Receding Gums: What to Do

Quick answer: what to do for receding gums right now

• Switch to a soft or ultra‑soft brush and brush gently at 45° to the gumline. No scrubbing.
• Use a desensitising toothpaste twice daily (don’t rinse straight after brushing).
• Clean between teeth daily (floss/interdental brushes) to reduce inflammation.
• Rinse with water after acidic drinks; limit grazing on sugary/acidic snacks.
• If you clench/grind, avoid hard chewing at night and discuss a nightguard.
• Book a dental assessment to confirm the cause and plan treatment.

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When to wait and when to act

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What causes receding gums?

Gum recession can be caused by one or more of the following:

• Aggressive brushing or hard bristles (abrasion/“toothbrush trauma”)
• Gum disease (gingivitis/periodontitis) and plaque build‑up
• Thin or delicate gum tissue (“biotype”) and tooth position
• Clenching/grinding (bruxism) and bite trauma
• Frenum pull (tight lip/tongue attachment) or lip/tongue piercings
• Smoking and diabetes (slower healing, higher risk)

Understanding the cause is the key to choosing the right treatment. See more detail in Receding Gums Causes and related gum health guidance in Gum Disease Australia.

Discuss your likely cause

Home care that helps (and what to avoid)

Do

• Use a soft/ultra‑soft brush; gentle circular or modified Bass technique
• Desensitising toothpaste morning and night; fluoride mouthrinse if recommended
• Daily interdental cleaning (floss or brushes sized for your gaps)
• Wear a nightguard if advised to protect teeth and gums from clenching forces

Avoid

• Scrubbing side‑to‑side along the gumline
• Hard or medium bristle brushes and abrasive whitening pastes
• Picking at gums or using toothpicks roughly
• Frequent acidic drinks without water rinses afterwards

Many people notice less sensitivity within 2–4 weeks with these changes, but home care alone won’t reverse tissue loss. Professional assessment is still important.

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Treatment options that dentists use

Non‑surgical first steps

• Professional cleaning (scale and root debridement) to reduce inflammation
• Topical fluoride or desensitising varnish for rapid sensitivity relief
• Composite bonding or “root sealing” to cover exposed dentine and protect the area
• Bite/occlusal adjustment or a nightguard if clenching is contributing

When grafting is considered

• Connective‑tissue graft, free gingival graft, coronally advanced flap or tunnelling/pinhole techniques
• Indicated for ongoing sensitivity, progressive recession, thin tissue or to improve long‑term stability and appearance
• Success depends on cause, tissue thickness and tooth position

Learn more in Receding Gums Treatment and compare prices and factors in Receding Gums Cost Australia.

Compare treatment pathways

Recovery and prevention

• Sensitivity often eases quickly with varnish or bonding; surgical sites typically settle over 1–2 weeks
• Follow post‑op instructions: soft brushing around the site, no picking, and use any prescribed rinses
• Maintain regular professional cleaning and gum measurements to track stability
• Keep using a gentle technique and the right interdental tools for your spaces

More tips are covered in Receding Gums Recovery.

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What to ask at your appointment

• What is causing my recession and is it still active?
• Is this urgent or safe to monitor with improved home care?
• Which options fit my case first: desensitising, bonding, gum therapy or grafting?
• What results should I expect and how will we track stability?
• What are the near‑term and total costs, and are staged options available?

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Need guidance choosing a next step?

If you want help understanding your options, costs and timing, our team can connect you with appropriate dental care in your area.

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Related pages

More gum health resources