Gum Recession Treatment: What You Need to Know
Gum recession is a big problem. Your gums move back. They show your tooth roots. This can hurt. It can make your teeth look long. But do not worry! We can help your gums get better.
Table of Contents
What Is Gum Recession?
Gum recession happens when your gums pull away from your teeth. This shows the roots. Your teeth may look long. You may feel pain when you eat hot or cold food.
Over 50% of adults aged 30 and up have gum recession. It gets worse as you get older.
Signs You Have Receding Gums
Look for these signs:
- Longer teeth than before
- Pain when you eat cold things
- Gaps between your teeth and gums
- Blood when you brush
- Loose teeth
Why Gums Recede
Your gums can pull back for many reasons:
- Hard brushing (65% of cases)
- Gum disease that is not treated
- Bad genes (30% of people)
- Smoking (makes it 2x worse)
- Grinding teeth at night
- Thin gum tissue (3x higher risk)
When to See a Dentist
See a dentist right away if:
- Your teeth hurt
- Your gums bleed
- Your teeth feel loose
- You see your tooth roots
- Your teeth look longer
Early help stops bone loss! This is very important.
Ways to Fix Receding Gums
We can fix your gums in many ways. Some need a doctor. Some you can do at home.
Doctor Treatments
Non-Surgery Options
- Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing)
- Gum care rinse with medicine
- Desensitizing toothpaste for pain
These help stop gum disease but cannot grow back lost gum.
Surgery Options
- Gum grafting
- Takes tissue from the roof of your mouth
- Puts it where you need more gum
- Success rate: 85-95% for mild cases
- Costs $600-$3,000 for each tooth
- Pinhole® technique
- Makes a small hole in your gum
- Pulls the gum over your tooth root
- Less pain than grafting
- 90% of people like the results
- Costs $3,000-$6,000 total
Between these two, Pinhole® technique lets you heal faster.
Home Treatments
You can try these at home:
- Mix half salt and half baking soda to brush with
- Use a soft toothbrush only
- Rinse with salt water to help with swelling (30% less swelling)
- Try oil pulling with coconut oil (20% less plaque)
- Use a water flosser to clean between teeth
But remember – home care cannot grow back lost gum tissue. It can only help stop more loss.
How to Stop More Gum Recession
To keep your gums from getting worse:
- Brush gently up and down (not side to side)
- Use a soft brush or electric toothbrush
- Floss every day
- Do not smoke
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth
- See your dentist twice a year
How Much Does Gum Treatment Cost?
Treatment prices can be high:
| Treatment | Cost per Tooth | Total Cost | Recovery Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gum Grafting | $600-$3,000 | Varies by teeth count | 1-2 weeks |
| Pinhole® Technique | N/A | $3,000-$6,000 | 3-5 days |
| Deep Cleaning | $200-$400 per quarter | $800-$1,600 | 1-2 days |
| Home Care Products | $5-$100 | $5-$100 | No downtime |
Some dental plans may help pay for these. Check with your insurance.
What to Expect During Recovery
After gum surgery:
- You may have pain for a few days
- Eat soft foods for 1-2 weeks
- Do not brush the fixed area for a while
- Take pain medicine if your doctor says it’s OK
- Rest and do not do hard work
You will see your new gum line right away, but full healing takes time.
Common Questions About Gum Recession
Can receding gums grow back on their own?
No. Once gum tissue is gone, it cannot grow back without help from a doctor. You need a gum graft or Pinhole Surgical Technique to fix it.
How long does it take to recover from gum grafting?
It takes 1-2 weeks to feel better after gum grafting. Full healing takes 4-8 weeks.
Is the Pinhole Technique better than gum grafting?
The Pinhole® technique means:
Less pain
Faster healing (3-5 days)
No cuts or stitches
Can fix many teeth at once
But it costs more up front.
Can I fix my receding gums at home?
Home care can slow down recession but cannot reverse it. Only a dental professional can fix lost gum tissue.
Will my insurance pay for gum treatment?
Many dental plans cover some gum disease treatment. Talk to your dental office and insurance company to find out what they will pay for.
Best Products for Receding Gums
These products may help with gum recession:
- Soft toothbrushes or electric toothbrushes with pressure sensors
- Sensitivity toothpaste with potassium nitrate
- Water flossers to clean gently
- Antimicrobial rinses with Chlorhexidine (by prescription)
- Night guards if you grind your teeth
- Vitamin C supplements for gum health
Natural Remedies To Try
Some natural things may help your gums:
- Salt water rinses (1 teaspoon salt in warm water)
- Aloe vera gel on gums
- Green tea (drink or use as a rinse)
- Oil pulling with coconut oil
- CoQ10 supplements
These help with swelling but cannot fix gum loss.
Why Early Treatment Matters
If you do not treat receding gums:
- You may lose bone around your teeth
- Your teeth may get loose
- You might lose your teeth
- You may need more costly treatments later
Getting help early saves money and teeth!
When to Get a Second Opinion
Get another doctor’s view if:
- The treatment plan seems too costly
- You want to know about other options
- Your case is very complex
- You do not feel good about the plan
Final Thoughts
Gum recession is common but serious. We have many ways to treat it now.
The best thing is to:
- See your dentist right away
- Follow their advice
- Take good care of your gums at home
With the right care, you can stop gum recession and keep your smile healthy!
