Receding gums can't grow back, but they can be restored by a skilled dentist. Improving your oral hygiene and having deep cleaning treatments can prevent gum recession from getting worse. Your dentist can also discuss options such as gum grafting to restore your smile and confidence.
If you're concerned about receding gums and want to talk to a dentist about gum care in Brisbane, Swish Dental has local clinics in Everton Park and Mitchelton. Get in touch today.
Should I be worried about receding gums?
When your gums pull back from your teeth, this can affect more than just your appearance. It can also create pockets that trap bacteria, increasing the risk of infections.
Your gums also play an important role in supporting your teeth and protecting their roots from damage. When gum tissue wears down, the roots can become exposed, making teeth feel more sensitive and more vulnerable to damage. If gum recession continues, teeth may even start to feel loose or fall out.
If you think your gums may be receding, you should talk to a dentist. They will also be able to spot the early warning signs of receding gums during your routine check-ups.
How can gum recession be stopped?
Treatment for gum recession depends on how advanced it is and what factors are causing it.
Mild gum recession may be stopped by deep cleaning treatments to remove plaque and tartar from around the roots of the teeth. The exposed surfaces of roots will then be smoothed to make them less likely to trap bacteria.
More advanced gum recession may also require antibiotics to remove an infection or gum surgery to remove deep pockets of bacteria.
If gum recession is caused by misaligned teeth, orthodontic treatment using braces or aligners may be effective for preventing further recession, according to a 2016 study in the Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics.
How can receding gums be restored?
Once gum recession has been stopped or slowed down, your dentist can discuss options for restoring the lost tissue. This may involve gum grafting, using tissue from the soft palate of your mouth, in addition to bone grafting if you have also experienced bone loss in your jaw.
To prevent receding gums in the future, it's recommended to maintain good oral hygiene every day and keep up with your regular dental check-ups and hygiene treatments.
Gum recession FAQ
What causes receding gums?
Gum recession can be caused by many things, including:
- Advanced gum disease (periodontal disease)
- Brushing too hard
- Crooked or misaligned teeth
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Not visiting the dentist for regular cleaning and scaling treatments
- Family history of gum recession
Can receding gums grow back again?
No, receding gums can't grow back on their own. To restore lost gum tissue, your dentist will need to perform a grafting procedure using tissue from elsewhere in your mouth.
Gum treatments in Brisbane
Do you need to talk to a dentist about your gums? Contact Swish Dental to schedule a check-up at our local Brisbane clinics today. Call our team in Everton Park on (07) 3355 1422 or in Mitchelton on (07) 3354 3341, or book online.
References
Jati AS, Furquim LZ, Consolaro A. Gingival recession: its causes and types, and the importance of orthodontic treatment. Dental Press J Orthod. 2016 Jun;21(3):18-29. doi: 10.1590/2177-6709.21.3.018-029.oin. PMID: 27409650; PMCID: PMC4944726. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4944726/