CAN MY RECEDING GUMS GROW BACK?

Caring for your gums is just as important as caring for your teeth. Unfortunately, if your gum health is impacted because of inflammation, it can lead to periodontal disease and gum recession, which occurs when the gums start pulling back, exposing more and more of the tooth’s root.

Unfortunately, once this happens, your gums are permanently changed, because gum tissue does not grow back naturally. The beginning stages of gum disease can be reversed, but at these early stages, the gums have likely not yet begun receding.

Still, even if your gums are receding, there are a few ways the dentist can approach this issue and restore your dental health!

ARE YOUR GUMS RECEDING? HERE’S HOW TO FIND OUT

The only way to know for sure if you’re dealing with gum recession is to book a consultation with a dentist. The signs can be subtle at first, making it easy for many patients to completely miss them.

There are a few symptoms to look out for to see if your gums are beginning to recede:

• Your teeth appear to be longer
• You experience new or heightened tooth sensitivity
• You notice some bleeding in your gum area

However, it’s still important to be mindful of your gum health before you begin to see the warning signs of gum recession. Frequent dental appointments for cleanings and checkups are one of the best ways to stay on top of your gum health, apart from the at-home care you can do on a daily basis:

• Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day
• Use dental floss daily to remove food particles from between the teeth
• Be mindful with your snacking habits
• Don’t smoke or use tobacco products
• Don’t delay seeing the dentist for certain issues, such as teeth grinding or gum bleeding 

HOW ARE RECEDING GUMS TREATED?

Treating receding gums generally depends on your specific case and how much damage there is to your gums and overall oral health.

In general, there are a few procedures designed to correct gum recession:

• Gum surgery
• Scaling and root planing
• Gum grafts, etc.

To determine which treatment is best for you, the dentist will inspect your mouth and assess the current state of your gums. It’s possible to first have to address the causes of your gum recession and then move on to these procedures.

For instance, if gum recession is onset by periodontitis, you will first need to receive treatment for this infection. After your gums heal, you can then move on to address your gum recession.

Are Your Gums Receding? South Austin Dental Associates Can Help

South Austin Dental Associates can help you stay on top of your oral health needs, including making sure your gums are in perfect condition! To get started, simply book a consultation online with Dr. Evan Matthysse or Dr. John Chelkowski, or call our office at (512) 444-1133 for more information.