How Do You Stop Gums Receding?

If you’re starting to notice your gums pulling back from your teeth, it’s natural to feel concerned.

Gum recession is a common oral health issue that can develop gradually and often goes unnoticed until it starts to cause discomfort or visible changes in your smile.

Understanding what causes gums to recede and how to stop gum recession early can make a big difference in protecting your long-term oral health.

With the right daily habits and professional support, you can slow down or even prevent further gum loss and keep your smile healthy and strong.

What causes gums to recede?

Gum recession doesn’t happen overnight. It’s usually a slow, gradual process that’s triggered by repeated irritation or long-term damage to the gum tissue. 

Understanding the cause is the first step towards stopping your gums from receding any further.

Some of the most common causes of gum recession include:

1) Gum disease (periodontitis): A major cause of gum recession, this is an infection that damages the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth.

2) Overbrushing: Brushing too aggressively or using a toothbrush with hard bristles can wear down enamel and irritate your gums.

3) Smoking and tobacco use: Tobacco restricts blood flow to your gums, slowing down healing and increasing your risk of infection and tissue damage.

4) Bruxism (teeth grinding): The constant pressure from grinding or clenching can weaken your gums and cause them to recede.

5) Genetics: Some people are naturally more prone to gum issues due to inherited factors.

6) Misaligned teeth or bite issues: If teeth aren’t aligned properly, uneven pressure can lead to gum irritation and recession over time.

Preventing further gum recession means identifying the underlying cause and making changes that support gum health.

These steps can help you protect your gums and reduce your risk of long-term damage.

1) Maintain good oral hygiene

The most important thing you can do is take care of your gums every day. Gum disease is a leading cause of gum recession, but it’s also highly preventable.

• Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Use gentle, circular motions rather than harsh scrubbing.
• Clean between your teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes.
• Consider an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce harmful bacteria.

Book regular appointments with your dentist and hygienist for check-ups and professional cleanings. They can remove plaque and tartar that can’t be reached with brushing alone.

If early gum disease has already developed, your dental team may recommend a deep cleaning treatment known as scaling and root planing, which removes plaque below the gum line and smooths the root surfaces to help the gums reattach.

2) Quit smoking

Tobacco use is strongly linked to gum recession.

It affects your immune response and slows healing, making your gums more vulnerable to infection and tissue loss.

Quitting smoking can significantly improve your gum health and help slow the progression of gum recession.

It’s one of the most important steps you can take to protect your overall oral health long-term.

3) Protect against teeth grinding (bruxism)

Clenching or grinding your teeth, especially during sleep, places excess pressure on the gums and supporting bone.

Over time, this can lead to receding gums and other oral health problems.

Since many people aren’t aware they grind their teeth, it’s worth discussing with your dentist if you experience:

• Jaw or facial pain
• Headaches in the morning
• Flattened or worn-down teeth

Wearing a custom-made occlusal splint (commonly called a night guard) can help reduce this pressure, preventing further gum damage. 

The SCi (Sleep Clench Inhibitor) is an effective option designed to inhibit clenching by reducing the forces applied to the jaw muscles. 

By minimising these forces, the SCi can help protect the gums from unnecessary strain and reduce the risk of recession caused by grinding.

4) Eat a balanced diet

A balanced diet plays a big role in maintaining gum health.

Eating the right foods gives your body the nutrients it needs to keep your gums strong and healthy.

• Vitamin C helps maintain gum tissue and supports healing.
• Calcium strengthens your teeth and jawbone.
• Omega-3 fatty acids (like those found in oily fish) may help reduce inflammation in the gums.

Limit sugary or acidic foods, as they can encourage the growth of harmful bacteria and irritate sensitive gums.

Drinking enough water is also key to keeping your mouth hydrated and maintaining a healthy balance of saliva, which protects your gums naturally.

5) Straighten misaligned teeth

Crooked or misaligned teeth can place uneven pressure on the gums, increasing the risk of recession. 

Orthodontic treatment helps create a more even bite, reducing strain on the gums, but many adults hesitate to seek treatment as they don’t want the visibility of traditional braces. 

Clear aligners like Smilelign offer a discreet and comfortable alternative, allowing patients to straighten their teeth without the appearance of metal brackets and wires. 

This makes it easier to achieve a healthier, well-aligned bite while maintaining confidence throughout the treatment process.

Take control of your gum health today

Gum recession can be concerning, but there are plenty of proactive steps you can take to slow it down or prevent it entirely.

With consistent oral hygiene, professional support, and a few simple lifestyle changes, it’s possible to protect your gums and avoid more serious treatments in the future.

If you’re unsure where to begin, speak to your dentist. They can assess the cause of your gum recession and guide you toward the right care plan.

Looking after your gum health now means fewer problems later and a stronger, more confident smile for the years ahead.