Receding gums treatment ranges from better brushing habits to gum grafting surgery, depending on how far the recession has progressed.

Gum recession happens slowly. You might notice a tooth looks longer than it used to, or feel a notch near the gum line with your tongue. By the time sensitivity kicks in, the root surface is already exposed and vulnerable to decay.

This guide covers what causes gums to recede, the treatment options available in Australia, what each procedure involves, and how to stop recession from getting worse. If you have been putting off a dental visit because your gums look different, this is worth reading.

Already noticing gum recession? Sundial Dental offers gum disease treatment including LANAP laser therapy across five Mid North Coast clinics. Book a consultation to find out where things stand.

Why Do Gums Recede in the First Place

Gum recession is the gradual loss of gum tissue that exposes the root surfaces of your teeth. It becomes significantly more common with age, and the causes are not always what people expect. While gum disease is the most common driver, it is not the only one.

Periodontal disease breaks down the bone and tissue that hold teeth in place. Bacterial plaque hardens into tartar below the gum line, triggering chronic inflammation. Over months and years, the gum pulls away from the tooth.

But plenty of people with healthy gums still develop recession. Aggressive brushing wears gum tissue down mechanically, and teeth grinding puts lateral force on the gum attachment.

Genetics play a role too. Some people are born with thinner gum tissue that recedes more easily, regardless of how well they brush.

  • Periodontal (gum) disease, the single biggest cause in older adults
  • Hard-bristled toothbrushes or scrubbing side to side instead of gentle circles
  • Bruxism (teeth grinding), particularly during sleep
  • Tobacco use, which restricts blood flow to gum tissue
  • Hormonal changes, especially in women during menopause
  • Misaligned teeth that create uneven pressure on the gum line
  • Previous orthodontic treatment that moved teeth outside the bone envelope

Identifying the underlying cause matters because it determines which receding gums treatment will actually work. Grafting over recession caused by active gum disease that has gone untreated, for instance, is unlikely to hold without treating the disease first.

How to Tell If Your Gums Are Receding

Most people do not realise their gums are receding until a dentist points it out or sensitivity becomes impossible to ignore. Recession develops over years rather than weeks, making it difficult to spot when you see your own teeth every day. A few signs are worth watching for.

  1. Teeth look longer than they used to, with a yellowish strip visible near the gum line (that is exposed root)
  2. A notch or ridge you can feel at the base of a tooth where gum tissue used to sit
  3. Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, especially on specific teeth
  4. Bleeding when brushing or flossing, which may indicate the gum disease behind the recession
  5. Gaps appearing between teeth near the gum line that were not there before

If you recognise any of these, it is worth getting a periodontal assessment sooner rather than later. Early-stage recession is far easier (and cheaper) to manage than advanced cases where bone loss is involved.

A check-up and clean appointment includes a full periodontal assessment. Your dentist will measure pocket depths around each tooth to check for recession and gum disease. Healthy pockets typically measure 1 to 3mm, while readings of 4mm or more may indicate gum tissue breakdown.

Receding Gums Treatment Options in Australia

The right receding gums treatment depends on three things: how severe the recession is, whether active gum disease is present, and what caused the problem. Your dentist will typically start with the least invasive option and escalate only if needed. Here is what is available.

Non-Surgical Treatments

For mild recession (1 to 2mm) without active gum disease, non-surgical approaches can slow or stop further loss. These work best when the underlying cause, such as aggressive brushing or grinding, is addressed at the same time.

  • Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) removes tartar and bacteria below the gum line, allowing inflamed tissue to reattach
  • Desensitising agents or bonding applied to exposed root surfaces to reduce sensitivity and protect against decay
  • Custom night guards for patients whose recession is linked to teeth grinding
  • Brushing technique retraining, switching to a soft-bristled brush with gentle circular strokes

Non-surgical treatment will not grow gum tissue back, but it can prevent things from getting worse. For many patients, that is enough.

Surgical Treatments

When recession is moderate to severe (3mm or more), or when root exposure is causing ongoing problems, surgical options can physically cover the exposed root. The most common procedures in Australian dental practices include the following.

