Gingival recession, commonly known as receding gums, is the process where the margin of the gum tissue surrounding the teeth pulls back, exposing more of the tooth or the tooth’s root. This exposure can lead to increased tooth sensitivity and greater vulnerability to decay, which is why people seek a reversal. Once gum tissue is lost, it does not regenerate or “grow back” naturally on its own. While true biological reversal is not possible through home care alone, professional dental intervention provides restorative procedures that effectively repair the damage and cover the exposed root surfaces.
Common Causes of Gum Recession
Gum recession is a multifactorial issue. The most frequent cause is advanced periodontal disease, a bacterial infection that destroys the supporting bone and soft tissue around the teeth. Plaque and tartar accumulation below the gum line create inflammation, causing the tissue to pull away and forming pockets that further harbor bacteria. Another significant driver is mechanical trauma, most often stemming from overly aggressive or improper tooth brushing technique. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush or applying excessive force over time physically wears away the delicate gum tissue at the neck of the tooth.
A person’s genetic makeup also plays a role, as some individuals are predisposed to having naturally thin gum tissue or a specific bone structure. Other contributing factors include tobacco use, which impairs gum health, and misaligned teeth, which can create uneven stress on the gum line.
Halting Progression and Proper Oral Care
The first step in managing gum recession is eliminating the behaviors that cause it to worsen. Correcting aggressive brushing habits is paramount, which means switching to a soft-bristled brush or an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor. Brushing should involve gentle, circular motions directed toward the gum line rather than a horizontal scrubbing action.
Controlling existing periodontal disease is achieved through diligent daily flossing and regular professional cleanings. These steps remove the bacterial plaque and hardened calculus that fuel gingival inflammation and tissue loss. For individuals with misaligned teeth or bruxism (teeth grinding), which can place undue pressure on the gums, an orthodontic assessment or the use of a custom night guard may be necessary to remove the source of trauma. This routine is the foundation for preventing any further movement of the gum margin. Regular monitoring by a dental professional is necessary to confirm that the recession has successfully been halted.
Professional and Surgical Repair Options
When recession has progressed to the point of exposing the tooth root, intervention is necessary to protect the root surface from decay and reduce sensitivity. Non-surgical management begins with scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning procedure used to treat early-stage recession caused by disease. Scaling and root planing involves removing plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smoothing the exposed root surface, which encourages the remaining gum tissue to reattach tightly to the tooth.
The closest procedure to “reversing” the visible damage is gum grafting surgery, which physically covers the exposed root. The most common technique is the connective tissue graft, where a flap is created on the roof of the mouth to harvest connective tissue from underneath the surface. This harvested tissue is then stitched over the area of recession, providing a new layer of gum tissue.
Another option is the free gingival graft, which takes a small piece of tissue directly from the palate surface. Alternatively, a pedicle graft involves moving gum tissue from an adjacent, healthy area of the mouth over the exposed root. These procedures are performed by a periodontist.