Garak-dong Dentist – If You Leave Receding Gums Untreated…

Hello. I am Shin Seung-hwan, the representative director of Yonsei U-Line Dental Clinic, Garak Branch, located in Garak-dong, Songpa-gu, near Garak Market Station.

You may have heard about receding gums at least once.

It refers to the gums gradually being worn downward while the teeth remain in place, exposing the tooth roots.

As more of the tooth becomes visible, the tooth may also become uncomfortable.

The most common cause of gums receding like this is gum disease, especially inflammatory conditions such as gingivitis or periodontitis.

When inflammation develops, the gums swell and bleed easily. As this repeatedly occurs, the gums gradually recede further.

Another possible cause is excessive force being applied to a particular tooth.

For example, if you chew tough foods only on one side, unconsciously clench your teeth, or have a habit of grinding your teeth, the gums around those teeth may become damaged.

In such cases, not only the gums but also the bone may be resorbed, gradually weakening the teeth.

Some people also say that their gums receded after orthodontic treatment.

The gums may also respond sensitively when the teeth have moved significantly or when the bite has become uncomfortable after orthodontic treatment.

The first symptom most people notice when their gums recede is sensitivity.

Especially when drinking cold water or eating acidic foods, many people say, “My tooth gives a sharp jolt,” or “My teeth feel sensitive.”

This is because when the tooth root is exposed, it becomes much more sensitive to external stimuli than the areas normally protected by enamel.

Another common symptom is bleeding while brushing your teeth.

This is often because periodontitis is also present. In some cases, the gums may bleed or hurt even when you use dental floss.

If left untreated, the teeth may eventually become loose, and in severe cases, they may even fall out.

Although we see the gums on the outside, beneath them is the alveolar bone, the bone that supports the teeth.

This bone is gradually resorbed to some extent as we age.

However, without scaling and basic gum care, pathological bone resorption—not simple aging—can occur, causing the gums to deteriorate much more rapidly.

That is why regular scaling is important.

Even basic care, when performed properly, can help prevent gum recession caused by periodontitis to some extent.

If your gums have already receded significantly, bleed easily, or make flossing uncomfortable, you should consider undergoing periodontal treatment as well.

What if there is no bleeding, but you only experience sensitivity?

It may be due to teeth grinding or clenching.

The habit of tightly clenching your teeth while sleeping, without realizing it, can place significant stress on the gums.

In such cases, it may be worth considering treatment using a protective device called a splint.

If you are concerned about the cosmetic aspect, gum grafting may also be possible in very rare cases.

However, grafting is effective only when sufficient bone remains, and there are cases in which the results do not last for a long time, so its application has limitations.

Therefore, if possible, it is much more important to detect the problem early and manage it in advance.

Many people whose gums have receded significantly also say that their bad breath has worsened.

These issues are not completely unrelated.

Food particles can easily become trapped in the spaces created as the gums recede. If these areas are not cleaned properly, the number of bacteria in the mouth can increase and the odor may become worse.

People who have a habit of sleeping with their mouths open may also develop a dry mouth while sleeping.

That dryness itself creates an environment favorable for the growth of harmful bacteria. If your mouth feels very dry in the morning, it is a good idea to check whether you breathe through your mouth during sleep.

In conclusion, receding gums are not simply a sign of aging. They may be the result of several overlapping problems. Therefore, the most important point is to review your daily habits and begin treatment and care early when necessary.