What causes receding gums?
Gum recession, also known as receding gums, is a common oral health problem that affects many adults. It occurs when the gum tissue surrounding the teeth wears away, exposing more of the tooth and root surface. There are several potential causes of receding gums:
- Periodontal disease – Bacterial plaque buildup on the teeth can cause inflammation and infection of the gums and supporting structures. If left untreated, periodontitis causes progressive gum recession.
- Aggressive brushing – Overly vigorous tooth brushing or improper brushing technique can gradually wear away gum tissue.
- Smoking – Chemicals in tobacco smoke can irritate gum tissues. Smokers have an increased risk of gum recession.
- Clenching/grinding – Chronic teeth grinding or clenching puts excessive force on teeth and can pull gums away from the teeth.
- Crooked teeth – Misaligned teeth or dental appliances may cause abnormal wearing of gum tissue.
- Genetics – Some people may be predisposed to thinner gums or gum recession.
- Hormonal changes – Puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can increase sensitivity to plaque, accelerating gum recession.
Identifying and addressing the underlying cause of gum recession is the first step in preventing further receding and regrowing lost gum tissue.
What are the signs of receding gums?
There are several clear signs that may indicate gum recession:
- Sensitive teeth – More exposed tooth surface leads to increased sensitivity, especially to cold foods and drinks.
- Visible roots – Yellowish tooth roots become exposed as the gums recede.
- Notches along the gumline – The gumline may appear uneven instead of following the natural tooth contours.
- Loose teeth – Loss of gum attachment can eventually lead to loose teeth that shift or wiggle.
- Bad breath – Gum recession exposes deeper areas between teeth where food and bacteria can accumulate.
- Tooth appearance – Teeth can start to look smaller and “longer” as gums recede.
Sudden gum recession may also be accompanied by bleeding, swelling, or pus-filled gums. Seeking prompt dental attention for any of these symptoms can minimize gum recession.
Can receding gums grow back?
If caught early, receding gums can be treated and restored to a healthy position. However, severely receded gums won’t grow back fully on their own without intervention. Professional dental cleaning and gum grafting procedures are often needed to stimulate gum regrowth and cover exposed roots.
Here’s an overview of what’s needed to regrow receding gums:
- Remove bacterial plaque – Daily brushing and flossing along with regular dental cleanings reduce damaging plaque that triggers gum recession.
- Treat gum disease – Medications or dental surgery may be required to eliminate gum infection and inflammation as a prerequisite for gum regrowth.
- Improve oral habits – Adjusting brushing technique, stopping smoking, and wearing a mouthguard for teeth grinding can protect gums from further recession.
- Gum grafting – A gum graft transfers healthy gum tissue to fill in areas where gums have receded. This stimulates new tissue growth.
The severity of gum recession determines the chance of successful regrowth. Mild recession has the best prognosis. Extensive loss of gingival tissue may only be partially reversible.
How can I regrow my gums naturally?
It is possible to help regrow receded gums at home using proper oral hygiene and natural remedies. However, natural gum regrowth methods work best for mild cases before extensive loss occurs. Here are some tips:
- Brush and floss gently – Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid aggressive horizontal scrubbing motions. Floss once daily.
- Use antimicrobial mouth rinses – Swish daily with antibacterial, antiseptic rinses containing cetylpyridinium chloride or essential oils.
- Massage gums – Gently massaging gums improves circulation and stimulates new tissue growth.
- Eat a healthy diet – Eat plenty of antioxidant and nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. Limit sugary foods.
- Quit smoking – Give up all tobacco products to protect gum health and enable healing.
- Drink green tea – Green tea contains antioxidants that reduce inflammation and help gums recover.
- Use aloe vera – Applying aloe vera gel directly to gums provides a soothing, anti-inflammatory effect.
- Try oils – Swishing with sesame oil, coconut oil, or almond oil helps control bacteria and plaque.
A healthy lifestyle optimized for gum health goes hand-in-hand with natural home remedies for the best gum regrowth results. However, advanced cases will still need professional dental treatment.
What does gum regrowth treatment involve?
If gums have receded significantly, the only effective treatment option is gum regrowth surgery performed by a dental professional. Typical procedures include:
- Deep cleaning – Removing built-up calculus from teeth roots as gingival preparation.
- Gingival grafting – Transplanting healthy gum tissue from the palate to fill in receding areas.
- Guided tissue regeneration – Placing a small collagen membrane between gums and teeth to stimulate tissue regrowth.
- Bone grafting – Restoring lost bone structure to provide supporting foundations for gums.
- Soft tissue grafting – Moving healthy gum tissue next to areas of recession for natural regrowth.
Gum regrowth surgery is often performed under local anesthesia. Oral sedation or general anesthesia may allow for a more comfortable experience. Stitches are used to hold transferred gum tissue in place. Temporary dentures may be needed if multiple teeth are treated.
Post-treatment care is vital for optimal gum regrowth. Your dentist will provide detailed instructions on medication, diet, and oral hygiene during recovery. Gentle brushing and antimicrobial rinses keep the area clean. Follow-up appointments will monitor progress as gums reattach to teeth. Proper oral hygiene must continue long-term to maintain regrown gum tissue.
