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Gum recession is the condition when the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, exposing the roots of the teeth. It is a common condition for adults above the age of 40. The gums are a protective tissue that surrounds and supports the tooth.

Gum recession results in retraction of the gum line, exposing more and more of the teeth to the mouth’s environment. This may result in accelerated tooth decay and loosening of the teeth.

Gum recession treatments are varied and depend on the cause of the condition and its severity. Surgical and non-surgical receding gum treatments are available. Some of the options for growing back the gum are being described below.

Non-Surgical Methods of Growing back Gum

If the gum recession is not severe and can be halted and grown back by simple alteration of the mouth’s environment, then non-surgical options are proposed. This is generally the case for bacterial infections of the gum, particularly those in an early stage. In these cases, a professional deep cleaning of the periodontal pockets is recommended.

This involves removal of plaque and tartar above and below the gum line in order to reduce the sources of bacterial infection.

Surgical Methods of Growing back Gum

Surgical gum recession treatment methods are employed in more advanced cases, where the receded gum line is unlikely to grow back with simple means. The following receding gum treatments are available:

Soft Tissue Graft—this involves taking gum tissue from other parts of the mouth (e.g. the palate or healthier parts of the gum), placing it over the exposed places and suturing them in place. This procedure is quite easy on the patient. It requires only mild painkilling treatment and lasts for a lifetime with proper care.

Bone Grafts—exposure of the root can lead to atrophy of the jawbone as a result of bacterial infection. Bone grafts can grow back the bone, making it easier to hold teeth and gum. Bone tissue can be taken from the jaw, hip, or tibia and placed in the jawbone. Special membranes are inserted to protect it and assist in bone regeneration.