Can Receding Gums Grow Back?
Receding gums is a condition where the gums pull away from a tooth leaving the delicate roots exposed. Small spaces are also created where plaque, a sticky bacterial coating, can accumulate. Left untreated, plaque can exacerbate the recession leading to eventual tooth and bone loss.
Inadequate dental hygiene, excessive force when brushing, and age can all contribute to gum recession. Unlike other tissues, such as the epithelial tissue of the skin, gum tissue does not regenerate or grow back. While gum tissue will not grow back, there are steps that can be taken to treat gum recession.
Natural Remedies
Some people believe natural remedies can be used to treat gum recession. Some of the more common include:
- Oil pulling (swishing in the mouth)
- Drinking green tea
- Applying aloe vera
These remedies have been shown to improve oral health with a 2009 study indicating that swishing sesame oil in the mouth helped reduce gum inflammation and plaque. Other studies have indicated that green tea and aloe vera gel were also effective in reducing inflammation and bacteria. It should be noted however, that these studies were limited in the number of participants.
While the data suggests these natural remedies could benefit overall oral health, none have shown the ability to make gum tissue regrow. No treatment, medical or natural, can make gum tissue grow back.
Professional Treatments
Despite the fact receding gums will not grow back, there are several treatment options available which will prevent further recession. Procedures are also available to combat the appearance of gum recession.
Slow the process down: The first step is consulting a dentist to evaluate how far the gums have receded. Should bacteria have accumulated in the spaces caused by recession, the dentist will likely perform a deep cleaning procedure (scaling and root planing) to scrape away tartar from the teeth and under the gumline. Hand-held scrapers or an ultrasonic device are used to loosen and remove buildup and in some instances, an antibacterial gel may be applied under the gumline.
To prevent future infection and plaque buildup, antibiotic mouthwash may be prescribed and patients should ensure they follow a sound oral hygiene regimen. A proper oral hygiene regimen should involve:
- Gently brushing the teeth twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Flossing daily before brushing
- Visiting the dentist every six months for routine cleanings
- Surgical intervention: In cases of severe gum recession, the dentist may recommend surgery to remove bacteria deep under the gumline or to replace lost gum tissue. Common surgical options include:
- Flap Surgery: A small incision is made in the gums to lift them up and any plaque is removed. After removing the bacteria, the gum tissue is secured in place.
- Gum Graft: Gum tissue is taken from one area of the mouth and surgically placed around the areas where recession is occurring. This can protect the tooth and bone from additional damage while reducing the appearance of gum recession.
- Bonding: Uses gum-colored resin to cover the roots of the affected teeth. This protects the sensitive tooth roots and improves the aesthetic appearance of the patient’s smile.