Too thin and too long teeth is also a disease? This situation is irreversible! Huaxi doctors teach you 4 ways to prevent it

If you suddenly find out one day

My teeth seem to have grown longer.

The tooth roots are still thin

Then you might be in big trouble...

This is not secondary development of teeth

It's the gums that are "retreating" - gum recession

Why do I have toothache and tooth sensitivity after this retreat?

Soon to find the door

Gum recession is not strictly speaking an oral disease, but a common symptom of periodontal disease.

Generally speaking, if you see the gums receding and the tooth roots are exposed, it is gum recession.

Because more of the teeth are exposed, they appear to be longer.

Image source: Wikimedia

Although it doesn't sound serious, gum recession can actually cause a lot of trouble in your life, such as:

It is easier for food to get stuck in teeth: Gum recession can cause the gaps between teeth to widen, making it easier for food to get stuck. If it is not cleaned properly, the risk of tooth decay will greatly increase.

Teeth are more sensitive: Most patients with gum recession report that they experience soreness, pain and discomfort when encountering hot or cold stimulation or physical stimulation. In severe cases, gingivitis may occur.

Also, gum recession often occurs on the front teeth, which is really ugly! I don’t even dare to smile with my teeth sticking out…

age

As people age, their gums will progressively shrink , but this will not be accompanied by symptoms such as bleeding, redness, or swelling. This is why the teeth of many elderly people appear to be relatively slender.

Periodontitis

If teeth are not cleaned properly, dental tartar will be serious, which will lead to bacterial growth and inflammation. The periodontal tissue will be repeatedly damaged and the gums will shrink towards the roots.

Image source: Photo Network

Long-term food impaction

The mechanical pressure caused by food impaction can also cause direct damage to the gums.

Long-term squeezing and friction cause the gum tissue to be subjected to continuous external forces, destroying the normal connection structure between the gums and teeth and accelerating the process of gum atrophy.

Misaligned teeth

If the teeth do not grow neatly, the force on the gums will be uneven, which can easily cause gum atrophy over time.

Image source: Photo Network

Genetic factors

Some people are born with thin gums or have a family history of gum recession , which increases the risk of gum recession.

Incorrect brushing method

For example, many people brush their teeth very quickly and vigorously, and like to brush horizontally in a "sawing" manner. The alveolar bone and gums are subjected to long-term wear and irritation, making gum atrophy more likely.

Image source: Photo Network

Not only brushing your teeth, but also using dental floss, toothpicks and other dental cleaning tools should be done in moderation to avoid damaging the gums.

Let me remind you again that gum recession is irreversible!

Mild gum recession does not affect function and appearance and is barely acceptable. More obvious gum recession can be partially repaired through periodontal surgery, but it is difficult to restore to a healthy state.

Therefore, it is important to take preventive measures in advance when your teeth and gums are healthy.

★ Clean your teeth regularly. Cleaning your teeth every 6 to 12 months can effectively remove tartar, prevent and treat oral inflammation, and reduce the risk of gum atrophy.

Image source: Photo Network

Note: Many people feel that their teeth are sparse and thin after teeth cleaning, and mistakenly think that it is gum recession; but in fact, the gum tissue has not actually retreated, it is just an illusion after the tartar has been removed. On the contrary, removing tartar can help improve the periodontal environment, reduce gingival inflammation, and promote the healthy recovery of gum tissue.

★If you have periodontitis, seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent further progression of periodontitis.

★Correct your brushing habits , use the Bass brushing method, and it is recommended to use a toothbrush with softer bristles.

Image source: Photo Network

★Change your chewing habits . On the one hand, chew less hard and sharp foods. On the other hand, do not chew with only one side of your teeth.

Oral problems are the easiest to prevent. Generally, if there is any problem, you will immediately feel uncomfortable, with symptoms such as redness, swelling, soreness, etc., and you can even find it immediately by looking in the mirror.

The same goes for gum recession, so when the situation is not serious, you must seek treatment as soon as possible, maybe there is still hope!

Statement: This article is a medical-related educational popular science article. It does not involve specific treatment methods or medical behaviors and cannot replace hospital visits.

Experts who reviewed this article

References

[1]Qin Yaoqiao. A brief analysis of the causes and effects of gingival atrophy on the younger age[J]. Everyone's Health, 2020, (02): 84-85.

[2] Zhang Yuying, Luo Jingjing, Han Yukun, et al. The occurrence and treatment progress of gingival recession[J]. Journal of Jilin Medical College, 2015, 36(02): 128-129. DOI: 10.13845/j.cnki.issn1673-2995.2015.02.025.

[3] Pei Wenyi. Study on the intervention effect of orthodontic treatment on gingival recession[J]. Practical Clinical Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, 2016, 16(02): 55-56. DOI: 10.13638/j.issn.1671-4040.2016.02.028.

Content Production

Editor: Zhang Fuyao

Map: Eastern Zhou Dynasty