Gum recession is fixed in two ways: by stopping whatever is causing the gums to pull back, and, when enough tissue has already been lost, by restoring coverage over the exposed root. Receding gums do not grow back on their own, so the goal of treatment is to halt further loss, protect the root surface, and, where needed, rebuild what is gone. Mild cases often respond to non-surgical care, while advanced recession usually calls for a surgical option such as gum grafting.
At Newport Beach Dental Center, Dr. Laura Sharbash, DDS, FAGD, D.ABDSM, and our team evaluate every case of recession through a conservative lens, starting with the least invasive approach that can realistically stabilize your gums. Our periodontal care covers the full range, from deep cleanings and bite protection to surgical tissue restoration. Below, we walk through each treatment option, how we decide which one fits, and what you can do at home to keep recession from coming back.
Can Receding Gums Grow Back?
This is the first question most patients ask, and the honest answer is no. According to the Cleveland Clinic, receding gums cannot grow back, but you can take steps to keep recession from getting worse. The same source notes that recession is very common with age, affecting a large majority of people over 65 on at least one tooth.
That is why the treatment question is really two questions. First, what is driving the recession, and can we stop it? Second, has enough tissue already been lost that the root needs to be covered and protected? The answers point to very different treatments, which is why a careful exam matters more than any single product or technique.
What Causes Gum Recession?
Gum recession does not happen overnight and can sneak up on you if you are not paying close attention to your dental health. It can develop gradually due to several factors, including:
- Brushing too hard or with a firm toothbrush
- Gum disease
- Genetics and naturally thin gum tissue
- Hormone changes
- Tobacco use
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Crooked or uneven teeth
Gum disease is one of the most important of these. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 42% of adults aged 30 and older have periodontitis, the more advanced form of gum disease. For a deeper look at warning signs and symptoms, our guide to receding gums causes, symptoms, and treatment options covers them in detail.
How Is Gum Recession Diagnosed?
While the signs of gum recession can be difficult to spot, catching it early is key to preventing further damage, which makes routine dental checkups essential. During your exam, we look at several things that together tell us how far the recession has progressed and why.
If you have noticed tooth sensitivity, longer-looking teeth, or a notch near your gum line, these might be early warning signs. Scheduling an exam sooner rather than later gives you more options, since early recession is usually easier to stabilize.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Mild Gum Recession
If your gum recession is still in the early stages, you might benefit from a non-surgical approach that includes scaling and root planing, desensitizing treatment, bite protection, and changes to your home care. These treatments do not replace lost tissue, but they can stop the causes of recession and ease the symptoms that come with it.
Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)
Scaling and root planing is a thorough cleaning that reaches above and below your gum line. It is performed in stages to remove built-up plaque and tartar, smooth the root surfaces of your teeth, and reduce infection-causing bacteria. We keep you comfortable with local anesthesia during the procedure. When gum disease is part of the picture, our gum disease treatment usually comes first, because recession cannot be stabilized while the tissue is still inflamed.
Desensitizing Treatments and Bonding
If exposed tooth roots are making your teeth sensitive, we can apply desensitizing products in our office and sometimes place tooth-colored bonding material to cover small areas of exposed root. We may also recommend a prescription-strength toothpaste to use at home. This approach can bring relief while we address the underlying cause of your gum recession.
Bite Adjustment and Night Guards
If your gum recession stems from teeth grinding or an uneven bite, Dr. Sharbash can gently reshape tooth surfaces to balance your bite. Our team can also create a custom night guard to protect your teeth and gums while you sleep. This takes pressure off the gum line and helps prevent further damage.
Surgical Options for Advanced Gum Recession
When gum recession is more severe, or when it keeps progressing after the cause has been addressed, surgical treatment may be recommended to restore coverage over the root. Periodontal surgery is the core training of a periodontist. Our team includes Dr. Jeremy Owyoung, who earned his specialty certificate in Periodontics and Implant Dentistry at the University of California, San Francisco and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. During your consultation, we will explain which option fits your case and who will be involved in your care.
