Can receding gums recover?

Oct 16, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Chao

Introduction

Gingival recession is generally difficult to completely cure, but its progression can be controlled and symptoms improved through treatment. In daily life, it's important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and the Bass brushing technique, avoiding aggressive brushing that may damage the gums. Rinse your mouth promptly after meals, and use dental floss or interdental brushes to clean between teeth, reducing the buildup of food debris.

Gingival recession is generally difficult to completely cure, but the progression of the condition can be controlled and symptoms improved through treatment. The specific analysis is as follows:

Gingival recession is hard to fully reverse because once the gum tissue recedes, the underlying alveolar bone may have already undergone resorption. Both alveolar bone and gingival tissues have limited regenerative capacity and cannot return to their original height and shape. However, treatment can help control disease progression and alleviate symptoms. For example, removing dental plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and periodontal pockets reduces ongoing irritation to the gums, preventing further inflammatory destruction of periodontal tissues. In mild cases, periodontal surgical procedures can be used to cover exposed tooth roots, reduce sensitivity, and help maintain the current state of gums and alveolar bone, thus preventing continued worsening of recession.

In daily life, it's important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and the Bass brushing technique to avoid damaging the gums with excessive brushing force. Rinse your mouth after meals, and use dental floss or interdental brushes to clean between teeth, minimizing food debris accumulation. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings allow early detection and treatment of periodontal problems. Avoid prolonged chewing on one side of the mouth to reduce tooth wear and periodontal strain, helping prevent further gum recession.

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Are there any side effects of dental implants?

Dental implants involve surgically placing artificial teeth into the missing areas, with a cost of approximately 5,000 to 10,000 yuan per tooth. However, dental implants may cause side effects such as bleeding, infection, occlusion problems, gum recession, and nerve damage. The specific side effects vary from person to person. To reduce the risks, it is recommended to choose a reputable and professional hospital and to be guided by a qualified dentist.

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Will gum recession continue to progress?

If gingival recession is caused by factors such as periodontitis, long-term improper brushing techniques, or malaligned teeth and remains untreated, the inflammation will continuously destroy the gums and alveolar bone, leading to further gum recession and increased exposure of tooth roots. This may also be accompanied by problems such as tooth mobility and sensitivity, creating a vicious cycle that progressively worsens the recession.

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Can tooth brushing cause gum recession?

In general, whether tooth brushing causes gum recession depends on the brushing technique. Brushing teeth properly usually does not lead to gum recession, but improper brushing techniques may cause it. To prevent gum recession, it is important to choose a soft-bristled toothbrush, learn and consistently use the correct brushing method, control brushing pressure, and avoid overzealous cleaning.

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How long does it take for periodontitis to heal on its own?

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammation caused by the long-term accumulation of dental plaque, which damages periodontal supporting tissues such as the gums and alveolar bone. Once these tissues are damaged, they cannot repair themselves; for example, absorbed alveolar bone does not regenerate spontaneously, and gum recession is difficult to reverse. If left untreated, the inflammation will progressively worsen and will not resolve on its own over time.