Will My Gums Grow Back After Receding?

When most people think about their oral hygiene, their pearly whites are the first thing to come to mind—after all, they’re featured each and every time you grin! But your teeth aren’t the only notable part of your smile; your gums are just as important too! And unfortunately, there are several things that can cause gum tissue to recede. Here’s more from your periodontist in Huntington Beach about why this happens and how you can prevent it.

What Causes Gums to Recede?

Simply put, gum recession is when the gum tissue surrounding the teeth wears or pulls away, resulting in exposed tooth roots. It can occur due to a variety of different reasons, but one of the most common factors is poor oral hygiene. If you’re not regularly brushing and flossing your teeth, oral bacteria have an easier time getting inside the gumline and causing tooth decay and infections. If things continue to progress and worsen, total tooth loss becomes a real possibility.

Some common symptoms of gum recession include but aren’t limited to:

• Swollen, sensitive, or bleeding gums.
• Tooth sensitivity.
• Pain at the gum line.

Will Receded Gums Grow Back?

The short answer here is no; despite the human body’s impressive healing capabilities, receded gums will not return to their normal, healthy state without the help of your dentist. The standard treatment option for gum recession is a dental gum graft. During a gum graft, gum tissue is borrowed from another part of the mouth (usually the roof) and placed in areas with gum loss. This treatment is invasive and can sometimes be expensive, but if your mouth has suffered from the effects of several gum problems and severe gum recession, it’s possible to prevent the issues from worsening.

How Can I Prevent Further Gum Recession?

When it comes to gum recession, the earlier you catch it, the easier it is to get your oral health back on track. That said, the absolute best way you can prevent further gum recession is by practicing excellent oral hygiene. Here are some tips to help:

• Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Don’t neglect to brush along your gumline. Be careful not to brush too aggressively.
• Floss daily; the act of flossing helps you clear out food debris and bacteria from between your teeth and gums that your toothbrush can’t reach.
• Avoid poor oral habits like smoking or using tobacco products.
• Visit your dentist for regular preventive care; professional cleanings are the most effective means of removing the tartar and plaque buildup that threatens your gums!

Knowing what causes gum recession and taking steps to safeguard your gums will go a very long way towards protecting your smile. If you’re concerned about your receding gums, you shouldn’t hesitate to seek treatment from your dentist, as the issue will not resolve itself.

About the Author

Dr. Justin Braga has proudly served the dental needs of the Huntington Beach area for over 15 years. Dr. Braga received his dental doctorate from the University of the Pacific in San Francisco and is an active member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the California Dental Association. His practice is pleased to offer many services including periodontal therapy. If you’re concerned about receding gums, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Braga online or over the phone for assistance: (714) 587-9094.