“Dipping” refers to the use of smokeless tobacco products, such as moist snuff or chewing tobacco. Users place this tobacco between their lip or cheek and gum, allowing nicotine and other chemicals to be absorbed. This practice exposes the mouth to substances that significantly affect oral health. Smokeless tobacco use presents its own set of challenges for the mouth and gums.
How Dipping Affects Gums
Direct and prolonged contact of dipping tobacco with gum tissue causes irritation and inflammation. Smokeless tobacco contains various harmful chemical components, including nicotine, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), abrasives, and sometimes sweeteners. These substances directly damage delicate gum tissues and underlying bone structure.
Abrasive particles in the tobacco can physically wear down gum tissue, while irritants and carcinogens promote inflammation and can lead to the breakdown of tissue and bone. Nicotine, a highly addictive substance present in these products, also constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the gums. This diminished circulation impairs the gums’ ability to receive nutrients and fight off infection, hindering their natural repair processes. This constant assault contributes to gingivitis and periodontitis, which can result in gum recession.
The Body’s Capacity for Gum Regeneration
A common question for individuals experiencing gum recession is whether the lost gum tissue can naturally grow back. Unfortunately, once gum tissue recedes significantly, it does not typically regenerate on its own to its original position. While the mouth possesses remarkable healing capabilities for minor injuries, the specialized gum tissue that attaches firmly to the teeth and bone does not have the capacity for spontaneous regrowth.
Minor gum inflammation, such as gingivitis, can often be reversed with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene, allowing the gums to return to a healthier state. However, when the gum line has receded due to long-term damage from dipping tobacco, the lost tissue and supporting bone will not naturally restore themselves. Exposed tooth roots remain vulnerable without professional intervention.
Dental Interventions for Gum Recession
Since natural gum regrowth is limited, professional dental interventions are often necessary to address receding gums. Gum grafting is a widely recognized and predictable treatment option for this condition. This surgical procedure involves taking healthy gum tissue from one area of the mouth, or using donor tissue, and attaching it to the area where the gum has receded.
Several types of gum grafts exist, including connective tissue grafts, free gingival grafts, and pedicle grafts, with the choice depending on individual needs and recession extent. These procedures aim to cover exposed root surfaces, reduce tooth sensitivity, prevent further gum recession, and improve gum line appearance. While successful, they replace lost tissue or cover exposed areas; they do not cause original gum tissue to “grow back” in a biological sense.
Preventing Further Damage and Promoting Oral Health
For individuals with gum damage from dipping tobacco, or to prevent it, the most impactful step is to cease all smokeless tobacco use. Quitting can lead to improvements in gum health, with mouth sores potentially resolving and gums appearing healthier. This cessation significantly reduces ongoing irritation and chemical exposure that contribute to gum recession and other oral health issues.
Beyond quitting tobacco, maintaining rigorous oral hygiene is important. This includes brushing teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily to remove plaque and food particles, and using an antiseptic mouthwash as recommended by a dental professional. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are also crucial for monitoring gum health, detecting any new issues early, and receiving appropriate care.