Last updated 14 October 2026 · By Marisa Battrick, founder and formulator

What Causes Receding Gums?

Receding gums happen when the gum tissue around the teeth begins to pull back, exposing more of the tooth and sometimes the root. This can lead to sensitivity, a higher risk of decay and, in advanced cases, tooth loss.

The most common causes include gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), brushing too hard, smoking, teeth grinding and natural changes with age.

Can Receding Gums Grow Back?

This is the question we're asked most. The honest answer is no: once gum tissue has been lost to true gum recession, it can't regenerate on its own.

What can change is inflammation. When gums are inflamed or swollen they can look loose or puffy, and when that inflammation settles they can tighten back around the teeth. That feels like an improvement, and it is one. So the focus is on looking after the gums you have and protecting them from further damage.

Aloe Vera for Gum Health

Aloe vera isn't just for skin. It has a long history in mouth care, and research supports its role in gum health.

• Anti-inflammatory properties: clinical studies show aloe vera gels and mouthwashes can reduce gum swelling and plaque.
• Anti-plaque properties: aloe helps keep the bacteria linked to gum problems in check.
• Soothing: its mix of polysaccharides and antioxidants helps calm tender, irritated gums.

The result is gums that feel calmer, healthier and better able to protect your teeth.

Myrrh: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Gum Care

Myrrh has been used for thousands of years to soothe and protect the mouth, and today research supports its role in gum health.

• Anti-plaque properties: myrrh extract helps keep oral bacteria in check and plaque from building up.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: it helps calm gum redness, swelling and soreness.
• Soothing for tender gums: it's especially valued for irritated or tender gums.

Myrrh helps gums feel firmer and stronger, and helps keep inflammation from returning.

What to Look for in a Toothpaste

No toothpaste can regrow lost gum tissue, but the right one can calm irritation, support your gums and help protect them from further damage.

Skip the detergents

Most conventional toothpastes contain foaming agents such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). These detergents are linked to gum irritation and dryness, and to disrupting the oral microbiome. Your mouth doesn't need them, and for sensitive or receding gums it's worth avoiding them, along with artificial sweeteners and unnecessary fillers.

Choose botanicals that support your gums

Plant extracts like aloe vera, neem and myrrh have anti-inflammatory and anti-plaque properties that support gum health. Combined with minerals such as calcium carbonate and clays, they create a soothing, protective environment in your mouth.

Truthpaste's Original range is made without detergents, and instead is packed with botanicals chosen to calm, protect and support your gums every day. See our toothpaste for receding gums.

What To Do If You Have Receding Gums

The most important step is protecting the gum tissue you still have. Gums won't grow back, but there's a lot you can do to keep them healthy and strong:

• Professional cleaning and good oral hygiene: regular dental cleanings, brushing twice a day and cleaning between your teeth once a day with floss or interdental brushes remove the plaque and bacteria that drive gum disease.
• Use soothing, supportive ingredients: aloe vera and myrrh, like those in Truthpaste, have anti-inflammatory and anti-plaque properties that support healthy gum tissue. A probiotic mouthwash helps keep your mouth balanced without stripping it.
• Address lifestyle factors: stopping smoking, reducing stress and managing teeth grinding or bite problems all help protect your gums.
• Keep up regular dental check-ups: early intervention is key, and your dentist or hygienist can spot changes before they become serious.

In more advanced cases, only professional treatments such as gum grafts can restore lost coverage.

In Summary: The Truth About Receding Gums

If you have receding gums, the focus is on protecting the gum tissue you have and preventing further damage.

Daily care with botanicals like aloe vera and myrrh, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-plaque properties, supports gum health, while regular brushing, cleaning between your teeth and professional check-ups keep gum disease under control.

Lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking or managing teeth grinding also play a role. In advanced cases, only dental treatments such as gum grafts can restore lost gum tissue.

References

Annecia, M., Bisrat, H., & Fekadu, F. (2024). Anti-gingivitis natural products: Aloe vera gel, tea tree oil mouthwash, turmeric gel, myrrh extract/mouthwash. International Journal of Frontiers in Biology and Pharmacy Research. https://doi.org/10.53294/ijfbpr.2024.6.2.0038

Figueiredo, L., Figueiredo, N., Da Cruz, D., Baccelli, G., Sarachini, G., Bueno, M., Feres, M., & Bueno-Silva, B. (2022). Propolis, Aloe Vera, Green Tea, Cranberry, Calendula, Myrrha and Salvia Properties against Periodontal Microorganisms. Microorganisms, 10. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10112172

Bommireddy, P., Marella, A., Chandu, V., & Baddam, P. (2023). Aloe vera gel in chronic periodontitis: a clinico-microbiological study. International Dental Journal. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.identj.2023.07.680

Wal, P., Samal, H., Khare, R., Arora, D., Soni, M., Rathore, S., & Wal, A. (2023). Aloe Vera: A Potential Herb for Periodontitis Management. Current Traditional Medicine. https://doi.org/10.2174/0122150838267094231002173019

Moghaddam, A., Radafshar, G., Jahandideh, Y., & Kakaei, N. (2017). Clinical Evaluation of Effects of Local Application of Aloe vera Gel as an Adjunct to Scaling and Root Planning in Patients with Chronic Periodontitis. Journal of Dentistry, 18, 165–172.