What Is Gum Recession?

Healthy gums fit tightly around the tooth and protect it from external factors. However, in some cases, the gum tissue may recede, exposing the tooth’s root surface. Gum recession does not occur in everyone and may not be noticed immediately.

What Are the Symptoms of Gum Recession?

Common signs of gum recession include:

1. Sensitivity to hot and cold due to exposed root surfaces
2. Bleeding during brushing
3. Redness and swelling of the gums
4. Teeth appearing longer than normal
5. Bleeding, especially while chewing firm foods

What Causes Gum Recession?

Gum recession can result from multiple factors, such as:

1. Excessive tartar buildup due to poor oral hygiene
2. Incorrect brushing technique
3. Using a very hard-bristled toothbrush
4. Crooked or crowded teeth
5. Long or tight frenum (lip-tie)
6. Vitamin deficiencies
7. Thin gum tissue
8. Teeth grinding or clenching
9. Aging
10. Genetic predisposition
11. Hormonal changes and certain systemic diseases

How Is Gum Recession Treated? Can It Heal on Its Own? Are There Herbal or At-Home Remedies?

Unfortunately, gum recession does not heal on its own.

Herbal treatments, oils, or home remedies cannot restore lost gum tissue. Professional care is essential.

Treatment includes:

1. Eliminating the underlying cause
2. Improving oral hygiene
3. Professional tartar cleaning (scaling)
4. Surgical procedures when needed
5. Most commonly, a gum graft, usually taken from the palate, is performed to rebuild the missing gum tissue.

How Is Healing After Treatment?

Following surgical treatment (with or without gum grafting), stitches remain in the mouth for several days. Healing of the surgical area typically takes 10–14 days.

During this period, the patient must:

1. Take prescribed medications regularly
2. Keep the surgical site clean
3. Avoid disturbing the stitches
4. Avoid trauma to the area
5. Completely avoid smoking (critical for graft success)

While the success of the graft can be seen within the first week, full tissue maturation takes 3–6 months.

Can Gum Recession Reoccur in the Same Area?

Gum tissue taken from the palate is thicker and stronger. After grafting, the newly placed gum tightly wraps the tooth and provides increased resistance to future recession.

How Can Gum Recession Be Prevented?

To prevent gum recession:

1. Use a soft or medium-soft toothbrush
2. Avoid brushing with excessive force
3. Maintain routine dental check-ups
4. Have tartar and plaque professionally removed at recommended intervals