Gum disease is a bacterial infection in the gums, and it’s an incredibly common problem. In fact, recent studies suggest that well over half of the US population has some form of gum disease, whether that be the earliest phases (gingivitis) or the more advanced stages (periodontitis). Not only does this common oral health condition cause swollen gums, bad breath, and an unhealthy mouth, but it’s the leading cause of tooth loss in the US! One of the first signs of gum disease is gum recession, where the gums pull away from the teeth. Read on to learn more about spotting gum recession and whether your gums can grow back after it has occurred.
Why Are Receding Gums an Issue?
At first, gum recession may not sound like a big problem. However, the truth is that many people don’t realize just how important good gum health is to the rest of their smile and oral wellbeing. The gums protect the roots of your teeth from bacteria and plaque. They also function as the supportive structure that helps keep your teeth firmly in place. When the gums begin to shrink back because of gum disease, you may experience tooth sensitivity from the exposed roots and a higher risk of dental infection. What’s more, gum recession can lead to lose teeth that eventually fall out.
Tell-Tale Signs Your Gums Are Receding
Only the earliest stages of gum disease can be reversed, so it’s essential to detect it early. However, gum disease and gum recession can be easy to miss during their initial stages. Here are some tell-tale signs that your gums are receding:
- Teeth that look longer than normal
- Tooth sensitivity or pain at the gumline
- Gums that bleed after brushing or flossing
- Gum tissue that looks puffy, red, or swollen
- Chronic bad breath, even with regular oral hygiene
Can Gums Grow Back After Recession?
Unfortunately, receding gums cannot grow back. This is just one of many reasons why it’s so important to spot and stop gum disease early. However, there are ways to treat gum recession in order to lower your risk of further oral health issues. For example, gum disease therapy such as a deep cleaning (scaling and root planning) will clean out all the harmful bacterial responsible for your gum recession to make the tissue healthier. The roots can also be smoothed out, which will encourage the gums to reattach to them. Additionally, a skilled periodontist may be able to use a gum graft to reconstruct a healthy, pleasing appearance.
The best thing to do is to prevent gum disease and gum recession in the first place! To keep your gums strong and healthy, be sure to floss daily and visit your dentist twice a year for checkups.
About the Practice
At University Dental Group, we always do our best to stop gum disease in Worcester before it has a chance to start. However, for those who need help getting their gum health back on track, we’re pleased to offer gentle but effective periodontal therapy techniques to prevent new or worsening gum recession. Whether you need scaling and root planning or antibiotic therapy, our experienced dentists will help restore your happy, healthy smile. If you’re concerned about your gums, don’t hesitate to contact us online or at (508) 960-6495.