Healthy gums fit snugly around the teeth, creating a protective seal that shields the tooth roots and underlying bone from bacteria and damage. Maintaining gum health prevents various dental complications. Gum recession, a common concern, occurs when gum tissue pulls back, exposing more of the tooth, including the root surface. Addressing this issue is important for preserving dental structure and supporting a healthy smile.
Understanding Gum Recession and Its Causes
Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue surrounding the teeth wears away or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth or its root. This process can happen gradually, often unnoticed until it becomes pronounced. A cause is aggressive toothbrushing, where excessive force or hard-bristled brushes can abrade delicate gum tissue.
Periodontal disease, an infection that damages gum tissue and supporting bone, is another factor. Gingivitis, the initial stage, involves gum inflammation. If untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, destroying gum tissue and bone. Genetic predisposition also plays a role, as some individuals are more susceptible to gum disease or thinner gum tissue regardless of their oral hygiene habits.
Tobacco use, whether smoking or chewing, significantly increases the risk of gum recession by impairing blood flow and hindering gum repair. Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism) can exert excessive force on teeth and supporting structures, contributing to gum recession. Poor oral hygiene, leading to plaque and tartar buildup, irritates the gums and can initiate or worsen periodontal disease.
Can Gums Regrow Naturally?
Once gum tissue has receded, it does not grow back naturally. The specialized cells that form gum tissue do not have the same regenerative capacity as, for example, skin cells. This biological limitation means that while the body can heal inflammation and infection, it typically cannot restore lost gum volume.
When discussing “promoting gum growth,” the focus shifts to preventing further recession and, in some cases, using professional interventions to physically restore lost tissue. The aim is to halt the progression of gum loss and support existing healthy gum tissue. Without professional treatment, exposed root surfaces remain vulnerable to sensitivity, decay, and further damage.
While lost tissue does not naturally regrow, stopping the underlying cause can prevent the recession from worsening. Dental professionals can employ techniques to encourage gum tissue reattachment to the tooth surface or to surgically add new tissue. This distinction is important for managing expectations about what can be achieved with at-home care versus professional dental procedures.
Preventative Measures for Gum Health
Maintaining optimal gum health begins with consistent oral hygiene practices at home. Brush teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, using gentle, circular motions rather than harsh scrubbing. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line to clean both the tooth surface and just beneath the gum margin.
Daily flossing is also important for removing plaque and food particles from between teeth and under the gum line, areas a toothbrush cannot reach. Incorporating an antiseptic mouthwash into the daily routine can help reduce bacteria in the mouth. These products often contain ingredients that target bacteria associated with gum inflammation.
A balanced diet, rich in vitamins and minerals, supports overall health, including gum tissues. Limiting sugary foods and drinks helps reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum inflammation. Quitting tobacco products significantly improves gum health by allowing tissues to heal and improving blood flow.
Managing stress through techniques can indirectly benefit gum health, as chronic stress can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections like gum disease. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings, typically every six months, are important for removing hardened plaque (tartar) that cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone. Dental professionals can also identify and address early signs of gum problems.
Dental Treatments for Receding Gums
When gum recession is already present, various professional dental interventions can address the issue and restore gum tissue. Non-surgical options include scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. This process smooths root surfaces, making it harder for bacteria to accumulate and allowing gum tissue to reattach more firmly.
For more advanced cases of recession, surgical treatments are considered. Gum grafting procedures involve taking tissue from one area of the mouth, typically the roof of the mouth or from a tissue bank, and attaching it to the receded area.
A connective tissue graft, the most common type, involves taking tissue from under a flap of skin on the palate. A free gingival graft uses a small piece of tissue directly from the palate. A pedicle graft involves moving gum tissue from an adjacent tooth without detaching it completely.
The Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST) offers a minimally invasive alternative. This technique involves making a small hole in the gum tissue, through which specialized instruments gently loosen the gum tissue and slide it down to cover the exposed root. This method involves less discomfort and a quicker recovery compared to traditional grafting.
If misaligned teeth contribute to gum recession by creating uneven bite forces or making cleaning difficult, orthodontic treatment can be recommended to reposition the teeth and alleviate gum stress.