If you’ve noticed that your gums are receding, you might think you have some cause for concern. And in fact, you might be searching for a way to get your receding gums to grow back. But do they grow back? What is gum tissue made of, and how can you get it back if it’s damaged or worn?
In this expert guide, we’ll get into how gum tissue works. Next, we’ll see whether receding gums can grow back. Finally, we’ll explore some of the best treatments for restoring gum health.
Gum Recession: How and Why It Happens
Gingival recession primarily consists of a loss of tissue but also the pulling back of the gingival margin. This is the area of gum tissue that covers the teeth up to the crown.
Now, this may sound like an obvious sign to spot, but it can be tricky. This is especially true since any gum recession or shrinkage is a very slow process, and the changes in your gum line may not be easy to witness. More significantly, you may not notice any symptoms at all until any potential gum disease has progressed and had time to develop. Indeed, gum recession becomes more commonly diagnosed after the age of 40.
So, the most common cause for gum recession is periodontal disease, which is an inflammation of the gum tissue. When this happens, the gums will show classic signs of inflammation, turning red and appearing swollen. Bleeding is common, and you may have a corresponding metallic taste in the mouth, especially after activities that task the teeth and gums, such as chewing or brushing your teeth.
Speaking of brushing your teeth, some experts believe that gum recession results from overzealous brushing. This may be due to extra force applied during the process or using inappropriately firm or stiff toothbrushes. You may notice this if either your teeth or gums bleed or begin to appear puffy or swollen when you brush, signifying potential gingivitis.
That said, if you don’t outright see the roots of your teeth in a sign of obvious recession, there might be other indications. You might notice increased sensitivity in the teeth triggered by certain kinds of foods. More dramatically, you might even witness tooth mobility, where individual teeth move instead of being firmly fixed in place. Bad breath may also be present.
Can Receding Gums Grow Back?
The truth is that, unfortunately, receding gums do not grow back. Once the tissue begins to recede, shrink or experience damage, it does not recover.
Fortunately, modern dental specialists can provoke gum tissue to regenerate itself. They do this via a “gum graft” procedure, which involves periodontists (gum specialists) taking healthy gum tissue from one part of the mouth and using it to patch over the area with recession. Over time, the area recovers and uses the new tissue to rebuild itself.
However, we must stress that this can’t happen without the graft. Luckily, a gum graft is a quick and painless procedure done with a local anaesthetic, allowing the patient to go home to recover right after it is done.
Conclusion: See a Dentist to Evaluate The Best Option For You
Proper care of your teeth and gums will ensure that you don’t experience gum recession. In addition, you should get regular checkups at the dentist’s office. A qualified, reputable dentist will increase your chances of any gum deterioration being spotted before the necessity for surgical intervention.
At Nimmi Shine Dental, we pride ourselves on being the epitome of excellence for dentistry in California. Our experienced team provides honest, gentle, and affordable care to all patients and takes special care to ensure their trust.
We’ll be happy to answer any questions about your oral health and make the best recommendations for your individual needs. Feel free to call our dental office in San Diego at 858-999-8550.