Many people experience discomfort and sometimes the pain from gum recession. It’s a condition in which the gums recede and reveals the tooth roots. Avoid seeking medical attention for this disease, as it can lead to dental sensitivity, discomfort, and even tooth loss if left untreated. Furthermore, many individuals ask if gums that have receded can recover. Whether or not receding gums can grow back is a topic we’ll get into when we look into the causes of gum recession.
What factors lead to receding gums?
The gums and other soft tissues around your teeth form a close fit, protecting the teeth from damage (i.e., the root). As gums recede, teeth become more vulnerable to infection and discomfort. But what really triggers the atrophy of these tissues?
The most frequent reasons for receding gums are:
- Bruising of the face
- Bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching)
- Aging Excessive or rough brushing/flossing
- Having crooked teeth or a bad bite
- Age
- The habit of smoking
- Inflammation of the gums
Causes of Gum Recession
Gum recession can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Gum disease: Gum disease is a bacterial infection that can damage the gums and cause them to recede.
Brushing too hard: Brushing too hard can cause the gums to recede, especially if you use a hard-bristled toothbrush.
Genetics: There are some persons whose genetic makeup makes them more likely to experience gum recession.
Hormonal changes: When the body undergoes a hormonal shift, such as during pregnancy, the gums are more vulnerable to recession.
Smoking: Smoking can cause gum disease and make the gums more likely to recede.
When Gums Recede, What Happens?
The gums have a dual purpose in the prevention of tooth loss. To start, the linked gingiva provides a strong foundation for your teeth in the jaw. Second, the gingival mucosa, also known as the loose tissue, shields the soft tissues of the cheeks and gums. Your teeth’s margin of gum tissue is called the gingival margin. Because the roots are now exposed, decay and tooth loss are more likely to occur when the margin comes away from the teeth.
If gums recede, might they reappear? In a word, no. The gums can never grow back after they have receded from the teeth.
Can Receding Gums Grow Back?
Unfortunately, once the gums have receded, they cannot grow back on their own. But there are a number of treatments that can help repair the gum tissue and stop it from receding further.
Gum Grafting: During a gum grafting operation, the healthy gum tissue is surgically attached to the gum tissue around the damaged tooth. Next, this healthy gum tissue is taken from another area of the mouth, such as the palate or roof of the mouth. This may protect the exposed root and stop the future decline.
Pinhole Surgical Technique: With the pinhole surgical technique, small holes are made in the gums, and the gums are gently pulled down over the exposed root. It can help to restore the gum line and prevent further recession.
Scaling and Root Planning: Scaling and root planning are deep cleaning procedures used to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums. It can help prevent further gum recession and improve gum health.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat gum disease and prevent further recession.
Preventing Gum Recession
While receding gums cannot grow back on their own, there are several things you can do to prevent further recession and improve gum health:
Brush and floss regularly: Frequent brushing and flossing are possible to remove plaque and avoid gum disease.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: A soft-bristled toothbrush can help prevent damage to the gums.
Quit smoking: Quitting smoking can help improve gum health and prevent gum disease.
Visit the dentist regularly: Consistent dental checkups can help detect gum disease early and avert further recession.
Methods Your Dentist May Use to Treat Gum Recession
Once the gums separate from the teeth, they don’t grow back. Yet your dentist may be able to stop the further recession from occurring depending on the root of the problem.
If your dentist suspects gum disease as the cause, they may recommend a deep cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planning. This treatment eliminates the germs nestled in the spaces between your gums and teeth, halting the spread of infection and giving your gums a chance to recuperate.
If you have gum recession due to some other problem, your dentist will devise a treatment plan specifically for you to stop the recession from getting any worse. For example, if someone grinds their teeth at night, a custom-made nightguard could be made to stop the problem and keep the teeth from getting any worse.
Conclusion
In conclusion, gums that are shrinking won’t grow back on their own, but there are a number of treatments that can help restore gum tissue and stop further shrinkage. It is important to take steps to prevent gum disease and improve gum health, such as brushing and flossing regularly, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, quitting smoking, and visiting the dentist regularly. By taking these steps, you can help prevent gum recession and maintain healthy gums and teeth.
Whether or not the unattractive aesthetics of receding gums bother you, you should avoid the associated health problems. Dental health affects your entire body, not just your teeth and mouth. At Virginia Dental Care, our receding gum treatment keeps your gums as healthy as possible.