Can gums grow back?
Unfortunately, receding gums can’t grow back. But, you can take steps to prevent gum recession from worsening.
How can I reduce sensitivity caused by gum recession?
Many people with gum recession experience pain or sensitivity. This is because your tooth roots aren’t covered with protective enamel. They’re covered with cementum, which isn’t as strong. Your dentist can apply fluoride varnish or other desensitizing agents to reduce discomfort associated with receding gums. You can also use a desensitizing toothpaste at home. Your dental hygienist can use numbing agents to make you more comfortable during your dental cleanings as well.
What’s the best toothpaste for gum recession?
As mentioned above, desensitizing toothpaste can help ease discomfort associated with gum recession. Look for active ingredients like potassium nitrate, stannous fluoride, arginine and strontium chloride. These ingredients help calm the nerves inside your teeth. Desensitizing toothpaste is best when used long term, and it can take several weeks to start working.
How do they fix receding gums?
Gum recession treatment largely depends on what caused the condition. Mild cases of gum recession may be improved with nonsurgical treatments, such as topical antibiotics, dental bonding or orthodontics. In most instances, however, gum recession surgery is needed to fully correct the problem.
Nonsurgical treatments
Nonsurgical treatments for gum recession may include:
- Topical antibiotics. If gum recession is from periodontal disease, your dentist or hygienist will work with you on how to be more effective in cleaning your teeth. Scaling and root planing (deep dental cleaning) can be done under local anesthesia to get rid of harmful bacteria that cause gum disease that are deep under the gum line. Occasionally, your periodontist (gum disease specialist) may recommend inserting an antibiotic directly under your gums to help treat gum disease.
- Dental bonding. Sometimes your dentist can camouflage the area of recession with tooth-colored composite resin. This covers your exposed tooth root, making it less noticeable and more comfortable.
- Orthodontics. If a tooth is crooked, tipped or rotated, it can cause gum recession. In these cases, braces could be an option. Once the tooth is moved into proper alignment, the gum margin may correct itself over time.
Gum recession surgery
Gum graft surgery is the most predictable and long-lasting treatment option for gum recession. Typically, a periodontist (gum specialist) performs this procedure.
During this surgery, a gum graft is used to replace your missing gum tissue. The graft usually is taken from the roof of your mouth but occasionally can come from sterilized human donor tissue.
Once the gum graft is in the proper position, your surgeon stitches it into place. There are several different types of gum grafting procedures. Your surgeon can help determine which one is right for your situation. Today’s gum grafting procedures are minimally invasive.
How long does it take to recover from gum grafting surgery?
Your recovery time will depend on several factors, including how many teeth were treated, where the gum graft came from and what type of grafting procedure was done. In most cases, people who undergo gum recession surgery feel back to normal in about two weeks.
Your surgeon will provide you with detailed postoperative instructions. You should follow these instructions closely to foster a comfortable, successful recovery.
FAQs
Flossing Regularly
Flossing removes plaques containing harmful bacteria from tough-to-reach places your toothbrush can't get to. These bacteria can cause receding gums and other dental problems. Flossing at least twice daily is the easiest way to keep gum recession at bay.
What is the best way to prevent gum recession? ›
Flossing Regularly
Flossing removes plaques containing harmful bacteria from tough-to-reach places your toothbrush can't get to. These bacteria can cause receding gums and other dental problems. Flossing at least twice daily is the easiest way to keep gum recession at bay.
Does gum recession surgery work? ›
Is gum graft surgery worth it? Gum grafting boasts high success rates of over 90%. This procedure gives you the best chance of treating gum recession and improving your overall oral health. Left untreated, gum recession can result in cavities, severe gum disease, tooth mobility and even eventual tooth loss.
What is the new treatment for receding gums? ›
The pinhole gum rejuvenation surgery is a game-changer in addressing receding gums and is utilized by very few dentists in Charlotte because it is such a new technique. The gum rejuvenation treatment is completely safe and is actually less invasive and traumatic than traditional gum grafting.
