Can Receding Gums Grow Back?
Minor gum recession is a normal part of oral health, especially as we age. A more severe recession can cause a lot of problems and should be addressed and treated as soon as possible. A number of things can contribute to the health of gum tissue, including poor oral hygiene, brushing too aggressively, age, medical conditions, dry mouth, and genetics.
When the gums pull away, the root surfaces become exposed and cause extreme sensitivity as well as bone loss and, eventually, tooth loss.
Can receding gums grow back?
Unfortunately, gum tissue does not naturally grow back without intervention, but there are some ways to stop recession from getting worse. Some things you can do at home include using aloe vera on the affected area, oil pulling, and drinking green tea. While these at-home treatments are indeed beneficial to your health, they cannot regenerate gum tissue.
Good oral hygiene is key to preventing gum disease and recession. Visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular cleanings will help your dentist monitor your oral health and diagnose recession if it occurs. Your hygienist will periodically take measurements of the pockets between your teeth and gums, looking for a healthy range of 0-3 millimeters. If a pocket measures deeper than 4-5 millimeters, they may suggest scaling and root planing to clear infection.
Scaling and root planing, or deep cleaning, takes a few appointments to complete. Typically, one half of your mouth is treated at a time because it requires the area to be numbed, which allows your hygienist to remove tartar buildup well below the gum line. Your hygienist may place an antibiotic chip into any particularly deep pockets to further ensure the bacteria and infection are cleared up.
After a deep cleaning, it is important to improve your home care and visit your dentist more frequently than the standard twice per year.
How is gum recession treated?
If your gum recession has progressed beyond what your dentist has the tools to treat, they may refer you to a periodontist for specialized treatment. They have a few treatment options that can help restore the health of your gum tissue, including:
- Gum grafting: Tissue is harvested from another area of the mouth, such as the roof, and surgically placed in the affected area. This will restore the appearance of recession and protect the previously exposed root from further damage.
- Flap surgery: A small incision is made into the gum tissue, flapped back, and cleaned. The flap is then secured back in place and allowed to heal.
- Bonding: Gum colored resin is placed over the exposed roots to protect the affected area.
While gum tissue does not naturally grow back, your dentist will work with you to determine the best course of action to slow recession and prevent any further damage. Even if you have excellent home care, age and medical conditions can be an unavoidable factor causing gum recession. Speak with your dentist if you notice any recession or are experiencing any sensitivity along the gum line so that you can begin treatment as soon as possible.