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Do your teeth look slightly longer than they used to? Are your gums swollen, red, or sensitive? Do they bleed easily when you brush or floss? These signs all point to gum recession. There are many possible reasons why your gums might pull away from your teeth, such as advanced gum disease. In addition to being an aesthetic concern, receding gums can put your smile’s health at risk by creating pockets where dangerous bacteria can gather. So, is it possible for receding gums to grow back? Read on to find out!
Why Do Gums Recede?
By far, the most common reason why gums recede is a bacterial infection called gum disease. Often the result of plaque buildup and poor oral hygiene, this condition inflames the gum tissue. Left untreated, bacteria could attack the gums to the point where they separate from the teeth.
Some of the other reasons for gum recession include:
- Aggressive brushing – Brushing your teeth too forcefully may actually do more harm than good. It could wear down your tooth enamel as well as your gum tissue.
- Teeth grinding – Chronic teeth clenching and grinding places excessive pressure on your teeth and gums.
- Tobacco use – Smoking or chewing tobacco reduces the amount of saliva your mouth produces, which makes it easier for plaque to gather.
How Your Dentist Can Treat Gum Recession
Unfortunately, gum tissue doesn’t grow back once it has pulled away from your teeth. However, depending on the cause of your gum recession, there are ways that your dentist can prevent the recession from worsening.
If gum disease is to blame, your dentist may perform a dental deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing. This procedure clears out the bacteria deposits from the pockets in between your gums and teeth, which stops the infection from progressing while giving your gums plenty of time to heal.
For gum recession caused by other issues, your dentist will come up with a custom treatment plan to prevent further recession. For example, if you suffer from frequent teeth grinding at night, they might make a nightguard for you to wear to bed, which reduces damage from grinding.
Tips for Keeping Your Gums Healthy
Your dentist is always there to help, but you can also maintain healthy gums by practicing good oral care habits. Make sure to be gentle when brushing your teeth; using a soft-bristled brush can also prevent your enamel and gum tissue from getting worn down. Flossing once a day can keep plaque buildup to a minimum. If you currently use tobacco, ask your dentist or doctor to point you toward resources that will help you quit.
Noticing that your gums have receded can be alarming, especially now that you know they won’t grow back. However, as long as you alert your dentist quickly, you can keep your gums as healthy as possible!
About the Practice
Led by Dr. Gary Rosenfeld, our team at Island Daily Dental Care provides families in Medford, NY with a comprehensive range of dental services under one roof. They aim to help patients avoid gum disease at all costs, but they also offer scaling and root planing if the condition develops. If your gums have receded, get the expert care you need right away by contacting us at 631-286-9000.