Our gums are an important part of the mouth that helps keep our teeth in place. This is because they form a tight seal around the teeth. This also creates a barrier against bacteria. As you can imagine, receding gums are a sign that something isn’t right and leave your smile susceptible to harm. You may be wondering: can gums grow back? Read on to learn the answer to this question as well as what can cause gums to recede in the first place and available treatment options.
4 Potential Causes of Gum Recession
When the soft tissue that surrounds the teeth starts to wear away, this is called gum recession. This exposes the roots of the teeth, which causes gaps or pockets to form between them and the gum line. This allows harmful oral bacteria to more easily build up and do some serious damage to your smile. There are several possible causes of gum recession, including:
- Overbrushing – If you are too rough when brushing your teeth, this can cause enamel damage as well as gum recession.
- Periodontal disease – Brushing your teeth twice per day and flossing every night is an important part of maintaining a healthy smile. If you don’t do this, plaque and food particles will build up. This may eventually lead to gum disease. This infection is a common cause of gum recession.
- Genetics – Researchers have found that 30% of the population has a genetic predisposition to developing gum disease.
Can Gums Grow Back?
Now that we’ve discussed what can cause recession, will your gums grow back? Unfortunately, they won’t be able to come back on their own. You will need to seek out dental care to repair the damage. Scaling and root planing is a popular two-step treatment option for those experiencing mild to moderate gum disease. Scaling clears away plaque and tartar buildups near and below the gum line to reduce harmful oral bacteria. Root planing smooths out the tooth roots so the gums can reattach to them.
Arestin antibiotic therapy is often used alongside scaling and root planing for the best results. An antibiotic is placed in the gum pockets so it can kill hard-to-reach bacteria. Paired with a deep cleaning, antibiotic therapy reduces the pocket depth and restores the health of your gums.
4 Ways to Prevent Gum Recession
Though scaling, root planing, and antibiotic therapy can help fix damaged gums, it’s best to prevent gum disease and other oral health issues from developing in the first place. This can be done by:
- Brushing once in the morning and once at night for two minutes each time
- Flossing every night to remove plaque and food particles
- Quitting bad habits like smoking, drinking excessively, and consuming too much sugar
- Eating a dentist-approved diet of fruits and veggies, dairy products, lean meat, and fish
- Visiting your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings
If you expect your gums to grow back after they’ve been damaged, think again. Keep your smile healthy and visit your dentist as soon as something seems off so they can help you maintain a beautiful, recession-free beam!
About the Practice
Winning Smile is led by Drs. Polly Reese, Estelle Milrud, and Robert Baima. They take pride in serving their community and giving their patients the gorgeous grins they deserve. If you’re struggling with keeping your smile healthy, they can teach you the proper way to care for it at home. They also offer periodontal treatments to help gums grow back healthy and strong. Call 847-869-1272 or visit their website to make an appointment or to learn more.