Key takeaways

  • It is not possible to reverse receding gums at home, but people can take steps to stop it from getting worse.
  • Some ways to prevent gum recession include maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding brushing too hard, and quitting smoking.
  • Once recession has taken place, it is important to speak with a dentist, especially if a person has pain, swelling, or a bad taste in the mouth.

Gingival recession is the medical term for receding gums, which is when the gums pull away from the teeth. Gingival recession can expose tooth surfaces, leading to sensitivity and an increased risk of tooth decay.

Once gum tissue is damaged, it will not regrow on its own. However, there are dental treatments that may help, and home care can help prevent gum recession from getting worse.

This article lists some home and natural remedies that may help to treat receding gums. It also provides information on when to see a dentist.

Natural remedies will not make lost gum tissue regrow. To visibly change the appearance of the gums, a person will need dental treatment.

However, at-home care can potentially address the underlying causes of gum recession, which may prevent the recession from getting worse.

Some natural remedies can also complement surgical treatments, but they cannot replace professional medical care.

Many factors can contribute to gum recession. A 2025 review of past research lists causes and risk factors, including:

  • dental plaque
  • smoking or using tobacco
  • alcohol consumption
  • injury to the gums, such as from teeth clenching or bruxism
  • gum disease, or periodontitis
  • previous treatment for periodontitis
  • having a high frenulum, which is a band of tissue between the top two front teeth

In the review, gum recession was more common among males, likely due to differences in behavior and higher rates of smoking and alcohol consumption.

Below are some natural remedies that people can use to prevent further gum recession.

Brushing and flossing

Brushing and flossing regularly is essential for dental hygiene. Flossing dislodges bacteria below the gum line, which brushing alone cannot achieve.

  • brushing the teeth twice daily
  • flossing the teeth once daily
  • getting regular dental checkups

There are many products that can aid with flossing, from traditional dental floss to floss picks, holders, and threaders.

If they are not suitable, water flossing devices also exist. They direct a jet of water between the teeth to remove debris.

A 2023 systematic review of previous studies on this subject found that water flossers can be an effective alternative to regular flossing.

Using a softer brush

Two potential causes of gum recession are harsh brushing and dental injuries. To avoid this, use a soft-bristle toothbrush and use the proper technique.

The NIH recommends:

  • brushing gently using small, circular motions
  • brushing carefully along the gumline
  • avoiding harsh, back-and-forth brushing

For people who have difficulty gauging what is “too hard”, there are some electric toothbrushes that will alert the user when they are applying too much pressure.

Additionally, some toothpastes contain abrasive particles, such as charcoal or baking soda. This can wear away gums and enamel over time. Choose a toothpaste that is not abrasive.

Stopping smoking

Tobacco, in any form, can significantly affect gum health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people who smoke have twice the risk of gum disease as people who do not.

The effect is dose-dependent, meaning that the more a person smokes, the higher the risk is. Treatments for gum disease are also less likely to work.

Some case reports suggest that oral nicotine pouches may also be a risk factor for gum recession.

Quitting smoking can allow gums to heal and prevent any existing damage from worsening. Since recession also has an association with alcohol, drinking less may also help.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are compounds that help protect the body’s cells from damage.

A 2019 meta-analysis found that taking antioxidants may help to reduce gum inflammation associated with gum disease. Specifically, it may lead to the following oral health improvements:

  • reduced plaque
  • reduced gum bleeding in response to probing
  • improved attachment between the teeth and gums

A 2019 study investigated whether an antioxidant supplement containing lycopene and green tea extract could improve oral health when combined with a good oral hygiene routine.

After 45 days, participants who took the antioxidant supplement showed a greater improvement in gum health than those who did not.

Various medical and surgical treatments are available to treat receding gums. The type of treatment a person needs depends on the underlying cause.

Options may include:

  • Treatment for underlying conditions: If bruxism, an uneven bite, or dental plaque is present, addressing these conditions early may help prevent gum recession.
  • Corrections to previous work: If previous dental restorations, such as crowns or implants, overhang the gums, this can lead to recession. Removing or correcting this previous work may stop further recession.
  • Pinhole surgical technique: The pinhole surgical technique involves a dentist making a tiny hole in the gum tissue above the exposed tooth root. The dentist then uses a special tool to stretch the gum over the exposed root. Dentists typically recommend this for people with mild to moderate gum recession.
  • Scaling and root planing (SRP): This involves a dentist cleaning the teeth above and below the gum line.
  • Gum graft surgery: In gum graft surgery, a surgeon takes a thin piece of gum from a person’s mouth and attaches it to an area where the gum has receded.

A person who is considering treatment for receding gums should talk with their dentist to discuss the most suitable option.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that people visit their dentist for a routine checkup at least once or twice a year. However, they note that some people may require extra visits, depending on their oral health and individual needs.

A person should visit their dentist if they experience any of the following:

  • dental pain
  • suspected dental cavities
  • chipped, broken, or missing fillings, crowns, or implants
  • sore or bleeding gums

Seek emergency dental care if a person develops:

  • severe pain
  • swelling around the jaw, face, or near the eyes
  • fever or chills
  • an unpleasant taste in the mouth
  • teeth that are loose or fall out
  • mouth sores or ulcers that will not heal
  • lumps inside the mouth

Several natural remedies may help to prevent receding gums, such as maintaining good oral hygiene, using a softer brush, adjusting brushing technique, and stopping smoking.

However, these strategies will not restore lost gum tissue. If gum recession appears or a person has symptoms, such as pain, they should speak with a dentist.