If Your Gums Keep Receding?… Gum Recession

Chief Jihyun Jang, Department of Dentistry, Daedong Hospital

Office worker Mr. A one day discovered a triangular-shaped gap in the gum space between his front teeth. The black hole between the white teeth was noticeable, causing him stress whenever he spoke or smiled.

After searching online, he thought it resembled the black triangle symptom that occurs during orthodontic treatment, but since he had no orthodontic experience, he worried it might be another disease or could worsen. When he visited the dentist, he was diagnosed with gum recession.

Gum recession. [Image source=Clipart Korea]

'Gum recession' refers to the condition where the gums recede from their original height, exposing the roots of the teeth, and is also called gingival recession.

Simply put, gum recession is the lowering of the gums. It commonly occurs in people over 40 due to aging but can also happen in younger individuals depending on oral care.

Poor oral hygiene allows bacteria to develop on the teeth and gums, leading to inflammation. During this process, the irritated gums recede, and if the inflammation extends to the alveolar bone, it progresses to periodontitis.

Additionally, vigorous brushing or using abrasive toothpaste can wear down the enamel around the gums, causing gum recession. Excessive use of dental floss or toothpicks can directly damage the gums, so caution is necessary.

Other causes include ▲orthodontic treatment ▲teeth grinding ▲ill-fitting partial dentures ▲smoking ▲vitamin C deficiency, among others.

Gum recession develops gradually and may be discovered as an aesthetic issue without other symptoms, as in Mr. A's case. When recession progresses and the supporting tissue of the tooth decreases, exposing the root, sensitivity or pain may occur during brushing or when drinking cold water, leading to detection.

When gums recede, the spaces between teeth enlarge and teeth appear longer, which is aesthetically unpleasing. Food debris and plaque can easily get trapped between the gums, potentially leading to periodontal disease.

Mild gum recession is primarily managed by switching to mild toothpaste or a soft-bristled toothbrush and practicing proper brushing techniques to prevent tooth damage. If the tooth surface is deeply worn, treatments such as resin application to cover the exposed area or fluoride application for sensitivity are performed. In severe cases, gum graft surgery may be conducted based on the medical professional's judgment.

Dr. Jihyun Jang, head of the dental department at Daedong Hospital, said, “Gum recession does not occur suddenly but progresses gradually, so regular oral check-ups are necessary to monitor the condition of your teeth.” He added, “If recession is left untreated, surgery such as gum grafting may become necessary, so it is recommended to regularly check your gum condition and visit the dentist immediately if any abnormal symptoms appear.”

For maintaining gum health, it is important to brush carefully using the correct technique, paying close attention to the tooth surfaces and the gum line, and to manage the spaces between teeth using interdental brushes or dental floss.

Particular care should be taken if you have many implants or prosthetics, and it is recommended to visit the dentist at least once a year for scaling and check-ups.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.