Have you noticed your gums shrinking away from your teeth lately? Is your smile looking a little ‘long in the tooth’, so to speak? If either of these symptoms sound familiar, your gums are likely receding. And while gum recession certainly isn’t ideal, the answer to your next question — ‘can a dentist fix receding gums?’ — is yes, especially if you act fast.

Gum recession is more common than you might think. It can creep up on you, often developing slowly and without pain. As that gummy ‘curtain’ gradually ‘draws back’ over time, exposing the tooth root, it can leave teeth vulnerable to sensitivity, decay, and even falling out. But don’t panic — the first step towards reclaiming control is understanding the causes of receding gums. The second (and most critical) step is to seek timely treatment from the dentist Berwick trusts.

What Is Gum Recession?

Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue surrounding the teeth wears away or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth — or even the root. If left untreated, this can create pockets where bacteria build up, damaging supporting tissue and bone. Causes of gum recession can include aggressive brushing, poor oral hygiene, gum disease, smoking, teeth grinding, or even genetics.

Many people first notice it when they feel sharp, shooting pain mid-sip of their favourite hot beverage — or mid-slurp of something ice-cold. They may also notice their teeth appearing longer than usual.

Is There a Way to Stop Gum Recession?

Yes, particularly in the early stages. If your gum recession is linked to gingivitis or mild periodontal disease, non-surgical options are usually effective. Deep cleaning procedures like scaling and root planing help remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line, reducing inflammation and allowing the gums to reattach to the teeth.

These techniques are widely used to treat early gum disease and can stop further gum loss in its tracks. Depending on your issue, your dentist may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as switching to a softer toothbrush or adjusting your brushing technique to be either more thorough or less abrasive. Other treatments your dentist can prescribe for receding gums include:

• Antimicrobial mouthwashes to attack and wash away nasty oral bacteria
• Topical antibiotics to eliminate bacterial infection
• Desensitising agents to reduce the discomfort derived from exposed tooth roots
• Nightguards or orthodontics to prevent further damage from clenching or misaligned teeth

Please note that while following general advice on the prevention of gum disease can stop recession, it won’t reverse it. If you’re wondering how to fix receding gums, that’s a separate issue.

How to Fix Receding Gums

Although gum recession is harder to reverse than gum disease, your dentist can still help. For mild to moderate cases, gum contouring can help restore the gumline’s appearance, though this solution is purely cosmetic and won’t address the condition’s root cause. If you want to know how to fix severe gum recession, be prepared for more advanced interventions. If the gum tissue has worn away significantly, you may be referred to a periodontist for surgical treatment.

One of the most common options is a gum graft, where tissue is taken from another part of the mouth (often the palate) and grafted onto the receding area. This helps to protect the exposed root, reduce sensitivity, and improve the appearance of your smile.

Is Surgery Necessary?

If you’re wondering how to reverse gum recession without surgery, the unfortunate reality is that there is no natural way to regenerate gum tissue. Although maintaining good oral hygiene habits, seeking the appropriate gum treatment for gingivitis or periodontitis, and seeing your dentist biannually (or as needed) can help your gums reattach to the teeth, it won’t undo the recession. Surgical treatment may sound daunting, but it’s highly effective for long-term gum health and is often the best solution for advanced cases.

When Should You See a Dentist?

If you’re noticing signs of recession — such as tooth sensitivity, exposed roots, or bleeding when brushing — don’t wait. Early intervention can make a big difference in preserving your natural smile.

Whether you need to treat early gum disease or learn how to fix severe gum recession, we have the appropriate treatment for gum recession right here in Berwick. Book an appointment at Langmore Dental today for expert gum care, early intervention, and long-term results.