Noticing that your teeth look longer or that brushing feels more sensitive than it used to? These could be early signs of gum recession, a condition that develops gradually but can lead to lasting issues if left unchecked.

At Eau Claire Park Dental, we focus on early intervention and personalized care plans to protect your oral health before problems progress. Our approach is proactive, precise, and rooted in long-term health—because gum recession isn’t just a cosmetic concern. It can expose roots, increase sensitivity, and compromise the strength of your teeth over time.

In this guide, we’ll show you the early signs to watch for, the tools we recommend (including the best toothbrushes for gum recession), and how we help patients protect their gums with gentle, individualized care.

What Causes Gum Recession?

Gum recession often develops slowly. So slowly, in fact, that many patients don’t notice until sensitivity or aesthetic changes appear.

A number of factors can contribute, including:

  • Brushing too aggressively or with the wrong type of toothbrush
  • Gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis)
  • Clenching or grinding (often during sleep)
  • Hormonal changes, aging, or genetics
  • Tobacco use or inconsistent oral hygiene habits

Even patients who brush and floss regularly can experience gum recession if their technique or tools aren’t suited to their needs. That’s why we take the time to review brushing habits and recommend gentle, effective tools, especially for patients with early signs of gum loss.

Early Signs of Gum Recession (and What They Mean for Your Smile)

Preventing gum loss starts with noticing the subtle changes. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it may be time to take a closer look at your gum health:

  • Tooth sensitivity, especially to hot or cold
  • Teeth that appear longer than they used to
  • Gums that look thinner or feel tender
  • Visible notches near the gumline

The earlier these changes are evaluated, the more we can do to prevent further damage.

Preventing Gum Recession: What We Do in the Clinic and What You Can Do at Home

Protecting your gums takes more than just good brushing habits. Our team takes a proactive, personalized approach to gum health, combining advanced in-office care with at-home strategies that actually work.

1. Gentle, thorough cleanings with Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT)

Eau Claire Park Dental offers Guided Biofilm Therapy, a minimally invasive method that removes plaque and bacteria without the discomfort of traditional scaling. GBT is especially beneficial for patients with sensitive gums or early signs of recession, delivering a deep clean while protecting delicate tissue.

2. Customized at-home care plans

Not all toothbrushes, or brushing techniques, are created equal. We’ll help you fine-tune your routine and recommend tools that support gum health, including the best electric toothbrushes for gum recession and ultra-soft bristles that clean thoroughly without causing irritation. Even small adjustments in pressure or technique can make a lasting difference.

3. Early detection with precision diagnostics

Gum recession often develops gradually, which is why early detection is key. Eau Claire Park Dental uses digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, and precision measurements at every hygiene visit to track subtle changes in your gum health over time. This allows us to intervene early with targeted recommendations that help prevent further recession and protect your long-term oral health.

Not sure if your brushing habits or tools are supporting your gum health?
Book a consultation to get personalized guidance on preventive care that protects your smile.

Choosing the Best Toothbrush for Gum Recession

The toothbrush you use, especially the bristle type and brushing pressure, can make a significant difference in preventing gum recession. In fact, using a brush that’s too abrasive is one of the most common missteps we see with our patients.

Here’s what to look for when choosing the best electric toothbrush for gum recession:

  • Soft or ultra-soft bristles to avoid unnecessary abrasion.
  • A compact brush head for better control and precision.
  • Pressure-sensing technology (for electric brushes) to prevent over-brushing.
  • A comfortable, ergonomic handle that encourages a light grip.

Here, we help each patient choose tools that support their oral health goals. For patients with gum sensitivity or early recession, we often recommend electric toothbrushes with gum-care modes, soft bristle heads, and pressure feedback features.

Models like the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean or Prestige series and the Oral-B iO series are popular for a reason. They offer customizable settings that help protect enamel and gums while improving brushing habits.

Pairing a gentle electric toothbrush with a fluoride toothpaste formulated for sensitivity can go a long way in preserving both gum health and enamel integrity.

Daily Habits That Support Gum Health at Home

Beyond using the right toothbrush, small changes in your daily routine can make a meaningful difference in preventing gum recession and protecting long-term oral health:

  • Use floss and a water flosser to gently clean between teeth without irritating delicate gum tissue
  • Brush with light pressure and small circular motions—aggressive scrubbing can wear down enamel and contribute to gum recession
  • Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash designed to support gum health without drying out your oral tissues
  • Stay consistent with professional cleanings and checkups, where early gum changes can be detected before they become more serious
  • Consider a night guard if clenching or grinding is putting excess pressure on your gums and supporting bone

Flossing Tips from Dr. Graas
In this quick video, Dr. Graas explains which types of floss are most effective.

What type of floss works the best? Dr. Graas explains.

When Gum Recession Needs Professional Attention

In some cases, gum recession may require more than just at-home care. If the gumline has receded significantly or if inflammation persists, we may recommend additional support such as:

  • Targeted deep cleanings (scaling and root planing) to gently remove buildup beneath the gumline
  • Antibacterial therapies to calm inflammation and reduce bacterial load
  • Specialist referrals for gum grafting or regenerative procedures if root exposure becomes advanced

We use digital imaging and intraoral cameras to monitor your gum health over time so we can detect small changes early and take action before bigger issues develop. Our goal is always the same: protecting your oral health with the least invasive approach possible.

Gum Recession Is Treatable, and It’s Never Too Early to Act

Many people assume gum recession is just part of aging—but in reality, small changes in daily habits and regular care can make a big impact on your long-term gum health.

With the right tools, a gentle technique, and personalized support from a dental team you trust, it’s possible to slow or even prevent gum recession before it compromises your comfort or confidence.

If you’ve noticed increased sensitivity, changes in your gumline, or notches on your teeth, our team is here to help. We take the time to understand your health history, lifestyle, and goals, then create a care plan that works for you.

Protect Your Gums with Personalized, Preventive Care

Healthy gums are the foundation of a strong, confident smile, and small adjustments in your routine can make a lasting difference. At Eau Claire Park Dental, we take the time to help you choose the right tools, refine your technique, and stay ahead of issues before they become problems.

Have questions about your gum health or home care routine?

Book a consultation with our team and experience preventive dental care that’s personalized, gentle, and designed to support your long-term oral health.