What are the causes and treatments for gum recession?

The gums are the soft tissue that wraps around the teeth. They are very soft and are protected only by a layer of mucous membrane. Therefore, the health of the gums is easily affected. Gingivitis is a common symptom. When gingivitis develops to a serious state, it can lead to diseases such as gum atrophy. Let’s take a look at the causes and treatments of gum atrophy.

Gums are the outermost layer of tissue surrounding the teeth and play a supporting and protective role for the teeth. However, in some cases, the gum tissue will retreat towards the root of the tooth, exposing the root and lengthening the crown of the tooth. This is called gum recession. The result of gum recession is that the chances of teeth being worn, infected and corroded are greatly increased, thus causing caries, periodontitis, apical periodontitis, pulpitis, loosening and falling teeth, etc.

Causes of Gum Recession

Common causes of gingival atrophy include inflammation, aging, disuse and mechanical factors. Inflammatory gum atrophy, in addition to atrophy, is also characterized by redness, swelling and pain in the gums, and bleeding is common when brushing the teeth. Gum recession in the elderly is a normal physiological phenomenon. With age, the gums of the entire mouth recede and the crowns of the teeth grow. The more the alveolar ridge is absorbed, the more obvious the gum recession becomes. If it occurs in young people, it is called premature atrophy, and its cause is not yet clear. Disuse atrophy is due to the lack of normal kinetic stimulation of the gums. For example, hypoplastic gingiva, misaligned teeth, and unilateral chewing may lead to degenerative lesions and gradual atrophy. Mechanical atrophy is caused by horizontal brushing and the use of harsh dentifrice. Tartar, food impaction or pressure from restorations can all cause gum recession. The clinical manifestations include gum atrophy and tooth crown growth, and the patient is sensitive to cold, heat, chemical and mechanical stimulation, but generally without inflammation. If there are local irritants, secondary infection may also occur.

For the prevention and treatment of gingival recession, different measures should be adopted according to different types.

Pay attention to oral hygiene for senile atrophy and premature atrophy. You should use toothpaste and toothbrush recommended by the National Dental Prevention Organization and brush your teeth 2 to 3 times a day, and once before going to bed at night is essential. When you don’t have time or it is inconvenient to brush your teeth, you can rinse your mouth instead. In some special occasions, you can rinse your mouth with soup or tea to keep your mouth clean. To prevent food from getting stuck, you can brush your teeth or use dental floss to remove it. Using a toothpick is not scientific. Regular gum massage and tooth tapping can enhance the health of local tissues. The exposed cementum surface should be polished smooth to prevent the deposition of dental plaque and tartar. Dentin hypersensitivity requires desensitization treatment.