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How to Stop Gum Recession

Posted October 16, 2025 in Gum Recession, Periodontal Disease

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Gum recession is a serious condition that can lead to bacterial infections and tooth loss. The best way to address a recession is to prevent it from becoming severe. However, there are also effective treatments to save the gums and teeth, preventing future damage. We will explore ways to prevent gum recession and discuss treatment options when the recession becomes severe.

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Table of Contents

Understanding Gum Recession

Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue surrounding the lower part of your teeth starts to pull away, giving you the appearance of longer teeth. The term “long in the tooth,” when referring to the aging process, is an illustration of how our gums can recede over time. However, gum recession is much more than a cosmetic concern.

If the recession continues, it can lead to pockets between the teeth and gums where plaque and bacteria can accumulate, further damaging the teeth and gums. As the teeth are exposed, they become more sensitive and vulnerable to cavities. A severe recession can also lead to periodontal disease and tooth loss over time.

Common Causes of Gum Recession

Many factors can contribute to gum recession, including:

  • Genetics and aging
  • Aggressive tooth brushing and flossing
  • Clenching or grinding your teeth (bruxism)
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Improper tooth alignment or bite
  • Smoking or other nicotine use
  • Hormonal changes

Many of these factors are under your control, so stopping gum recession may be as simple as changing your brushing behavior or investing in a guard to protect your teeth from grinding. Other causes, such as genetics and hormonal factors, may be more challenging to manage. Dr. Salamati can perform an oral examination to determine the cause of your gum recession and suggest actions you can take to prevent it.

Symptoms of Receding Gums: When to Seek Treatment

Many people notice gum recession when they look in the mirror and see that their gum tissue has pulled away or receded from their teeth, making them appear longer. Other symptoms of recession might include:

  • Gums that are tender or bleed easily
  • Increased tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
  • Teeth feel loose over time
  • Persistent bad taste in the mouth
  • An increase in cavities

If you experience any of these signs, schedule an appointment with Dr. Salamati for a thorough examination and diagnosis. The sooner you recognize gum recession, the better your chances of stopping it in its tracks or treating it with less invasive measures.

How to Stop Receding Gums Once They Start

While you can’t reverse gum recession that has already started, early intervention often means stopping the recession before it gets worse. Dr. Salamati’s suggestions for addressing mild gum recession might include:

  • Modification of Oral Care: Dr. Salamati might recommend using a softer toothbrush and gentler techniques to protect the gums.
  • Oral Irrigation or Rinses: These processes can flush out bacteria and plaque to prevent additional gum recession.
  • Antibiotics: If an infection is present, Dr. Salamati may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection and promote healing of the gums.
  • Scaling and Root Planing: This deep cleaning treatment removes plaque and tartar from the teeth and below the gumline, allowing gum tissue to reattach to the tooth.

If tooth sensitivity is a problem for you, Dr. Salamati can also recommend desensitizing agents that you can use at home to reduce your tooth sensitivity. He may also use numbing agents during cleanings to make the process more comfortable for patients with significant tooth sensitivity.

Treatment for Advanced Gum Disease

Once gum recession exposes the root of your tooth, you are at a much higher risk for complications and illnesses that can affect your entire body. At this stage, Dr. Salamati may recommend surgical treatment, such as:

Gum Grafting

A gum graft is a procedure that replaces lost gum tissue and protects exposed roots. The surgery offers the following benefits:

  • Restore healthy gum tissue for an improved appearance
  • Improve root sensitivity and prevent decay
  • Prevent tooth loss and deterioration of the jawbone

The procedure involves removing a thin slice of tissue from the roof of the mouth and using it to cover the exposed teeth where recession has occurred. The new tissue grafts into the existing tissue to create a smooth and healthy gumline.

Dental Implants

If you have lost one or more teeth due to severe gum recession, Dr. Salamati performs dental implants to restore function and appearance to your mouth. This procedure begins by placing a titanium post (the implant) into the jawbone, where it can integrate with the existing bone to establish a base for a crown or bridge. Once the implant is fully healed, Dr. Salamati will refer you back to your regular dentist to adds an abutment and custom crown that closely resembles your natural teeth.

Dental implants are a natural-looking, long-lasting solution to tooth loss, protecting the surrounding teeth and restoring a patient’s confidence in their appearance. Dr. Salamati may replace a single tooth or several teeth using an implant-supported bridge.

Worried About Gum Health in Los Angeles?

Whether you are concerned about gum recession and periodontal disease, or simply interested in enhancing your smile, Dr. Salamati can help. As a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, he has the skills and experience to handle every aspect of your oral health. To learn more about Dr. Salamati or the services he offers, call our Los Angeles office at (310) 275-1090 or fill out our online message form today.