Gums (gingiva) are the soft tissues that surround the base of your teeth and cover the jawbones. These tissues provide essential support and protection for your teeth and their underlying bone structure. Gum recession occurs when this protective tissue pulls back, exposing more of the tooth or its root. Once gum tissue is lost due to recession, it does not naturally regenerate. The exposure of tooth roots can lead to increased sensitivity and other oral health concerns.
Understanding Gum Recession
Gum recession is when gum tissue wears away or pulls back from the teeth, revealing the tooth root. This can make teeth appear longer and may result in increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods. Untreated gum recession can create spaces where bacteria can accumulate, potentially leading to infection and damage to the supporting bone structure.
Several factors can contribute to gum recession. These include aggressive tooth brushing, especially with excessive force, and poor oral hygiene leading to plaque and tartar buildup, which causes gum disease (periodontitis). Genetic predisposition, hormonal changes (such as during pregnancy), and tobacco use are also risk factors. Tobacco impairs blood flow to the gums and promotes sticky plaque.
Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), misaligned teeth or an abnormal bite, and dental trauma can also contribute to recession.
Why Gums Don’t Regenerate Naturally
Gum tissue is a specialized type of connective tissue that has limited regenerative capacity. Once gingival tissue is lost, it does not spontaneously grow back to its original position. This is largely due to the specific cellular structure and the absence of the necessary stem cell populations that would allow for complete regrowth.
The periodontium, the specialized tissues that surround and support the teeth, includes the gingiva, periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone. While some parts of the periodontium can be encouraged to regenerate under specific conditions, the gum tissue itself lacks the biological mechanisms for natural regrowth. Without intervention, lost gum tissue is generally a permanent change.
Treatment Options for Receded Gums
Since gum tissue does not naturally regenerate, professional dental interventions are necessary. A deep cleaning, known as scaling and root planing, is often the first step, especially if gum disease is present. This procedure removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line to reduce inflammation and infection.
Gum graft surgery is a common approach to cover exposed tooth roots and thicken gum tissue. Different types exist, including the connective tissue graft (which uses tissue from under a flap of skin on the roof of the mouth), the free gingival graft (which takes a small amount of tissue directly from the palate), and the pedicle graft (where tissue is partially cut from healthy gums near the affected tooth and then rotated to cover the exposed root, maintaining its blood supply).
In more complex cases, regenerative procedures like guided tissue regeneration (GTR) may be employed. GTR involves placing a barrier membrane to encourage the regrowth of bone and periodontal ligament, which are the supporting structures. Orthodontic treatment can reposition misaligned teeth, reducing stress on the gums. For minor recession, dental bonding or composite fillings can be used to cover exposed root surfaces, reducing sensitivity and improving aesthetics.
Preventing Further Gum Recession
Preventing further gum recession involves consistent and proper oral hygiene practices. Brushing teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush is important to avoid damaging gum tissue. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line and use small, circular, massaging motions.
Regular brushing twice a day and daily flossing are essential for removing plaque and preventing gum disease. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings allow for early detection and removal of plaque and tartar, which are critical for maintaining gum health. Addressing underlying issues such as gum disease, teeth grinding (which may require a night guard), or correcting misaligned bites through orthodontic care can also prevent recession from worsening. Avoiding all tobacco products is crucial, as they significantly increase the risk of gum disease and hinder gum healing.