Gums play a crucial role in maintaining the stability of our teeth by forming a tight seal around them, acting as a protective barrier against bacteria. When gums recede, it indicates an underlying issue and leaves your smile vulnerable to damage. Now, you might be curious: can gums grow back after they have receded? Continue reading to find out the answer to this question, along with the possible causes of gum recession and available treatment options.
4 Potential Causes of Gum Recession
Gum recession refers to the wearing away of the soft tissue that surrounds the teeth, leading to the exposure of the tooth roots and the formation of gaps or pockets between the teeth and the gum line. This condition makes it easier for harmful oral bacteria to accumulate and cause significant damage to your smile. Several potential causes of gum recession include:
- Overbrushing – Brushing your teeth too vigorously can lead to enamel damage and contribute to gum recession.
- Periodontal disease – Maintaining a healthy smile involves brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing every night. Failure to do so can result in the buildup of plaque and food particles, which may eventually lead to gum disease. This infection is a frequent cause of gum recession.
- Genetics – Studies have revealed that approximately 30% of the population has a genetic predisposition to gum disease.
Can Gums Grow Back?
After discussing the possible causes of gum recession, it’s important to note that gums do not have the natural ability to grow back on their own. Dental care is essential to repair the damage.
A popular two-step treatment option for those with mild to moderate gum disease is scaling and root planing. Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar buildups near and below the gum line to reduce harmful oral bacteria. Root planing smooths out the tooth roots, promoting the reattachment of gums to the teeth. Seeking professional dental care is crucial for addressing gum recession effectively.
Diode laser therapy is often used alongside scaling and root planing for the best results. To ensure the preservation of your gum tissue during your appointment, we utilize a precise soft tissue diode laser, an advanced dental technology that eliminates the need for traditional metal dental instruments. With this method, we can carefully remove bacteria and infected portions of tissue.
4 Ways to Prevent Gum Recession
While scaling, root planing, and antibiotic therapy can be effective in addressing damaged gums, it is always preferable to prevent gum disease and other oral health issues from occurring in the first place. This can be achieved by following these preventive measures:
- Following a dentist-approved diet of fruits, veggies, dairy products, lean meat, and fish.
- Quitting smoking, excessive drinking, and excessive sugar consumption
- Scheduling dental checkups and cleanings every six months
- Brushing for two minutes, both in the morning and at night
- Flossing nightly to remove plaque and food particles
If you anticipate your gums to regrow after damage, think again. Maintain a healthy smile by promptly visiting your dentist when anything seems amiss, allowing them to assist you in preserving a beautiful, recession-free smile!
About the Practice
For exceptional dental care in San Diego, San Marcos, or nearby areas, Dr. Nelson Howard and his skilled oral health professionals are the perfect choice. They are dedicated to serving their community and providing their patients with the beautiful smiles they deserve. If you need guidance on maintaining a healthy smile at home, they can assist you. Additionally, they offer periodontal treatments to promote healthy and strong gum regrowth. To learn more about periodontal therapy or to schedule an appointment, reach out to their Rancho Bernardo office at (858) 451-0550, their San Marcos office at (760) 599-6559, or visit their website.