Recession or Retention: Can Receding Gums Grow Back?

Did you know that nearly half, or about 47.2%, of adults who are 30+ years old have some form of gum disease? It’s easy to assume that you don’t have a problem if you haven’t noticed any visible symptoms, but unfortunately, that doesn’t mean you don’t have a periodontal problem. It usually starts quietly, so people aren’t aware that they’ve developed an issue until it has progressed, and they notice their gums receding.

It’s natural to have questions about your retracting gumline, like whether or not it will grow back. Continue reading to learn more about it!

Why Are My Gums Receding?

There are a few reasons your gums might pull away from the surface of your teeth, and the most common culprit is periodontal disease. However, that’s not the only potential cause. Other possibilities might include:

• Aggressively brushing your teeth with too much force.
• Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism).
• Aging.
• Physical injury or trauma.
• Smoking or chewing tobacco products.
• Poor dental hygiene habits.

Your tissue likely won’t regrow if it’s already begun to recede, so it’s essential to pay attention to your dental condition. That way, if you notice inflamed, red, or swollen gums, you can treat them early, before they progress.

How Are Receding Gums Treated?

Whatever the cause for your shrinking gums, there are ways your dentist can help. For example, if you’re suffering from periodontitis, they might be able to help with scaling and root planing. This treatment involves using special instruments to scrape away all the plaque from your teeth, including the gum pocket. Then, they smooth your roots to encourage the tissue to reattach.

Unfortunately, not all cases can be treated this way. In more extreme circumstances, you might require a surgical procedure like a regeneration or a gum graft. These methods involve placing a regenerative material, either pulled from your own gums or the roof of your mouth, or a specially designed graft membrane, to cover the exposed root of your tooth.

How Can I Prevent Gum Recession?

Thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily is essential to preventing problems that lead to receding gums. Remember, though, that using too much force to clean your teeth can also traumatize the tender tissue and cause it to pull back from your teeth. You can switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid abrading them. Also, a nightguard can protect your teeth and gums from the constant pressure of clenching your teeth at night.

If you’re worried about the state of your smile, the best next step is to schedule an appointment with your dentist. They’ll examine your condition and make recommendations based on your specific circumstances to safely repair your smile.

About the Practice

At the Center For Advanced Cosmetic Dentistry, you benefit from a team of dentists who work together to offer a full range of services from one convenient location. With decades of combined experience, there’s no issue too complicated for them to address. They take the time to get to know your unique dental needs and concerns, then utilize state-of-the-art equipment to provide fully individualized treatment plans. They offer multiple treatments for gum disease so even if your condition has progressed, it’s not too late to get help. You can request an appointment on the website or call (609) 561-0058.