Can Receding Gums Grow Back?

The condition when gums pull away from the tooth to expose the root is known as receding gums.  Not only can this be painful, as the exposed root is sensitive, the recession of the gum creates spaces where plaque or bacteria can collect which only furthers the recession.  Failure to treat the condition can lead to eventual bone and tooth loss.  Patients with receding gums may wonder if the gums can grow back or what treatment options are available.

Unlike some other tissues on our body, such as the epithelial skin tissue, gum tissue does not regenerate and as such, does not grow back.  Despite this fact, there are measures that patients can take to prevent or slow down further recession.  One of the first lines of defense a patient can take is to see their dentist as soon as possible if they suspect gum recession.  The dentist will measure how far the gums have receded and if bacteria is accumulated in the spaces created by gum recession, they will perform a deep cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing.  The procedure involves scraping tartar and plaque off your teeth and under the gum line using a hand-held scraping tool or ultrasonic device.  The dentist may also apply antibacterial gel under the gum line or prescribe antibiotic mouthwash in order to slow down or stop the bacteria growth that furthers the gum recession.

Another method patients can use to slow down gum recession is by practicing good oral hygiene.  This involves flossing their teeth daily, brushing their teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and having regular dental cleanings performed every six months.  It is important that patients gently brush their teeth as being over aggressive when brushing can damage the gums and further recession.  And while particularly important for combating receding gums, seeing the dentist every six months for examinations and cleanings should be part of everyone’s overall oral health plan.

If a patient has a more severe case of gum recession, their dentist could recommend surgical options to remove bacteria or replace lose gum tissue.  The three most common surgical treatments are flap surgery, gum grafting, and bonding.  Flap surgery involves the dentist making an incision in the gum tissue to lift it up, cleaning out any bacteria that can’t be reached in a scaling and root planning procedure, and then securing the gum tissue back in place.  With gum grafting, an oral surgeon surgically removes gum tissue from another area of the mouth and places it around the area of recession.  The third surgical option, bonding, places gum-colored resins over the roots of the affected teeth in order to protect the sensitive roots and reduce the appearance of receding gums.

Despite adopting good oral hygiene habits, genetics and aging can still contribute to gum loss which is why receding gums are such a common occurrence.  We cannot change our genetics or stop aging so it is imperative that patients consult with their dentist to determine the most effective treatment option to combat gum recession.

More on Gum Recession : Can you Stop Gum Recession from Getting Worse?