Can receding gums grow back?

When the gums pull away from the base of a tooth, exposing its root, this is called receding gums. The area that has receded is vulnerable not only because of the exposed root, but because the surface of the tooth that is no longer protected by gum tissue may be particularly susceptible to plaque buildup, which can lead to further recession and tooth decay. If left untreated, receding gums may eventually lead to loss of the teeth and surrounding bone. Receding gums can be caused by many things, including brushing too hard, poor oral hygiene, aging, and genetics. While receding gums will never grow back, there are treatments for receding gums that can protect and prevent further recession and eventual complications.

As with many medical concerns, some people seek out natural remedies for receding gums. These treatments include, but are not limited to, oil pulling, topical aloe vera, and drinking green tea. Each of these natural remedies may have a beneficial effect on your oral health. Oil pulling, for example, which entails swishing a natural oil, like sesame oil, in the mouth and between the teeth, has been shown to reduce plaque and help with gum inflammation. Green tea may also help fend off bacterial buildup, which is one of the leading causes of gum inflammation, and topically applied aloe vera may also have similar beneficial effects. While none of these treatments is harmful, and each may have some anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, none of them will help gum tissue that has receded grow back. There is simply no treatment, natural or otherwise, that will cause receding gum tissue to grow back.

Despite the fact that receding gum tissue won’t grow back, it is important to try to prevent the gums from receding more, and there may be medical procedures that can treat the appearance of receding gum tissue. Your dentist can measure the extent of your receded gums, in order to determine a treatment plan for you, so this evaluation should start with an appointment with your dentist. At that appointment, if your dentist notes that bacteria have built up in the small cavities where the gums have receded, they may begin your treatment with a deep cleaning, to remove this bacteria and slow the growth of further bacteria. This cleaning will include scraping tartar from the surfaces of the teeth and under the gumline and may be done with a manual or electronic tool. Depending on the extent of bacterial growth, your dentist may also prescribe an antibiotic mouthwash or use an antibacterial gel under the gumline. Removing bacteria may slow or halt the process of gum tissue receding and is often the first step in treatment. Your dentist will recommend that you maintain the management of bacteria by regularly brushing and flossing. It’s important to brush the teeth gently, with a soft-bristled toothbrush, to prevent further damage to the gum tissue, as well as regularly flossing and seeing your dentist for regular cleanings every six months. In severe cases, your dentist may recommend surgery to remove bacteria that are deep under the gums, or to replace gum tissue that is missing. There are a few types of surgical treatments that may be used on receding gums. Flap surgery involves making a small incision in the gums, removing residual plaque, and replacing the incised gum tissue, which may prevent eventual bone less. A gum graft requires an oral surgeon to remove gum tissue from another location in the mouth and grafting it where significant recession has occurred, which can protect the teeth and bone from damage and can improve the appearance of receding gums. Some dentists use bonding techniques, in which they apply resin that is the same color as the gums to the roots of affected teeth, improving the appearance of the receded areas while also protecting the tooth roots. If you find yourself with the common condition that is receding gums, work closely with your dentist to determine which course of treatment may be best for you.

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