

Garak Market Station Dentist — Why Are My Gums Receding?
Hello, I am Shin Seung-hwan, the director of Yonsei Uline Dental Clinic, Garak Branch, located near Garak Market Station.
Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered, “Huh? Why have my gums receded so much?”
In fact, gum recession is a common problem that many people experience.
Today, let’s take a look at why gums recede,
how to prevent it,
and how to manage gums that have already receded.

Gum recession can be easily understood as the gums and the gum-supporting bone, or alveolar bone, receding while the teeth themselves remain in place, gradually exposing the tooth roots.
As a result, the teeth may look longer, and sensitivity may develop.

The main causes of gum recession include the following.
First, periodontal disease can be the cause.
As the gums become inflamed and weakened, they gradually recede.
In other words, gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis are major causes.



Second, excessive force may be placed on the teeth.
If you have a habit of clenching your teeth,
chew tough foods only on one side,
or grind your teeth at night, force can become concentrated on certain teeth,
which may cause gum recession.

Third, gum recession may result from changes after orthodontic treatment.
If the teeth have shifted significantly after orthodontic treatment
or chewing is uncomfortable,
certain teeth may be subjected to increased strain, occasionally leading to gum recession.

So, what symptoms can occur when the gums recede?
First, tooth sensitivity may become more severe.
The upper portions of the teeth are protected by hard enamel,
but unfortunately, the roots do not have this protective covering.

That is why you may feel a strong “Ah, that’s sensitive!” sensation when eating cold or acidic foods.
Your gums may also bleed when brushing, and they may become swollen.



When gums recede, periodontitis often develops as well.
As a result, your gums may bleed when you brush,
and you may experience swelling.
If you dismiss these symptoms and leave them untreated,
the teeth may become loose, so caution is necessary.

If the gums continue to recede and the bone begins to deteriorate,
the teeth may eventually become loose and even fall out.
So, what can you do to
prevent gum recession?


If periodontitis is the cause, have regular professional cleanings. If symptoms continue even after cleaning, gum treatment may be necessary.

If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth,
a night guard, or splint treatment, may be recommended.


Some people visit the clinic because their gums have receded significantly and they are concerned about their appearance, hoping to address the issue.
In these cases, gum grafting may be considered,
but maintaining the results after treatment may be difficult,
so a careful decision is necessary.

Therefore, rather than thinking, “If my gums recede, I can just get a graft later,”
it is important to prevent and manage the problem in advance.
Because leaving gum recession untreated may cause it to worsen over time,
early detection and consistent management are the best approaches.
If you feel that your gums have recently started to recede,
there is no need to worry too much. We recommend that you begin by
having them examined by a dental professional.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aljuns8t-Yc