Gum Grafting
Gum grafting is the most common surgical treatment for recession. Tissue, usually from the roof of your mouth or from donor tissue, is placed over the exposed root to cover it and thicken the gum. The Cleveland Clinic describes gum grafting as the most predictable and long-lasting option for treating recession. Most patients return to normal activities within a week or two, with complete healing over the following weeks. Our dedicated guide, what is gum grafting and do I need it, walks through the graft types, the procedure, and recovery step by step.
The Pinhole Surgical Technique
The pinhole surgical technique is a newer, minimally invasive approach in which the gum is loosened through a small opening and gently repositioned to cover the exposed root, without taking tissue from the palate. It is not appropriate for every type of recession, and it is not the right fit for every patient. If you are curious about it, ask during your evaluation and we will talk through whether it applies to your situation.
Guided Tissue Regeneration
Guided tissue regeneration may be recommended if you have lost bone as well as gum tissue. During this procedure, special materials are placed to encourage your body to rebuild supporting bone and tissue, which provides better support for both your teeth and gums. It is often combined with other gum recession treatments as part of a broader plan.
Non-Surgical vs. Surgical Treatment at a Glance
The right path depends on how much tissue has been lost and whether the recession is still progressing. This comparison summarizes the general differences.
Many patients end up with a combination: non-surgical care to control the cause, followed by a graft only where the root still needs coverage.
How We Decide Which Treatment Fits
Dr. Sharbash practices with a minimally invasive, biomimetic philosophy, which means we look first at what can be preserved and stabilized before recommending surgery. For recession, that usually means controlling gum disease, correcting brushing habits, and protecting against grinding, then watching whether the gum line holds steady. If the recession is already deep, the root is sensitive or at risk of decay, or the gum line keeps moving despite good care, a surgical option becomes the more protective choice.
If you are unsure whether your gums need more than routine care, our post on how to know if you need to see a periodontist covers the signs that point toward a periodontal evaluation.
How to Keep Gum Recession From Coming Back
Whatever treatment you receive, daily habits decide how well the results last. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with gentle, angled strokes rather than scrubbing, and avoid abrasive whitening toothpastes on exposed root surfaces. Floss daily to keep plaque from building up at the gum line, and wear your night guard consistently if you grind. If you use tobacco, quitting is one of the most effective things you can do for your gums. Finally, keep up with regular cleanings and periodontal maintenance visits so any new recession is caught while it is still small.
Get Professional Treatment for Your Gum Recession at Newport Beach Dental Center
Gum recession is not something you should ignore, but it is treatable. At Newport Beach Dental Center, Dr. Laura Sharbash combines more than 13 years of private practice experience with a conservative approach to care. Her Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry, held by fewer than 6 percent of general dentists in the United States, required at least 500 hours of continuing education and a comprehensive exam, and our team includes Dr. Jeremy Owyoung, a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology.
Ready to address your receding gums? We would love to help. Reach out through our contact form to schedule a visit, and let us work together to restore your healthy gums and confident smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fixing Gum Recession
Can gum recession be reversed without surgery?
Lost gum tissue does not grow back on its own, so non-surgical care cannot reverse recession that has already happened. What it can do is stop the recession from getting worse, reduce sensitivity, and protect exposed roots. Restoring coverage over a root usually requires a surgical option such as a gum graft.
Do toothpastes or mouthwashes fix receding gums?
Desensitizing toothpastes can ease sensitivity from exposed roots, and antibacterial rinses can support gum health, but no toothpaste or mouthwash regrows gum tissue. They work best as part of a plan that addresses the cause of recession, such as gum disease, hard brushing, or grinding.
How do I know if my gum recession needs treatment?
Signs worth an evaluation include tooth sensitivity to cold or sweets, teeth that look longer than before, a notch you can feel near the gum line, or bleeding gums. An exam can show how much root is exposed and whether the recession is still progressing, which guides whether monitoring or treatment makes sense.
What happens if gum recession is left untreated?
Untreated recession can continue to expose the root, which is softer than enamel and more prone to sensitivity and decay. If gum disease is driving the recession, it can also affect the bone that supports your teeth over time. Treating the cause early usually keeps care simpler and more conservative.
Does insurance cover gum recession treatment?
Coverage depends on your plan and on the treatment involved. Newport Beach Dental Center is in network with Delta Dental and processes claims for most PPO plans as an out-of-network provider. CareCredit and Cherry financing are also available to help make care more manageable.
