Stop smoking and avoid tobacco products
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle brushing technique
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
Clean between teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes
Get a professional dental cleaning and periodontal evaluation
Treat gum disease if present (deep cleaning/scaling and root planing)
Follow prescribed periodontal therapy and maintenance visits
Use an antimicrobial mouth rinse if recommended by a dentist
Manage contributing factors: control diabetes, treat infections, and address hormone-related gum changes
Review medications with your dentist if they cause dry mouth or gum issues
Address tooth grinding/clenching with a night guard if needed
Correct traumatic brushing or occlusal trauma if identified by a dentist
Consider recession coverage options with a periodontist (root coverage procedures)
Ask about gum grafting (connective tissue graft, free gingival graft, or acellular dermal matrix)
Address tooth alignment or prominence with orthodontics if recession is from tooth position
Use desensitizing toothpaste if you have sensitivity (potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride)
Avoid hard/abrasive whitening products and aggressive brushing tools
Use a non-irritating mouthwash and keep alcohol-based rinses limited if they dry tissue
Maintain consistent long-term periodontal maintenance to prevent further recession