  • Connective tissue graft, where tissue from the roof of the mouth covers the exposed root. Most common type with strong long-term evidence.
  • Free gingival graft, which takes tissue directly from the palate. Used when existing gum tissue is particularly thin.
  • Pedicle (lateral) graft, which repositions tissue from an adjacent tooth. Only works when there is enough healthy tissue nearby.
  • Collagen matrix grafts (such as Mucograft), using a biocompatible membrane instead of palate tissue. Less painful recovery, no second surgical site.
  • Pinhole surgical technique, a minimally invasive approach where tissue is repositioned through a small hole without incisions or sutures.

LANAP Laser Treatment

Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) treats the gum disease driving the recession without cutting or suturing. A specific wavelength laser targets diseased tissue and bacteria while leaving healthy tissue intact, and stimulates bone regeneration underneath.

LANAP is particularly suited to older patients who may not be candidates for traditional surgery due to medications, health conditions, or simply preferring a less invasive approach. It is available at Sundial Dental’s LANAP-equipped clinics as a primary gum disease treatment.

Comparing Your Treatment Options

Choosing between treatments can feel overwhelming. This comparison covers the key differences so you can have a more informed conversation with your dentist.

Treatment Best For Recovery Typical Cost (AUD)
Scaling and root planing Mild recession with gum disease 1 to 2 days $200 to $500 per quadrant
Connective tissue graft Moderate to severe single-tooth recession 2 to 3 weeks $600 to $3,000 per tooth
Collagen matrix graft Patients wanting to avoid palate tissue harvest 1 to 2 weeks $800 to $2,500 per tooth
Pinhole technique Multiple teeth, less invasive preference 1 to 3 days $1,500 to $4,000 per quadrant
LANAP laser Gum disease causing recession, older patients 24 to 48 hours $1,500 to $4,000 per quadrant

Costs vary depending on the severity of recession, the number of teeth involved, and whether you have private health insurance with extras cover. Your dentist can provide an itemised quote after an initial assessment.

Can You Fix Receding Gums at Home

The short and honest answer is no. Once gum tissue has receded, it does not grow back on its own. No toothpaste, mouthwash, or oil pulling regimen will regenerate lost gum tissue.

What you can do at home is stop the recession from getting worse. That is genuinely valuable, because halting progression at an early stage may mean you never need surgery.

  • Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and use gentle, circular motions
  • Brush twice daily and floss once daily, focusing on the gum line
  • Use a fluoride toothpaste to protect exposed root surfaces from decay
  • Quit smoking, which restricts blood flow and accelerates tissue breakdown
  • Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth (your dentist can fit one)
  • Keep up with regular dental visits every six months for professional cleaning

Think of home care as damage control. It keeps recession stable while your dentist monitors for any changes that might need professional intervention. According to the Australian Dental Association, maintaining good oral hygiene is the single most effective way to prevent gum disease progression.

When to See a Dentist

The best time to see a dentist about receding gums is before symptoms become obvious. By the time a tooth feels sensitive or looks visibly longer, recession may already be moderate. That said, it is never too late to get an assessment.

Certain situations call for a prompt appointment rather than waiting for your next six-monthly check-up.

  • A tooth suddenly becomes sensitive to temperature or sweet foods
  • You notice a dark or yellow strip at the base of a tooth
  • Your gums bleed regularly when brushing or flossing
  • A tooth feels loose or shifts position
  • You have been diagnosed with gum disease previously and have not had a check-up in over a year

A periodontal assessment takes about 10 minutes and gives your dentist a clear picture of pocket depths, attachment loss, and whether active disease is present. It is the starting point for every receding gums treatment plan.

What to Expect During Receding Gums Treatment

Knowing what a procedure involves makes it less daunting, particularly for patients who have been avoiding dental care due to anxiety. Here is a general overview of the treatment process from first appointment to recovery.

