Depending on the severity and cause of the gum recession, treatment may be performed by a dentist, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, an orthodontist or a periodontist (a specialist who treats diseases and conditions related to gums, bones and tissues in the mouth). They may recommend surgical or non-surgical treatment options or a combination of both.

All patients with receding gums (no matter the cause) are advised to practice good oral hygiene. This includes a regimen of brushing at least twice daily (perhaps after every meal) and flossing at least once daily to remove plaque and tartar from teeth and gums. This may also include use of antibiotic mouthwash to reduce harmful bacteria levels in the mouth. Dentists may also recommend using oral irrigators or interdental aids (picks and threaders) to help clean hard-to-reach areas between crooked and misaligned teeth, in the molars or around bridges and braces.

The non-surgical treatment options for gum recession may include:

• Desensitizing toothpaste. For those with painful, sensitive teeth, brushing with toothpastes containing compounds that block the nerve response in the teeth may help eliminate pain. Several applications of the toothpaste may be necessary.
  
  
• Desensitizing agents. A dentist can apply fluoride gels, resins and other desensitizing agents to exposed areas of the teeth and roots.
  
  
• Debridement. For recession caused by bacterial infection, a professional deep cleaning of periodontal pockets. The hygienist typically schedules four appointments, one for each quadrant of the mouth. This includes scaling – scraping the tooth above and below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar. Root planing is also performed to smooth away crevices or holes on the root surface that might harbor bacteria. Polishing buffs the crowns of the teeth to make them resistant to plaque growth. These deep cleanings may be conducted every three months or more frequently to control plaque and tartar buildup.
  
  
• Orthodontics. Those with misaligned or crooked teeth may be referred to an orthodontist for evaluation. braces may be recommended to realign and straighten teeth, improve the bite and stop further gum recession. 

Surgical procedures to correct gum recession may include:

• Soft tissue graft. Replaces or restores dead or receded gum tissue. This is also called gum graft surgery. There are three different kinds of gum grafts. In the pedicle graft, the periodontist cuts gum tissue from around an adjacent teeth (leaving a piece still connected to the gums for blood supply) and moves it over to cover a receded gum line. The free gingival graft cuts a sliver of gum tissue from the roof of the mouth (palate) and sews (sutures) it into place over areas where there may be root exposure. Donor gum tissue may also be used for this procedure. In the connective-tissue graft, the periodontist makes an incision in the roof of the mouth and removes connective tissue from inside. That tissue is then slipped under gum tissue near an exposed root and sutured into place.
  
  
• Root canal treatment. Removes the tooth’s nerve tissue when root exposure causes tooth sensitivity. If desensitizing toothpastes and gels fail to eliminate pain from tooth sensitivity or if a root cavity forms beneath a receded gum line, it may be necessary to perform root canal therapy.  (See also Root canal treatment). The multi-step procedure can be conducted through the crown of the tooth or by cutting a flap in the gums (gum flap surgery) and cutting out decayed or hypersensitive tooth tissue. If the root canal treatment is perform through the crown an artificial crown (cap) is placed on the tooth afterward to strengthen it.
  
  
• Frenectomy or frenulectomy. Minor surgery to loosen the oral frenum that may be causing excessive pulling on the gums. The oral frenum (the connective tissue that joins the upper and lower lips to the gums and the tongue to the floor of the mouth) is cut. The frenectomy is performed on the upper lip and lower outer lip and the frenulectomy on the tissue under the tongue. The procedures are done under local or general anesthesia depending on the age of the patient.
  
  
• Oral Surgery. Those with mouth trauma or injuries (such as teeth and bones knocked out or shattered during sporting events or accidents) may require surgery to reconstruct damaged bones or to replant teeth. Tetanus shots and/or antibiotics are often given to reduce the risk of infection. Gum grafts (surgery that uses palate tissue or donor tissue to restore dead, injured or receded gums) may then be needed to restore a normal gum line.

Following surgery or other gum recession treatment, the patient may undergo maintenance therapy. This includes follow up comprehensive examinations every three to six months to evaluate success of treatment and to insure against further gum recession.