Many individuals become concerned when they notice their gums appear to be shrinking or pulling away from their teeth, often leading them to wonder, “Can the gums grow back?” This common dental issue, known as gum recession, is a gradual process that can expose more of the tooth’s surface, including the sensitive root. Understanding the underlying causes and biological realities of gum tissue is important for anyone seeking to maintain proper oral health. This article explores what gum recession entails and the available options for managing it.
Understanding Gum Recession
Gum recession occurs when gum tissue pulls back or wears away, exposing more of the tooth or its root. This can lead to visible changes, such as teeth appearing longer than usual, and increased tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. It also creates small gaps, or “pockets,” between the teeth and gum line, where bacteria can accumulate.
A range of factors contributes to gum recession. Aggressive tooth brushing with too much force or a hard-bristled toothbrush can damage delicate gum tissue. Periodontal disease, a bacterial gum infection, also destroys gum tissue and supporting bone.
Genetic predisposition plays a role, as some individuals naturally have thinner gum tissue. Hormonal changes in women, such as during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, can increase gum sensitivity and vulnerability to recession by influencing blood supply and how the body reacts to plaque. Additionally, tobacco use, teeth grinding (bruxism), and misaligned teeth can irritate gums, leading to recession.
The Natural Regeneration of Gums
A common question for those with gum recession is whether the tissue can naturally regenerate. Unfortunately, gum tissue, once lost, does not grow back on its own. This is because gum tissue, unlike some other tissues in the body, lacks the inherent biological capacity for self-regeneration.
Once gum tissue recedes, it cannot simply reattach or regrow to cover exposed areas. This means changes caused by recession are permanent without intervention. While the body has healing capabilities, these do not extend to naturally reversing gum recession.
Professional Treatments for Receded Gums
Since gum tissue does not naturally regenerate, professional interventions are necessary to address gum recession and prevent further complications. Treatment options vary depending on the recession’s severity and underlying cause. Mild cases might be managed with non-surgical approaches, while more advanced recession often requires surgical procedures.
Non-surgical treatments commonly include deep cleaning procedures like scaling and root planing. This involves removing plaque and tartar buildup from tooth surfaces, both above and below the gum line, and smoothing exposed root surfaces to make it harder for bacteria to attach. This process helps reduce inflammation and can promote gum reattachment. Topical antibiotics or antimicrobial mouth rinses may also be prescribed to control bacterial infections. Addressing issues like an improper bite or teeth grinding through orthodontics or nightguards can prevent further damage.
For more significant recession, surgical procedures, primarily gum grafting, are often recommended. Gum grafting aims to cover exposed tooth roots, reduce sensitivity, and improve the gum line’s appearance. Different grafting techniques exist, often involving the transfer of gum tissue from one area of the mouth to the receded site:
- Connective tissue graft: Tissue from under a flap on the roof of the mouth is removed and stitched to the gum tissue around the exposed root.
- Free gingival graft: Tissue is directly taken from the roof of the mouth.
- Pedicle grafts: Gum tissue is moved from an adjacent tooth to cover the recession.
- Pinhole Surgical Technique: A small hole is created in the gum, and tissue is gently repositioned without traditional cutting or sutures.
These surgical solutions restore the gum line and protect tooth roots from decay and sensitivity, contributing to long-term oral health.
Preventing Future Gum Recession
While existing gum recession cannot naturally reverse, adopting preventive measures is important to halt its progression and maintain overall gum health. Proper oral hygiene practices form the foundation of prevention. Brushing teeth gently twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush is advisable, using circular motions to clean along the gum line without causing trauma. Aggressive brushing can wear away gum tissue, so a light touch is important. Daily flossing effectively removes plaque and food particles from between teeth and along the gum line, areas brushing alone might miss.
Regular dental check-ups are also important for prevention. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that daily brushing and flossing cannot eliminate. Dentists can identify early signs of gum recession or underlying issues, allowing for timely intervention.
Addressing conditions like teeth grinding or misaligned teeth is another preventive step. Custom-fitted mouthguards protect teeth from grinding forces, and orthodontic treatment may be recommended for misaligned teeth. Quitting tobacco use significantly reduces the risk of gum disease and recession, as tobacco products can irritate gum tissue and promote plaque buildup. Maintaining a balanced diet also supports overall gum health.