When to see a dentist about receding gums
Don’t wait until extensive gum recession occurs to take action. Schedule a dental visit as soon as you notice any of the following signs:
- Gums appear pulled away from teeth
- Increased tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- Teeth look longer than before
- Yellowish tooth roots become visible
- Gum bleeding when brushing or flossing
- New spaces form between teeth
- Bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
The sooner gum recession is detected, the better the chances it can be reversed. Mild cases may respond to professional cleanings and improved oral hygiene. For moderate gum recession, nonsurgical therapies can boost regrowth. Severe recession requires grafting procedures for gum tissue regeneration.
Let your dentist evaluate any changes to your gumline. They can identify factors contributing to gum recession and design a tailored treatment plan. Acting promptly gives you the best opportunity to regrow healthy gums.
What are the alternatives if gums don’t grow back?
Despite gum regrowth treatment, some cases of advanced gum recession can’t be completely reversed. Gums may only partially reattach in certain areas or remain receded after surgery fails. When gums won’t grow back, talk to your dentist about these alternate options:
- Tooth bonding – Bonding material applied to exposed tooth roots can smooth uneven edges and prevent sensitivity.
- Dental crowns – Crowns lengthen the appearance of teeth to hide visible tooth roots and regrowth deficiencies.
- Tooth extraction – Removing a tooth may be recommended if gum loss is severe and the tooth becomes loose or nonviable.
- Dental implants – Implants provide a durable, gum recession-resistant tooth root replacement.
- Gingival depigmentation – Removing dark gum tissue can cosmetically improve the look of receded gums.
While gum regrowth would be ideal, these alternatives can still restore function and aesthetics. Be sure to get evaluated regularly so any new gum recession can be identified and treated early before extensive damage occurs. Maintaining meticulous oral hygiene and gum health will help prevent the need for major correctional treatments.
How long does it take for gums to regrow?
The gum regrowth process occurs gradually after reparative treatments like deep cleanings and grafting. Time frames vary based on factors like:
- Extent of preexisting gum recession
- Type of gum regrowth procedure performed
- Individual healing ability
- Oral health status and habits
- Compliance with post-treatment oral hygiene
On average, most patients can expect:
- 1-2 weeks for initial gum healing after non-surgical therapy
- 4-8 weeks for grafted soft tissue to fully attach
- 3-6 months for complete maturation of regrown gum tissue
- 6-12 months for grafted bone to restore lost foundations
Gum regrowth is a slow, gradual process. Gums may continue improving over the first year after recession treatment. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits will help sustain regrown gums for the long term.
How can I speed up gum regrowth?
Certain measures can help accelerate gum tissue regrowth and optimal results after treatment:
- Quit smoking to maximize blood flow and healing
- Stick closely to prescribed medication and oral rinse routines
- Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods during initial healing
- Gently brush treated areas with specialized tools (e.g. Waterpik)
- Use lip balm if grafting causes dryness or soreness
- Apply ice packs to reduce postoperative swelling
- Get sufficient hydration and nutrition for your body’s recovery
- Carefully follow all oral hygiene and post-op instructions
- See your dentist immediately if you have any concerns
Let your dentist know about any factors that could affect your healing, like medications or chronic conditions. Attending all follow-up appointments is key to track gum regrowth progress. Avoiding smoking and maintaining excellent oral hygiene after treatment will sustain regrown gums.
What can I do to prevent gum recession?
Daily prevention is the best way to maintain healthy gums and avoid receding gums. Try these proactive gum care tips:
- Brush properly – Use gentle motions and a soft-bristled brush. Avoid aggressive scrubbing.
- Floss daily – Regular flossing removes harmful plaque between teeth.
- Get professional cleanings – Have your teeth professionally cleaned every 6 months.
- Use mouthwash – Antimicrobial rinses reduce bacteria that irritate gums.
- Monitor gumline changes – Look for signs of early gum recession and seek treatment promptly.
- Quit smoking – Avoid all tobacco products to enhance gum health.
- Manage health conditions – Properly control diabetes and other systemic diseases.
- Eat a balanced diet – Consume plenty of nutrients through wholesome foods.
- De-stress your life – Find healthy ways to reduce stress levels.
Practicing excellent oral hygiene day after day prevents gum disease and recession. But see your dentist at any sign of trouble for the best chance of regrowing recessed gums.
Conclusion
Gum recession can gradually compromise both smile appearance and dental health. While mild cases may respond to thorough oral hygiene and natural home remedies, advanced gum recession requires professional treatment to regrow lost tissue. Procedures like deep cleanings, soft tissue grafts, and guided tissue regeneration can successfully regenerate receded gums.
Ongoing prevention and gum-strengthening habits are necessary after treatment to sustain regrown tissue. Quitting smoking, managing health conditions, eating nutritious foods, controlling stress, and maintaining impeccable daily oral hygiene helps keep gums healthy. Though gum regrowth takes time and effort, restoring your gums is worth it for a beautiful smile, confident function, and long-term oral wellness.
