Within this blog we will be covering all the key points to know about whether your gums can grow back. This includes what gum recession is, what occurs when gums recede, treatment options and how to prevent gum recession.
What is Gum Recession
If you believe that your gums are receding, then your teeth will likely look longer then before. Gum recession can occur due to various reasons such as excessive pressure when brushing or even grinding your teeth. Additionally other factors such as oral hygiene, teeth alignment, general lifestyle and genes can influence gums receding. This issue of receding gums can mean your confidence is reduced and your smile is negatively impacted. While the gums will not grow back on their own, there are treatments available to deal with the issue and prevent further damage to the gums.
What Occurs When Gums Recede
The issue of gum recession goes beyond aesthetic problems, as the primary problem caused by gums receding is that the gums are unable to provide their primary function of protecting teeth. This protection occurs in two key ways, firstly the gingiva securely connects the teeth to the bone and secondly gingival mucosa protects the insides of cheeks/gums. The edge of the gum tissue, which surrounds your teeth, is known as the gingival margin. When this gingival margin does pull away from teeth it can mean the roots are exposed and thus there is an increased risk of tooth decay or death.
Treatment Options
Although the gums will not return by themselves, there are treatments available to will the gum recession. The relevant treatment will be based on the severity of your condition and whether periodontal disease is or was present. If you have a particularly serious case of gum recession, then a gum graft may be required in order to replace your lost gum tissue. This is a surgical procedure which involves tissue being taken from one area of the mouth and transferred to the affected area. However, if you do have signs of periodontal disease then a deep cleaning will be required first to ensure all bacteria/debris is eradicated before the tissue is attached. Another potential way to treat gum recession is through using the pinhole surgical procedure. This involves the manipulation of existing gum tissue to cover exposed roots. This procedure has a high success rate and good patient satisfaction, but you will need to be assessed by the dentist to ensure you are a good candidate.
Preventing Gum Recession
Simply undergoing gum recession treatment is not enough however, and you will need to undertake preventative measures to avoid further issues in the future. In mild cases of gum recession, treatment may not even if be recommended and it may be best to focus on purely preventative measures to avoid further gum recession. The preventative measures to undertake will be based on how gum recession has been caused. If the gum recession occurred due to abrasive brushing either through force or a hard-bristled brush, then the best measures would be to use a softer brush and use gentle strokes when brushing. While this won’t correct existing gum recession it will avoid future issues, protect the enamel surfaces, and keep the gums in better condition.
If your gum recession has originated due to poor teeth alignment, then correcting this alignment should be a top priority. This can be done via braces or clear aligners, and by correcting your bite it can slow down gum recession and potentially stop the issue all together. If you do use tobacco or smoke fairly excessively then stopping or reducing your consumption can also help prevent future gum recession. A more general but nevertheless useful preventative measure is to maintain impeccable oral care at all times. This would involve brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing your mouth after eating. Additionally, visiting the dentist to monitor your oral situation and having regular dental cleanings will also deal with potential issues and avoid future gum recession.
