Can You Fix Receding Gums?
Seeing evidence of gum recession can be unsettling. Receding gums change how your smile looks, often cause sensitivity, and, if left untreated, can lead to more serious dental problems. As the gumline pulls away from the teeth, more of the tooth surface, and sometimes the root, is exposed. This not only makes eating or drinking hot or cold foods uncomfortable, but it also increases the risk of decay and infection in areas that are harder to clean.
So, the question becomes: can you actually fix receding gums?
The answer depends on what you mean by “fix.” Gum tissue doesn’t grow back naturally once it’s lost, but there are dental treatments that can restore coverage and protect your teeth. Even without surgical procedures, early intervention can stop recession from getting worse and help you maintain a healthy smile.
Why Gums Recede
Understanding the cause is the first step toward a solution. Receding gums can result from a variety of contributing factors, which may be at work alone or in combination:
- Periodontal disease, inflammation of the tissue surrounding the teeth, is the most common cause
- Aggressive tooth brushing can wear down tissue over time
- Genetic predisposition to thinner gums or weaker connective tissue
- Hormonal changes can make gums more sensitive
- Teeth grinding or jaw clenching, which puts excessive force on the gums
- Poor oral hygiene allows plaque and tartar to build up
Often, more than one factor is involved, which is why a dentist’s evaluation is so important before deciding on a treatment plan.
Since gums don’t regenerate naturally, “fixing” them typically means restoring lost gum coverage, protecting exposed roots, and preventing further damage. The earlier the gum recession is caught, the more conservative the treatment can be.
For mild cases caused by factors like aggressive brushing, your dentist may simply recommend switching to a softer toothbrush and improving your brushing technique. This can prevent more tissue loss and allow the gums to stabilize.
Treatments That Can Restore Gum Coverage
If gum recession has advanced, dentists have several options:
- Scaling and root planing: A deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar below the gumline, reducing inflammation and helping the gums reattach more securely.
- Gum graft surgery: Tissue from another part of your mouth—or from a donor source—is placed over exposed roots to rebuild the gumline.
- Pinhole surgical technique: A minimally invasive procedure that loosens and repositions existing gum tissue to cover exposed areas.
These treatments not only improve appearance but also protect your teeth from further damage and make daily cleaning more effective.
Prevention Is the Best Long-Term Strategy
Even if you’ve had gum restoration procedures, you’ll still need to prevent further gum loss. This means brushing gently twice a day, flossing daily, and scheduling regular dental checkups. If teeth grinding is an issue, a custom nighttime mouthguard can protect both your gums and teeth. Lifestyle changes, like giving up smoking, also make a noticeable difference in gum health.
You can’t make gums grow back on their own, but you can absolutely fix the problem with the right professional care and good daily habits. The combination of stopping further loss, repairing damaged areas, and maintaining healthy gums is the key to keeping your smile strong for the long haul.