Do receding gums grow back? Treatments and prevention

Many different factors can cause receding gums, including:

• periodontal disease
• traumatic brushing
• grinding and clenching of teeth
• aging
• damage
• smoking

Periodontal disease

The periodontium is the supporting structure surrounding each tooth that includes:

• gum
• alveolar bone
• links
• cementum, the hard tissue that allows the periodontal ligament to attach to a tooth

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, refers to the infection and inflammation of the gums and upper structures in the mouth.

This inflammation occurs due to the accumulation of bacterial deposits called plaque.

Factors that may cause or contribute to periodontal disease include:

There are two stages periodontal disease. First, gingivitis causes the gums to become red and swollen—untreated, there may also be bleeding that it can lead to in periodontitis. During periodontitis, the later stage of periodontal disease, there are four stages in total of seriousness.

In periodontitis, the gums and connective tissues pull away and a pocket forms between the tooth and the gum that can collect bacteria. Over time, the bacteria cause further inflammation.

If the gums recede too much, this it may occur to bone loss, which can cause teeth to loosen or fall out.

Strong or incorrect brushing

Regular brushing is essential to maintain good oral hygiene. However, using the wrong brushing technique could contribute to receding gums.

The gingival margin is the part of the gum that contacts the crown of the tooth. Improper or too harsh brushing can damage this area, which can cause gum inflammation and recession.

Brushing factors that can cause gum recession include:

• applying too much pressure
• using a toothbrush with hard or medium bristles
• brushing the teeth with a wide, horizontal motion

Grinding and clenching of teeth

Some people grind their upper and lower teeth while they sleep.

The grinding motion of the teeth puts intense pressure on the gums, which can cause them to recede over time.

Teeth grinding can also cause teeth to loosen in their sockets. Additionally, grinding creates deep pockets between the tooth and gum where bacteria can collect. These bacteria cause gum inflammation and can worsen gum recession.

Aging

ONE review of the bibliography found that the body’s natural aging process causes receding gums. As the years pass, the alveolar bone and soft tissue become damaged due to repeated exposure to bacteria and other factors.

Damage

Maintaining direct trauma to the gum tissue can cause gums to recede in that area. Examples of such injuries include the following:

• during a fall or other accident
• during dental procedures
• wearing poorly fitting partial dentures;
• playing contact sports

Smoking

According to National Institute on Aging, there is a link between smoking and receding gums. For example, the previous literature review also found that smokers are twice as likely to have receding gums than non-smokers.

Treatment for receding gums depends on the underlying cause, which may or may not require surgery.

Proper dental care

When traumatic brushing practices are the cause, reevaluating proper dental care is the cause first line Treatment. The care plan may include the following:

• Regular toothbrush change: An effective remedy is a soft, ultra-soft or electric toothbrush with a force sensor.
• Trying a different toothpaste: Avoiding abrasive toothpaste can help prevent further gum recession. A person may also consider using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
• Maintaining regular dental cleanings and examinations with a dentist: A visit to the dentist at least twice a year for checking and cleaning can help treat receding gums.

Scaling and root planing

Scaling and root planing are some of the first treatments for receding gums by a dentist can recommend. These procedures remove plaque and calculus from below the gum line, where regular brushing can’t reach.

Root planing removes plaque and tartar specifically from the roots of the teeth. A dentist will then use special tools to smooth the roots, which help the gums reattach to the tooth.

Gum graft surgery

A dentist may consider gum graft surgery (GGS) if a person’s gums have severely receded.

During GGS, a surgeon will take a small piece of gum tissue from elsewhere in the mouth and use it to cover the exposed tooth roots.

GGS helps prevent bone loss and further gum recession. It can also protect previously exposed tooth roots from decay.

Pinhole surgical technique

The Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST) is a new treatment for mild to moderate receding gums.

It is a minimally invasive procedure that involves making a tiny hole in the gum tissue over the exposed tooth root.

A dentist will insert a unique tool into the hole to separate the gum from the tooth. They will then stretch and reposition the gums back over the exposed tooth root.

The following tips can help slow or stop the progression of receding gums:

Practice good oral hygiene

The following oral hygiene tips can help:

• floss regularly
• using a fluoride toothpaste
• brushing teeth and gently along the gum line twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush
• using an antiseptic or fluoride mouthwash to reduce bacteria and remove debris
• choice of toothbrush size and shape that allows access to all parts of the mouth
• replacing toothbrushes at least every 2-4 months
• attending regular dental appointments

Use the correct brushing technique

Adopting the correct brushing technique can help prevent receding gums.

The American Dental Association provides the following instructions:

• Place the toothbrush on the gums at a 45 degree angle.
• Applying gentle pressure, sweep the toothbrush back and forth using small, firm strokes.
• Brush the outer and inner surfaces, as well as the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
• When cleaning the inner surfaces of the front teeth, hold the toothbrush vertically.
• Brush the teeth for a total of 2 minutes.

People can also ask their dentist for advice on modifying this technique to manage their receding gums.

Wear a mouth guard

A mouth guard or brace can help prevent receding gums at night due to teeth grinding. Mouthguards create even pressure across the entire jaw and act as a natural barrier to separate the upper and lower teeth.

Mouthguards are available from most pharmacies. A dentist can also make a custom mouth guard, which will provide a better fit.

Replace ill-fitting dentures

Partial dentures that once fit well can become incompatible with the mouth over time. This can happen for a number of reasons, including:

• bone and gum ridges shrink over time
• differences in jaw alignment
• general wear of the partial denture

Poor fitting of some dentures can rub and irritate the gums, causing the gums to recede around healthy teeth. People can prevent this by replacing partial dentures when necessary.

Visit the dentist regularly

Attending regular dental exams is vital to detect the early stages of gum recession.

Exams also allow the dentist to identify and replace any faulty fillings or ill-fitting partial dentures, which may be contributing to receding gums.

Once the gums recede, they cannot grow back. However, certain treatments can reconnect and restore the gum tissue around the teeth.

Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental checkups can help prevent, slow, or stop gum recession.

People should talk to their dentist for personalized advice on preventing and treating receding gums.