  1. Initial assessment, including X-rays and periodontal probing to measure recession depth and check for bone loss
  2. Treatment planning, where your dentist explains the options, costs, and expected outcomes for your specific situation
  3. Pre-treatment, such as scaling and root planing to control any active gum disease before surgical procedures
  4. The procedure itself, performed under local anaesthetic. Most gum grafts take 60 to 90 minutes. LANAP sessions typically run 1 to 2 hours.
  5. Recovery, which varies by procedure. Soft foods for a week or two after grafting. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days.
  6. Follow-up appointments at one week and then at regular intervals to monitor healing and check that the graft has taken or the gum has reattached

Modern gum treatments are far less uncomfortable than they were a decade ago. Laser treatments involve no cutting, and collagen matrix grafts skip the palate harvest entirely.

The American Academy of Periodontology confirms that early intervention leads to better outcomes and fewer complications.

Protecting Your Gums Long Term

Whether you have had receding gums treatment or want to prevent recession from starting, long-term gum health comes down to consistent habits and regular professional care. There is no one-off fix that lasts forever.

If you have already had gum grafting or LANAP, your dentist may recommend three-monthly maintenance visits for the first year. Recession can return if the underlying cause is not kept in check.

The Australian Government Department of Health recommends regular dental visits as part of preventive health care for all adults.

Frequently Asked Questions About Receding Gums

Can gums grow back after receding?

No. Once gum tissue has receded, it does not regenerate on its own. Surgical treatments such as gum grafting or the pinhole technique can cover exposed root surfaces, but the original tissue does not regrow naturally. Stopping further recession through proper care is the most effective first step.

How can I stop my gums from receding further?

Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush, brush gently in circular motions, and floss daily. If teeth grinding is a factor, a custom night guard may help. Regular dental check-ups allow your dentist to monitor pocket depths and catch changes before they progress.

Do gums recede with age?

Gum recession becomes more common with age, particularly after 65. This is partly due to cumulative wear on gum tissue and partly because conditions such as periodontal disease are more prevalent in older adults. However, recession is not an inevitable part of ageing and can often be slowed with consistent oral hygiene.

How do I know if my gum recession is serious?

If you can feel a notch at the base of a tooth, experience persistent sensitivity, or notice a tooth looks longer than its neighbours, the recession may have progressed beyond the early stage. A periodontal assessment with pocket depth measurements gives your dentist a clear picture of how much tissue and bone support remains.

Does gum grafting surgery hurt?

Gum grafting is performed under local anaesthetic, so the treatment area is numbed during the procedure. Your dentist will advise on managing any post-operative soreness. Collagen matrix grafts and the pinhole technique tend to involve less discomfort during recovery compared with traditional palate grafts.

How long does recovery take after gum recession surgery?

Recovery varies by procedure. Gum grafting from the palate may take two to three weeks before you can eat normally. Collagen matrix grafts and LANAP laser treatment typically involve shorter recovery periods. Your dentist will provide specific aftercare instructions based on the procedure performed.

Can receding gums lead to tooth loss?

In advanced cases, yes. When recession exposes root surfaces, those areas become vulnerable to decay. If the underlying cause is periodontal disease, ongoing bone loss can weaken the tooth’s foundation. Addressing recession and its cause early reduces this risk.

Is gum recession treatment covered by private health insurance in Australia?

Many private health funds with extras cover provide partial rebates for periodontal treatments, including scaling and root planing. Surgical procedures such as gum grafts may also attract benefits depending on your level of cover. Check with your fund for specific item numbers and waiting periods.

What type of toothbrush is best for receding gums?

A soft-bristled manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor is generally recommended. Hard or medium bristles can wear down gum tissue further. Brushing technique matters as much as the brush itself, so use gentle circular motions rather than scrubbing side to side.

Can teeth grinding cause gum recession?

Yes. Bruxism (teeth grinding) places lateral force on the gum attachment, which can contribute to recession over time. The pressure is often worst during sleep. A fitted night guard can help distribute the force and protect both teeth and gum tissue.

Take the First Step

Receding gums will not fix themselves, but they do not have to keep getting worse. The earlier you get an assessment, the more options you have and the less complex treatment tends to be.

Sundial Dental has clinics across the Mid North Coast ready to help.

Contact your nearest clinic to book a periodontal assessment.