Gingival recession, also known as receding gums, is a common symptom of gingivitis or periodontal disease. It occurs when the gums are pulled away from the teeth, leaving the roots and soft tissues exposed. If left untreated, plaque and bacteria can accumulate in the periodontal pockets, leading to dental problems. Unfortunately, many people do not notice this issue until significant damage has occurred.
I have seen so many posts on the internet, most people get confused whether gingival recession can grow back. Some say that it does gradually grow back, while others say that it doesn’t grow back. I will try to explain everything as simply as possible in this article. In this particular post, I will share with you some available treatments for gingival recession. But before I start listing these available treatments, I would like to clear some things on this popular question – gingivitis, dental implants, and periodontal disease.
Can receding gums grow back?
The gums will forever remain strong, covering the roots of the teeth as long as the jaw bones supporting it are intact. Many things can make your gums to receed, poor oral hygiene and aging are common causes. Also any thing that can makes the bones supporting the gums withdraw back can make the gums receed. You can check out this post >> causes of receding gums, to see more possible causes of receding gums. But remember, the gums don’t regenerate like any other body tissues. So the real answer to this question is that receding gums don’t grow back.
Sorry for the misleading title, but you shouldn’t loose hope. Continue reading, I will show you how stop your gums from receding. But you should also consider the fact that bones can demineralize. But unlike the gums, demineralized bones can be easily remineralized. You can check one of the posts that I wrote earlier on treatments for sensitive teeth, to learn more about remineralization.
Receding Gums Treatment
-
Get a dentist : Getting in touch with a dentist is very important when treating receding gums. If you suspect that your gums are receding, a dentist can help identify the problem on time without the problem getting worse. Dentists are capable of identifying gum disease, gum pockets measuring more than 3 millimetres is a sign of gum disease. (1) How far your gums have receded will help to determine the most effective remedy for you. Your dentist might need to team up with a periodontist, in order to determine the best suitable treatments.
-
Scaling and root planing : This is a special type of cleaning that is done only by a dentist. This method is very effective if the reason why your gums are receding is because of accumulation of bacteria and tartar. It’s common that your gums can receed due to poor oral hygiene. Lots of bacteria and tartar can accumulate on your gum lines, forcing your gums to pull back. Scaling and root planing is a kind of deep cleaning that loosens and clears away bacteria and tarter from the teeth. This method can not reverse your gums immediately, but it slows down the receding process, allowing your gums to come up gradually.
-
Flap surgery : The primary purpose of this surgery is to remove bacteria and tartar that accumulated on the teeth. It’s mostly done after carrying out the scaling and root planing procedures. This surgery allows the dentist to remove all the tartar that refused to go away during scaling and root planing. It also helps to secure the gums and prevent further receding.
-
Gum graft : A more aggressive treatment will be required if the problem is severe. You will need to see a periodontist or a surgeon for a gum graft. There are techniques that a periodontist can use to regenerate the receding gums using grafting. This involves taking some healthy gum tissues from another part of the mouth, then it’s surgically placed on the receding area. (2)
Conclusion
Receding gums is best treated when it’s still at the very early stage. Regular dental check up is advisable, because your dentists can help identify any dental problem on time. Depending on how severe your gums are receding, you may have to get treated surgically. Your dentist or periodontist can help you identify the most suitable treatment and instructions for maintaining a healthy gum.
It’s believed that the gums don’t grow back, but so many studies have begun to know if there is any way to make them grow back. While your gums can’t grow back, apart from medical treatments, there are natural remedies that can stop the receding process. But in the mean time, it’s necessary you’ll need to follow up the treatment with good oral hygiene. Daily flossing and brushing of the teeth with appropriate toothbrush can help avoid future buildups of plaque.