Seeing more of your teeth when you smile, or feeling a sharp twinge when you drink something cold, can be unsettling. If you are searching for how to fix receding gums, the reassuring answer is that there are effective ways to stop recession progressing, manage sensitivity and, in selected cases, restore gum coverage. The right approach begins with understanding why it is happening.

Gum recession means the gumline has moved down from its original position, exposing more of the tooth and sometimes the root surface. It is not simply a cosmetic concern. Exposed roots are more vulnerable to sensitivity, decay and wear, while recession caused by gum disease needs prompt care to protect the supporting bone around the teeth.

Can receding gums grow back?

Gum tissue does not usually grow back on its own. Toothpastes, mouthwashes and home remedies may help reduce plaque, soothe inflammation or ease sensitivity, but they cannot replace gum that has already receded.

That does not mean there is nothing you can do. Many cases can be stabilised with personalised hygiene advice and professional treatment. Where the recession is more advanced, or it is affecting the appearance of your smile, a dentist may discuss procedures designed to cover exposed roots and strengthen the gumline.

The best treatment depends on the cause, the amount of recession, the thickness of your gum tissue, the position of the teeth and the health of the bone beneath the gums. A careful assessment is far more useful than trying a one-size-fits-all product.

Why gums recede

Recession can have more than one cause. Gum disease is a common factor. Plaque that is not fully removed can harden into tartar and trigger inflammation. Over time, this may damage the gums and the bone that supports the teeth. Gum disease is not always painful, so bleeding when brushing, persistent bad breath or a change in the way your teeth look should not be ignored.

Brushing too hard can also cause recession, particularly around naturally thin gum tissue. A firm-bristled brush and vigorous side-to-side scrubbing may feel thorough, but it can gradually wear the gumline and the tooth surface near it. A soft brush and gentle, controlled technique are safer and often clean more effectively.

Other contributing factors include teeth that sit outside the natural line of the jaw, clenching or grinding, smoking, lip or tongue piercings that rub against the gums, and a family tendency towards thinner gum tissue. Orthodontic treatment can sometimes make pre-existing recession more noticeable if a tooth is moved beyond the supporting bone, which is why a full gum and bone assessment matters before treatment.

How to fix receding gums: start with the cause

The first aim is to halt further loss of gum tissue. Your dentist will examine your gums, measure any pockets around the teeth, assess bleeding and recession, and may take X-rays to check bone levels. This helps distinguish recession caused by brushing trauma from recession linked to periodontal disease or tooth position.

If plaque and tartar are contributing, professional cleaning below the gumline may be recommended. This is different from a routine polish. It targets bacteria and deposits in areas that a toothbrush cannot reach, giving inflamed gums the opportunity to settle. Some people need a single course of treatment, while others benefit from ongoing periodontal maintenance appointments to keep gum disease under control.

If your brushing technique is the issue, small changes can make a meaningful difference. Use a soft manual toothbrush or a pressure-sensing electric toothbrush, place the bristles gently at the gumline and use small movements rather than scrubbing. Clean between your teeth daily with interdental brushes or floss, depending on the spaces between them. Your dental team can show you the right size and technique, because forcing an interdental brush into a space can damage the gums.

Smoking cessation is also a valuable step. Smoking can mask gum bleeding while making gum disease harder to control and healing less predictable. If grinding is placing excess pressure on your teeth, a custom night guard may help protect them from further wear. It will not replace lost gum, but it can form part of a plan to protect your smile.

Managing sensitivity and protecting exposed roots

When gums recede, the root surface can be exposed. Unlike enamel, root surfaces are softer and more prone to sensitivity and decay. Desensitising toothpaste can be helpful when used consistently. Spit out after brushing rather than rinsing straight away, so the active ingredients have longer to work.

A dentist may also apply fluoride varnish or a protective coating to sensitive areas. In some cases, a small tooth-coloured restoration can cover a worn notch near the gumline and reduce sensitivity. This option can look natural, although it may not be suitable if the recession is actively progressing or if there is not enough healthy structure for the material to bond securely.

Avoid whitening products on very sensitive exposed roots without seeking advice first. They may increase discomfort, and whitening does not change the colour of root surfaces or existing restorations in the same way it changes enamel.

When gum grafting may be an option

For certain types of recession, gum grafting can be an excellent treatment. This is a specialised procedure, usually carried out by a dentist with advanced periodontal training or a gum specialist. Healthy tissue is moved or added to the area of recession to cover an exposed root where possible, reinforce thin tissue and create a more stable gumline.

Grafting is often considered when recession is progressing, sensitivity is significant, the root is at risk of decay, or the appearance of the smile is affecting confidence. It may also be recommended before other care, such as orthodontics or cosmetic dentistry, where stronger gum support would improve the long-term outlook.

Results depend on the original gum and bone anatomy. Complete root coverage is not guaranteed in every case, particularly where recession is severe or the supporting bone has been lost. A good consultation should be honest about what is achievable, the healing period, costs and the maintenance required afterwards.

Do not overlook the role of tooth position

Sometimes a tooth looks longer because it has moved, tilted or been pushed towards the edge of the bone. In those circumstances, treating the gums alone may not address the underlying pressure. Carefully planned orthodontic treatment may be considered to improve tooth position, potentially making the gumline easier to maintain.

This is not always the right route. Moving teeth takes time and requires excellent oral hygiene throughout. However, for the right patient, it can support both function and smile aesthetics. The key is coordinated planning that considers the gums, teeth, bite and your own priorities together.

When to book an appointment

Book a dental assessment if you notice your teeth looking longer, new sensitivity, bleeding when brushing, swollen gums, bad breath that does not settle or spaces developing between teeth. If you have loose teeth, pus, swelling or pain, seek urgent dental advice. These can be signs of active infection or advanced gum disease.

It is particularly worthwhile to book before investing in whitening, composite bonding, veneers or Invisalign. A healthy, stable gumline creates the best foundation for any smile-enhancing treatment and helps protect the result you are investing in.

At Volition Smile in Manchester, care starts with listening to what you have noticed and what you want to achieve. Whether your priority is stopping sensitivity, improving gum health or feeling more confident when you smile, a personalised examination can turn uncertainty into a clear, comfortable plan.

Your smile, your choice – but recession is rarely something to wait and see. Early, gentle care gives your gums and teeth the strongest chance of staying healthy for years to come.