Gum recession is a common dental issue where the margin of the gum tissue surrounding the teeth wears away or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth’s surface or the root. This change in the gum line can be a source of aesthetic concern, making teeth appear longer than usual. More importantly, it is a significant oral health problem because it removes the natural protection for the sensitive tooth root. When the root is exposed, the tooth becomes vulnerable to decay, abrasion, and heightened sensitivity.
Understanding Gum Recession and Natural Regeneration
Gum tissue does not regenerate or “grow back” on its own once it has receded. Unlike skin, the specialized connective tissue and attachment fibers anchoring the gum to the tooth root cannot naturally reform after being destroyed. The loss of gum tissue is often accompanied by the destruction of underlying bone structure, which the body struggles to replace naturally. Therefore, reversing recession requires professional intervention, as the body lacks the inherent regenerative capacity in this specific area. Preventative care and surgical restoration are the only reliable paths for managing the condition.
Essential Daily Practices to Halt Further Recession
The first line of defense against gum recession is establishing meticulous, gentle oral hygiene practices to prevent further damage. Aggressive horizontal scrubbing, often called “sawing,” physically wears down gum tissue and is a common cause of recession. Instead, use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a gentle, circular, or massaging motion. Angle the bristles at approximately 45 degrees toward the gum line to effectively clean the space where the tooth meets the gum.
Proper cleaning should take at least two minutes, covering all tooth surfaces without applying heavy pressure. Consistent daily flossing or the use of interdental cleaners is necessary to remove plaque and debris from between the teeth. Using a non-abrasive toothpaste is beneficial, as highly abrasive pastes can contribute to the wearing away of gum tissue and tooth structure. Addressing habits like nocturnal teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism) is also important, often requiring a custom-fitted night guard to relieve excessive pressure on the gums and supporting bone.
Professional Treatments to Stabilize Gum Health
When gum recession is caused by periodontal disease, professional intervention is necessary to stabilize the tissue and prevent further attachment loss. The primary non-surgical treatment is Scaling and Root Planing (SRP), commonly referred to as a deep cleaning. This procedure removes hardened plaque (calculus or tartar) and bacterial toxins from the tooth surfaces below the gum line. Scaling involves scraping deposits from the crown and root, while root planing smoothes the root surface.
A smooth root surface makes it more difficult for new bacteria and plaque to adhere, encouraging the gum tissue to reattach and stabilize the periodontal pocket. While SRP does not restore lost gum tissue, it treats the underlying infection that causes the recession to progress. Regular dental check-ups are important, as the dentist or periodontist monitors the depth of the periodontal pockets to assess gum health stability. Stabilizing the gums through these treatments is a prerequisite before considering surgical restoration.
Surgical Options for Tissue Restoration
For physically restoring lost gum tissue, surgical grafting procedures offer the most reliable solution to cover exposed roots and thicken the gum line.
Connective Tissue Graft
The most common technique is the Connective Tissue Graft. This involves creating a small flap on the roof of the mouth and removing connective tissue from beneath the top layer. This harvested tissue is then placed underneath the gum at the recession site and stitched into place to serve as a biological scaffold for new gum growth.
Free Gingival Graft
Another option is the Free Gingival Graft, which uses a small, full-thickness piece of tissue taken directly from the palate and placed over the exposed area. This method is often used to increase the overall thickness of thin gum tissue, providing better long-term protection for the tooth root.
Pedicle Graft
A third approach is the Pedicle Graft, which utilizes gum tissue adjacent to the receded tooth. A flap of this tissue is partially cut and rotated to cover the exposed root. This technique is favored when sufficient healthy gum tissue is nearby because it maintains the original blood supply, promoting faster healing and integration.