How can you treat receding gums and restore a harmonious smile?

A vast study carried out in 2025 revealed the extent of gingival recession: 15% of 20-30 year-olds, 45% of 40-50 year-olds and 78% of over-65s in France would be affected! A common but underestimated phenomenon. Find out why and how to treat receding gums to keep your smile looking its best for longer!

What causes receding gums?

Recession, sometimes mistakenly referred to as “receding gums”, is linked to a melting of the tissue that protects the roots of the teeth. The symptoms of this disorder are both functional and aesthetic: the impression of lengthening teeth, increased sensitivity to cold and heat, inflammatory conditions…

Gingival retraction can have a number of causes, including over-aggressive brushing, inappropriate technique or a brush that’s too hard. It can also be caused by orthodontic treatment that has pushed teeth outside the bone in order to align them, or by a piercing that causes recurrent trauma to the gums.

The presence of tartar or gum inflammation also promotes retraction.

How can I stop my gums from receding?

Stopping gingival recession means acting on two levels: stopping the cause (often traumatic brushing) and protecting the denuded area with surgery to rebuild lost tissue and restore root protection and periodontal integrity.

After a full oral and dental check-up, the practitioner recommends an intervention, which most often consists of periodontal plastic microsurgery chosen according to the characteristics of each patient. In this way, the gum returns to cover the root of the tooth, which is once again properly protected by the gum.

Is gingival recession reversible?

If left untreated, gum retraction tends to worsen. This encourages the development of cavities, which can lead to tooth loosening and loss.

But rest assured: there are solutions to the problem of gum recession! Specialized periodontal surgery practices, such as Studio Paro in Lyon, routinely offer gum re-adjustments.

This is a minor procedure performed in the office under local anaesthetic. The dental surgeon removes small pieces of tissue from the palate and uses them to readjust the gum or thicken it where needed. The operation is painless and prevents any risk of recurrence.

Gum microsurgery can be used to treat gum recession, with results that are highly stable over time. Brushing advice from your dentist also helps prevent recurrence.

What are the best ways to keep your gums healthy?

As with your general health, the health of your mouth and teeth depends on regular check-ups. Seeing a dentist once or twice a year, and making an appointment at the slightest unusual symptom, can helpprevent gum disease and tooth loosening.

Established in Lyon 3 since 2021, Studio Paro welcomes you with warmth and professionalism. Our team of dental surgeons provides individual care for each patient, involving them in their dental care journey.

In the case of established gingival recession, your practitioner will suggest muco-gingival surgery, as described above. This technique restores a harmonious appearance to the gums and teeth, while protecting them from further sensitivity or inflammation.

Thanks to the use of the patient’s own tissues, the operation is perfectly tolerated. The anaesthetic used, and the painkillers prescribed afterwards, limit any discomfort and promote healing. The aim is to strengthen the gums, protect the tooth root and restore brushing comfort.

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