What should I do about gum and tooth recession?

Dental problems can be extremely serious, affecting not only eating but even speech. Gum issues are equally concerning. There are numerous related diseases, and specific treatment depends on each patient’s individual condition. Recently, I heard about gum recession, but I’m unfamiliar with this condition—so I’m quite worried. What should one do if experiencing gum recession?

What to Do for Gum Recession

Gum recession often requires surgical intervention. Guided bone regeneration (GBR) may also be used in treating gum recession. For cases where surgical approaches are unsuitable—particularly when the roots of most anterior teeth are exposed—gingival restoration procedures can be performed to improve aesthetics. Gum recession is commonly caused by periodontal disease. Calculus (tartar) accumulating at the gumline triggers inflammation, leading to gum recession, root exposure, tooth mobility, and eventual tooth loss. Gum recession can be classified as either pathological or physiological. Pathological recession primarily results from long-standing, unremoved calculus along the gingival margin, promoting bacterial growth and chronic irritation.

With advancing age, mild gum recession and root exposure occur to some degree in most individuals—a phenomenon termed physiological recession. This type does not require medical treatment but can be slowed through proper oral care to prevent further progression. Regular dental check-ups at an oral health clinic enable early detection and management of symptoms and potential underlying oral conditions. Additionally, professional dental cleaning every 6–12 months is an effective preventive measure against gingivitis. Of course, beyond prevention, patients with active periodontal inflammation should promptly undergo comprehensive periodontal therapy to halt or slow the progression of gum recession.

Patients are advised to seek a definitive diagnosis and appropriate treatment at a hospital. Daily attention to oral hygiene is essential to prevent recurrence. We hope this information proves helpful.