Is there a procedure to fix receding gums? ›
option 2: traditional gum grafting surgery
Gum surgery is the traditional (and very painful) way of treating gum recession by surgically cutting tissue from the palate (roof of the mouth) and attaching with sutures to the receded gum. Skin from cadavers (allografting) may be used for the procedure if necessary.
How can I stimulate my gums to regenerate? ›
What can you do about receding gums?
- gently brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush.
- flossing in between your teeth daily before brushing.
- going in for regular dental cleanings every six months.
Mild cases of gum recession may be improved with nonsurgical treatments, such as topical antibiotics, dental bonding or orthodontics. In most instances, however, gum recession surgery is needed to fully correct the problem.
How painful is gum recession surgery? ›
Throughout your surgery, you can expect to feel no pain whatsoever, as the anesthesia will ensure you are thoroughly numb. However, once you are home and the effects have worn off, it is not uncommon to experience some soreness and discomfort. Fortunately, there are ways to manage the pain and avoid complications.
What is the alternative to gum recession surgery? ›
Pinhole Grafting
It's minimally invasive but it does help to correct any gum recession. A small hole is made in your gum line, and when this has been done, your dentist will use special instruments to try and loosen your gums.
What not to do with receding gums? ›
Sugary items promote the overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, worsening gum recession or causing decay. Avoid donuts, candy, energy drinks, cake, and chocolate. Since gum recession exposes the tooth's roots and nerves, extreme temperatures from ice cubes or popsicles can cause your gums to be more sensitive.
You may be wondering: what is the best toothpaste for receding gums? If you have sensitive teeth, consider using the daily dual action Sensodyne Sensitivity and Gum toothpaste, which builds a protective layer over sensitive areas while removing plaque and bacteria to support gum health.
Can dentist fix receding gums without surgery? ›
Several non-invasive dental procedures like grum grafting, scaling, and root planing can help fix receding gums. If you use tobacco products, quitting can be an effective way to prevent and treat receding gums.
Can gums go back to normal after receding? ›
However, even though receding gums can't be reversed there are treatments that can help to stop the problem from getting worse.
Can I live with receding gums? ›
Receding gums refer to when gums wear away or become pushed back, exposing the roots of the teeth. Receding gums become a health concern, leaving the teeth at risk of decay, infection, and loss. Gums might also recede around a tooth if it is in an abnormal position.
How much does it cost to get receding gums fixed? ›
The cost of grafting for treating gum recession varies on the severity, typically ranging from 700 USD to over 2000 USD, with factors influencing the overall cost like the extent of recession, number of teeth, where they are located and need for anesthesia.
How to stop gum recession from getting worse? ›
Good Oral Hygiene Habits
One of the most important things you can do to avoid further gum recession is to brush and floss your teeth twice daily. If your gums have receded due to aggressive brushing, be mindful of the force you are applying while brushing and use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Can you stop gum recession once it starts? ›
If your gums are damaged by, for example periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease, it's not possible for receding gums to grow back. However, even though receding gums can't be reversed there are treatments that can help to stop the problem from getting worse.
Are electric toothbrushes better for gum recession? ›
Through their gentle yet effective cleaning action and customizable features, electric toothbrushes offer significant advantages in plaque removal and gingival stimulation while minimizing the risk of further gum recession.
Why are my gums receding so quickly? ›
Insufficient dental care. Inadequate brushing, flossing, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash makes it easy for plaque to turn into calculus (tartar) -- a hard substance that builds on and between your teeth and can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning. It can lead to gum recession.
What speeds up gum recession? ›
Aggressive brushing: Vigorous brushing can irritate and damage the gums, making them more vulnerable to bacterial infections and recession. Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, menopause and pregnancy make gums more sensitive and vulnerable to gum disease and recession.
