Why do gums recede?

The phenomenon of gum recession is medically known as periodontal disease, which can be mainly divided into periodontal disease and periodontitis. After gum atrophy occurs, symptoms such as gum inflammation, bleeding, loose teeth, and displacement will appear. In severe cases, it may even cause the patient's teeth to fall out, which is quite harmful. Therefore, the causative factors are a concern for many patients. So, why do gums recede? Let’s take a closer look at the reasons.

Gum atrophy

Cause of atrophy: Improper brushing . Improper brushing methods will not only fail to protect but will also damage teeth and periodontal tissues. For example, a toothbrush that is too hard, toothpaste with too coarse abrasive particles, and sawing-style brushing can all lead to gum recession. Poor dentures Dentures with poorly made restorations are difficult to clean, which can lead to poor periodontal hygiene and gum recession. Excessive biting force due to various reasons can also cause abnormal tooth movement and gum recession. Prevention of atrophy Gum recession is irreversible, and the focus should be on prevention: ① Regular oral health care. Experience in developed countries has shown that cleaning teeth every 6 to 12 months is an effective measure to prevent gingivitis. Patients who already have symptoms of periodontal disease should receive systematic periodontal treatment in a timely manner; 2. Master the correct method of brushing teeth. It is recommended to use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a blunt tip. Fluoride toothpaste is preferred, and the abrasive contained in it should be of appropriate coarseness and fineness. At the same time, you must learn the correct brushing posture. Most people can use the vertical brushing method or the short horizontal vibration method. When necessary, use toothpicks and dental floss to clean areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush; ③ Don’t pursue cheapness and convenience. Dentures are placed in small clinics with low technical levels and irregular operations, which is also the main reason for poor restorations; ④ If patients feel that some of their teeth have moved abnormally, they should go to the hospital for examination in time for symptomatic treatment.

The correct way to brush your teeth is to place the tip of the toothbrush at the junction of the gums and the crowns, apply slight pressure along the direction of the teeth, brush downward when brushing the upper teeth, and brush upward when brushing the lower teeth. Brush the inside and outside of the teeth and the occlusal surface. Brush the same area repeatedly. This method can effectively remove plaque and soft scale, and can stimulate the gums to keep the gums in normal shape. The vibration method refers to brushing your teeth with the bristles at a 45-degree angle to the teeth, so that part of the bristles enters the gap between the gums and the tooth surface, and the other part extends into the gap between the teeth, making short vibrations back and forth. When brushing the occlusal surface, the bristles should be placed flat on the tooth surface and vibrated back and forth over a short distance. You can brush 2-3 teeth in each area. Brush both the inside and outside of your teeth. Although this method is also horizontal brushing, it is a short-distance horizontal brushing, basically making horizontal vibrations in the original position. Compared with large-scale horizontal brushing, it will not damage the neck of the teeth and is not easy to damage the gums. Physiological brushing method: refers to the tip of the toothbrush bristles contacting the tooth surface, and then gently brushing towards the gums. This method has a slight stimulating effect on the gums, just like food passing through them, thus promoting blood circulation in the gums and helping to keep the periodontal tissues healthy.

In short, brush your teeth gently, don't use too much force, but repeat it many times. Every surface of the teeth should be brushed, especially the molars at the back, and the toothbrush should be inserted into them for brushing. If the previous methods are combined, the effect will be better. Every time after brushing your teeth, if you are not sure, you can look in the mirror to see if it is clean. Only by taking it seriously can you ensure the effectiveness of brushing your teeth.

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