My gums are shrinking! Will they grow back?
- Sachin Soni
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Gums are an essential part of our oral health, providing a protective barrier for our teeth and supporting their stability in the mouth. Unfortunately, once gums have been damaged or lost, they cannot grow back on their own. This is because gum tissue does not have the same regenerative abilities as other tissues in the body.
There are several reasons why gums cannot grow back. One of the main reasons is that gum tissue is made up of specialised cells called fibroblasts, which have limited capacity for regeneration. Unlike other tissues in the body that can repair and regenerate themselves, gum tissue lacks the necessary cellular mechanisms to stimulate growth.
Another reason why gums cannot grow back is due to the nature of the damage that has occurred. Gum recession, which is a common cause of gum tissue loss, is often the result of poor oral hygiene, gum disease, or trauma to the mouth. Once the gum tissue has receded, it exposes the roots of the teeth, making it more susceptible to decay and other oral health problems. In these cases, the gum tissue cannot simply grow back on its own.
Furthermore, age can also play a role in the inability of gums to grow back. As we age, the regenerative capacity of our cells decreases, making it even more difficult for gum tissue to repair and regenerate itself.
While gums cannot grow back on their own, there are options available to help restore lost gum tissue. Gum grafting surgery is a common procedure in which tissue from another part of the mouth or a donor source is used to replace lost gum tissue. This can help improve the appearance of the gums and protect the teeth from further damage.
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