If you think your teeth look longer than they did before, it could be because of your gums. Gum recession occurs for a number of reasons, from brushing your teeth with too much pressure, clenching or grinding your teeth, or from gum disease. Your oral health and care habits, the alignment of your teeth, your lifestyle choices and your genes can all play a part when it comes to receding gums.
Since gum recession can lead to tooth sensitivity and affects the look and health of your smile, you might be wondering, can receding gums grow back? While receding gums don't grow back on their own, you can talk to your dentist or periodontist about treatments to correct the issue and prevent it from getting worse.
What Happens When Gums Recede?
Your gums are meant to protect your teeth in several ways. The attached gingiva is firmly bound soft tissue that securely connects your teeth to underlying connective tissue to protect your teeth and bone. The unattached gingival mucosa is elastic, movable gum tissue, protecting the insides of your cheeks and gums. The edge of the gum tissue, which surrounds and protects your teeth, is known as the gingival margin. When the margin pulls away from the teeth, it leaves the roots exposed. Your roots are covered with a calcified substance called cementum and are not as calcified as your tooth enamel, which may make them more susceptible to decay. Exposed roots may also result in tooth sensitivity because just under the cementum are nerve endings.