One of the most common questions among individuals who have suffered from gum disease is whether gums can grow back. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, occurs when bacteria in plaque buildup on teeth and gums, causing inflammation and infection. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to receding gums and even tooth loss.
Understanding Gum Regeneration
While it is not possible for gums to grow back on their own once they have receded due to gum disease, there are treatments available that can help stimulate gum regeneration. These treatments typically involve deep cleaning of the gums to remove bacteria and tartar buildup, as well as procedures such as gum grafting to cover exposed roots and promote new tissue growth.
Start this routine at a young age and keep it throughout life. They may range from light pink in some people to dark pink and brown in others. Jewelry can rub the gums and irritate them to the point that gum tissue is worn away.
This article outlines the various treatments for receding gums. We also provide tips on how to slow and stop its progression. If gum tissue is inflamed or even ulcerated, bacteria and inflammatory immune proteins can enter the bloodstream, which may affect the heart, says Miyauchi. This can start on your tongue, inner cheek, tonsils, or gums.
If your teeth are misaligned, you may not have an even distribution of biting force. This can lead to undue pressure on the gums, which can lead to gum recession. A misaligned tooth can also hide additional plaque and tartar. There are several causes of receding gums as well as treatment options and preventative measures to help manage the condition and prevent it from getting worse. Your periodontist may use a dental bone graft to replace bone that you’ve lost to gum disease.
When gum recession occurs, “pockets,” or gaps, form between the teeth and gum line, making it easy for disease-causing bacteria to build up. If left untreated, the supporting tissue and bone structures of the teeth can be severely damaged, and may ultimately result in tooth loss. If your gums hurt or bleed for more than a week, see your dentist so they can check you for signs of gum disease.
Another related condition is occlusal trauma, which is an injury to the teeth that occurs due to excessive force. This causes the teeth to not align properly and can speed up bone and soft tissue loss. There’s no hard and fast rule, because everyone is different. In general, the sooner you treat gum disease, the less likely you are to lose teeth. Usually, periodontists use guided tissue regeneration in combination with a bone graft. GTR helps repair periodontal defects (areas of broken-down bone) and prevents soft tissue from growing into these areas.
Treatment Options for Gum Regeneration
Another procedure known as root planing can smooth the surfaces of the roots of the teeth, meaning that there are fewer places for tartar and bacteria to build up. This procedure also removes any tartar that is on the root. Which kind of surgery a dental surgeon performs depends on the type and severity of the gum disease. Early gum disease is called gingivitis and it is characterized by inflammation of the gums (also known as gingiva). Here’s everything you need to know about gum disease, including its causes and early symptoms, as well as how to prevent it and what dentists can do to manage it. Aggressive brushing can wear away your tooth enamel over time and damage your gums.
You or your dentist may see the cancer, because it looks like a sore in your mouth that just won’t heal. But keep an eye on it – and any sores in your mouth or on your gums. Head to the dentist if they don’t heal in a couple of weeks.
- Scaling and Root Planing: This deep cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline to help prevent further gum recession.
- Gum Grafting: In this procedure, tissue from another area of the mouth is used to cover exposed roots and stimulate new gum tissue growth.
- Laser Therapy: Some dentists use lasers to remove inflamed gum tissue and promote regeneration.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Prevent Gum Recession?
Yes, maintaining good oral hygiene practices such as regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings can help prevent gum disease and subsequent gum recession.
- How Long Does It Take for Gums to Regenerate?
The time it takes for gums to regenerate varies depending on the severity of the gum disease and the treatment used. It can take several weeks to months for noticeable improvement.
