You might imagine a set of reversible symptoms when you think of gum disease. After all, fast treatment can undo bad breath, swelling or tenderness, and bleeding around the gum line. As such, you may believe that receded gums from the condition will naturally grow back. The idea certainly makes sense at first glance. However, this attitude is misplaced. In truth, gum recession is more permanent than any of us would prefer. Learn more in this summary of the matter from your Texarkana dentist.
What’s Gum Recession?
In short, gum recession is when the gum tissue surrounding your teeth pulls away. When that happens, your teeth’s roots are exposed and become vulnerable to plaque and decay. (Your teeth will also start to look longer, hence the famous phrase “long in the tooth.”)
In most cases, receding gums result from periodontal or gum disease. As bacteria build up and infect the tissue, it causes the latter to deteriorate and erode.
Other symptoms of the recession include bleeding, pain at the gum line, red gums, and more.
So, *Can* My Gums Grow Back?
Unfortunately, gums that recede won’t grow back. Once the tissue pulls back and away from your teeth, it’s gone for good. That said, there are treatment options for managing gum recession.
For one thing, your dentist can stop it from progressing with a deep cleaning. Also called root planning and scaling, this procedure would clean out bacteria from the pockets between the gums and teeth. Doing so removes the infection and gives your gums a chance to heal.
Your dentist could also perform a gum graft. By replacing the lost tissue with some from another mouth area, they’d be able to restore your gums to their former appearance.
How to Prevent Gum Recession
Ultimately, the best thing you could do is to avoid gum recession in the first place. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help with that. Consider the tips below:
- Practice Good Dental Hygiene: Remember to brush your teeth twice daily, floss once daily, and rinse with fluoridated mouthwash. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush as well.
- Quit Bad Oral Habits: Don’t use cigarettes, cigars, or other tobacco-based products. These things have sugars and irritants that cause gum disease.
- Wear a Mouthguard: Sometimes, gums recede from teeth clenching or grinding. Therefore, consider wearing a mouthguard at night to protect yourself.
- See Your Dentist: Gums can recede due to crooked teeth or a misaligned bite. Therefore, see your dentist for regular checkups so they can treat these orthodontic problems quickly.
In the end, you can prevent or even reverse gum recession with the right tips and care. So, why are you waiting? Talk to your dentist about treatment today!
About the Practice
Dr. Torin Marracino is a dentist based in Texarkana, TX. He finds helping patients achieve bright smiles the most rewarding part of his work. As such, his specialties are preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, as well as emergency dental treatments when necessary. You can trust that he’ll give you the teeth-and-gum help you need! Dr. Marracino currently practices at Pleasant Grove Family Dentistry and can be reached at his website or by phone at (903)-838-9700.