Updated on August 13th, 2025
Wondering if your gums can grow back? While lost gum tissue doesn’t naturally regenerate, there are proven treatments to restore your smile and prevent further damage. Here’s what causes gum recession, how to stop it, and the latest options your Glendale dentist offers.
Of course, gums recede for various reasons, so it’s also important to determine the cause.
5 Reasons Your Gums Recede
#1 Overzealous Brushing and Flossing
It’s important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush when cleaning your teeth. Additionally, you want to brush in a circular motion that covers all surfaces. And you should never tug and force your dental floss. Gently cleaning your teeth is the best course for a healthy smile and preventing this type of gum recession.
#2 Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Teeth grinding wears down your teeth and puts a lot of pressure on your roots and gum tissue. Over time, this can lead to gum recession and even tooth loss. Your dentist can evaluate you for nocturnal bruxism to ensure this isn’t the cause of your gum recession. If you have bruxism, you may notice head, neck, jaw, and shoulder pain, and increased musculature around the lower face or jaw. You can combat bruxism with treatment, including a nightguard.
#3 Gum Tissue Injury
If you suffer a fall or are hit in the face accidentally, it can damage your gum tissue, leading to recession. Of course, if you compete in sports, you should be wearing a mouthguard, but we understand that accidents do happen.
#4 Tobacco Use
Because tobacco impacts blood flow to vital organs and tissues, including your gums, it’s essential to stop using it in all forms. Tobacco also contributes to gum disease, which may be the leading cause of gum recession and tooth loss.
#5 Gum Disease
When periodontal infections reach the jawbones and tissues that support your teeth, it is called gum disease. This condition is not curable, but it is treatable. We can halt gum recession and restore you to better oral health. However, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as you notice the signs:
- Bleeding gums, especially during oral hygiene sessions
- Bad breath that does not improve with brushing and flossing
- Gum recession or an elongated appearance to the teeth
- Loose or mobile teeth that shift around on the gum
Gum disease can cost you your teeth, but studies also associate it with severe wellness complications involving the heart and lungs. It may also contribute to low birth weight, premature labor, and specific types of dementia.
Your Glendale, CA, Dentist Can Evaluate and Treat Your Gum Recession
In the past, gum disease treatment was a daunting prospect. Patients avoided it. But today, select dentists provide gentle and less invasive treatments that give your smile a second chance.
In our dental office, we may use a variety of treatments to improve your gum disease, including:
- Special deep cleanings (below the gumline)
- Antibiotic therapy, typically topical ointments
- A special routine for your at-home brushing and flossing
However, not every case of gum recession means gum disease in Glendale, CA. Your dentist evaluates your teeth and gums to determine the culprit. Then we start treatment.
Dr. Lucio Kim provides gentle gum recession treatment through a method called the pinhole surgical technique. This method involves anesthesia and your dentist gently manipulating the gum tissue to better adhere to your teeth. This treatment method calls for only a pin-sized incision!
After surgery and a quick recovery, you’ll notice symptoms improving.
We can evaluate your gum recession to determine whether the pinhole surgical technique suits you.
Lowering Your Risks for Gum Recession
- See your dentist in Glendale every six months for dental examinations and professional teeth cleanings.
- Never skip brushing and flossing sessions at home. You should clean your teeth at least twice daily.
- Report symptoms to your dentist as soon as possible, including tooth sensitivity or changes to tooth shape.
- Stop using tobacco in all forms.
Contact Us for Gum Recession Treatment in Glendale
Don’t wait until gum recession causes permanent damage. If you’ve noticed sensitive teeth, longer-looking teeth, or changes in your gumline, call our Glendale dental office today to schedule a consultation and protect your smile.