8 Ways to Stop Your Gums from Receding

15 May 2025

Noticing more of your teeth showing? Experiencing sensitivity when you eat or drink? These could be signs of receding gums, a common dental issue where the gum tissue pulls back, exposing more of the tooth and its root.

Understanding how to stop receding gums is the first step towards protecting your oral health.

Greenspoint Dental serves the Greenspoint area of Houston, Texas, and we offer comprehensive periodontal treatment to help you address and manage gum recession.

Understanding Receding Gums: Causes and Why It Matters

Several factors can contribute to receding gums. Identifying the cause is crucial in determining the best approach to stop receding gums from getting worse. Common causes include:

Periodontal disease (gum disease): This bacterial infection is the most frequent cause of gum recession. If left untreated, it destroys the gum tissue and supporting bone.
Aggressive brushing: Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear away gum tissue over time.
Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to gum recession.
Poor oral hygiene: Inadequate brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings can lead to plaque and tartar buildup, contributing to gum disease.
Tobacco use: Smoking and chewing tobacco significantly increase the risk of gum recession.
Teeth grinding (bruxism): Clenching or grinding your teeth can put excessive force on the gums and supporting bone.
Crooked teeth or a misaligned bite: These can create areas where gums are more susceptible to recession.
Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormones, particularly in women during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can make gums more sensitive and prone to recession.

Ignoring receding gums can lead to more serious problems, including increased tooth sensitivity, an increased risk of cavities on the exposed roots, bone loss, and eventually, tooth loss. That’s why it’s essential to understand how to stop a receding gum line and seek professional care.

8 Ways to Stop Receding Gums and Prevent Further Progression

While it’s often not possible to fully reverse gum recession, there are effective ways to stop receding gums from getting worse and manage the condition.

Here are the key strategies we recommend at Greenspoint Dental for our patients in Houston:

Improve your oral hygiene routine: Gentle brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and daily flossing are crucial. Our dental hygienists at Greenspoint Dental can provide personalized guidance on proper techniques.
Quit tobacco use: Eliminating smoking or chewing tobacco is one of the most significant steps you can take to improve your gum health and stop gums from receding.
Address teeth grinding: If you grind or clench your teeth, talk to us about a custom-made mouthguard to protect your gums and teeth from the pressure.
Regular professional dental cleanings: Routine checkups and cleanings at Greenspoint Dental allow us to remove plaque and tartar buildup that at-home care might miss, preventing further gum disease and recession.
Treat gum disease promptly: If periodontal disease is the cause of your receding gums, immediate treatment is necessary to halt its progression. This may involve scaling and root planing, antibiotics, or, in more advanced cases, gum surgery. Our experienced dentists in Houston are skilled in providing effective periodontal therapy.
Consider gum grafting: For significant gum recession, a gum graft procedure can help protect the exposed tooth roots, reduce sensitivity, and improve the aesthetics of your smile.
Manage underlying health conditions: Certain systemic diseases can affect gum health. Managing conditions like diabetes can positively impact your oral health.
Maintain a healthy diet: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients supports overall gum health.

Preventing Further Gum Recession

Once gum recession occurs, it’s challenging to reverse the lost tissue. Therefore, focusing on prevention and stopping further progression is key. By following the tips above and maintaining regular visits to Greenspoint Dental in Houston, you can significantly slow down or halt the process.

Beyond just stopping the recession, addressing receding gums offers significant long-term benefits:

Protecting tooth structure: Covering exposed roots prevents damage and decay.
Reducing sensitivity: Treatment can alleviate pain and discomfort from hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
Improving overall health: Gum disease linked to recession can contribute to systemic health issues; addressing it supports better overall well-being.
Enhancing your smile: Restoring a healthy gum line can boost confidence and improve the aesthetics of your smile.

Treatment Options for Receding Gums at Greenspoint Dental

At our practice in Greenspoint, Houston, we offer a range of treatments to address receding gums, including:

Scaling and root planing: A deep cleaning procedure to remove plaque and tartar below the gum line.
Antibiotic therapy: To help control bacterial infection.
Gum grafting: Surgical procedures to restore lost gum tissue.
Laser therapy: In some cases, lasers can be used as part of periodontal treatment. A modern approach includes LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure), a minimally invasive laser surgery that can promote gum tissue regeneration.

Our experienced dental team will conduct a thorough examination to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs. We also understand that dental care costs are a consideration. Our office can provide information on insurance coverage and payment options to help you receive the care you need.

Schedule Your Consultation at Greenspoint Dental Today

If you’re concerned about a receding gum line, don’t wait. Early intervention is crucial for managing this condition and protecting your smile.

Contact Greenspoint Dental today to schedule a consultation. You can easily find us in Greenspoint, Houston, Texas. We dedicate ourselves to providing you with the highest quality periodontal care in the Houston area.

FAQs About Receding Gums

Can receding gums grow back?

A: Unfortunately, lost gum tissue generally does not grow back on its own. However, treatments like gum grafting can restore the gum line and protect the teeth.

Is gum recession painful?

A: Gum recession itself may not be painful, but it can lead to tooth sensitivity, especially to temperature changes and certain foods.

How can I prevent gum recession?

A: Preventing gum recession involves practicing good oral hygiene, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoiding tobacco, and having regular dental checkups and cleanings.

What happens if receding gums are left untreated?

A: Untreated receding gums can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, cavities on the tooth roots, bone loss, and eventually, tooth loss.

Does insurance cover treatment for receding gums?

A: Many dental insurance plans offer coverage for periodontal treatments like scaling and root planing and gum grafting. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific benefits. Our office can also help you with insurance inquiries.