is swollen, or the tooth feels loose. Urgent care is needed for facial swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing or breathing.
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.