The gums are crucial in maintaining teeth stability by creating a seal around them, which also acts as a defense against bacteria. Gum recession indicates an issue with these tissues and can make your smile vulnerable to damage. If you’ve experienced gum recession, you may be wondering: can gums grow back? Continue reading to discover the causes of gum recession, if they can grow back, and how to prevent this from happening in the first place.
3 Potential Causes of Gum Recession
Gum recession occurs when the soft tissue surrounding the teeth wears away, leading to the exposure of the tooth roots and gaps between the teeth and gum line. This can result in harmful bacteria accumulation and damage to the teeth. Gum recession may be caused by several factors, including:
- Overbrushing – Brushing too aggressively can lead to gum recession and enamel damage.
- Periodontal disease – Proper oral hygiene involves brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing every night to keep your smile healthy. Neglecting this routine leads to the accumulation of plaque and food debris.
- Genetics – According to research, approximately 30% of people have a genetic predisposition to developing gum disease.
Can Gums Grow Back?
Although we’ve talked about the causes of gum recession, it’s important to note that gums won’t regenerate on their own. Seeking dental care is necessary to address the damage. For mild to moderate gum disease, scaling and root planing is a popular two-step treatment option. Scaling removes plaque and tartar below the gum line, while root planing smooths the tooth roots to allow gums to reattach.
Antibiotic therapy with Arestin is commonly recommended in conjunction with scaling and root planing to achieve optimal results. By placing antibiotics directly into the gum pockets, hard-to-reach bacteria can be eliminated. This treatment, combined with a deep cleaning, helps to reduce pocket depth and promote gum health.
4 Ways to Prevent Gum Recession
Preventing gum disease and other oral health issues from developing is preferable to treating them. This can be achieved by:
- Avoid unhealthy habits – This includes smoking, excessive drinking, and high sugar consumption.
- Brush your teeth – Do so for two minutes, twice daily.
- Floss nightly – This will remove plaque and food particles stuck between your pearly whites.
- Eat a balanced diet – It should consist of fresh fruits and veggies, nuts, dairy, lean meat, leafy greens, and fish.
- Visit your dentist – Attend appointments every six months for cleanings and dental checkups.
Unfortunately, you can’t count on your gums growing back after they become damaged. Work to keep your smile healthy and visit your dentist at the first sign of trouble to maintain a beautiful grin!
About the Practice
Harrisonburg Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is a dental practice led by Dr. Mario DeNicola and Dr. Monisha Khanna, who are committed to providing top-quality dental care to patients in their community. They offer a range of services, from routine cleanings and checkups to cosmetic and restorative procedures, to help patients achieve a beautiful, healthy smile. To schedule an appointment or learn more about Harrisonburg Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, call their office at (540) 432-6616 or visit their website.