【健·生活】 作者：冯向辉（北京大学口腔医院牙周科主任医师） 40岁的小王照镜子时，突然发现，"怎么牙齿看着越来越长，很多牙齿的牙根也露出来了？"后牙的牙缝 也变大了，怪不得一吃饭就容易塞牙。 这是怎么回事？其实，这种情况一般是牙龈发生了"退缩"导致的，这是一种常见但容易被忽视的口腔问 题。牙龈退缩是一个需要认真对待的口腔健康信号，它警示着牙齿的"防护墙"正在受损。科学认知、早 期规范治疗、正确口腔护理，是守住牙龈这条"生命线"，让牙齿陪伴我们更久的关键。 人老了必然会牙龈退缩吗 牙龈退缩俗称"牙龈萎缩"，是指包裹和支持牙齿的粉红色牙龈组织边缘，逐渐向牙根方向收缩，导致原 本被包裹的牙根部分暴露出来。在专业上，是指牙龈边缘退到了牙齿颈部（釉牙骨质界）的根方。它不 仅会发生在牙齿的外侧和内侧，也可能波及牙齿之间的牙龈乳头，导致牙缝处出现难看的"黑三角"。 牙龈退缩在中老年人群中非常普遍，有学者报告，50岁以上的人群中几乎100%存在不同程度的牙龈退 缩。但年轻人也并非高枕无忧，以下人群和行为是主要风险因素： 牙周炎患者：这是导致广泛性、多颗牙以及牙齿邻面出现牙龈退缩的首要原因。长期的牙周炎症会持续 破坏牙龈和牙 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the issue of "gum recession," also known as "gingival recession," which is a common symptom associated with periodontal disease. It emphasizes that this condition is not directly related to aging and highlights the importance of proper oral hygiene to prevent further complications [1][2][4]. Group 1: Causes and Prevention - "Gum recession" is primarily caused by untreated periodontal inflammation and improper brushing techniques, rather than aging [2][4]. - Correcting improper brushing habits can effectively prevent further gum recession [3]. - Most individuals experiencing gum recession are likely suffering from advanced stages of periodontal disease, which can be managed with timely treatment and good oral hygiene practices [3][4]. Group 2: Health Implications - Gum recession can lead to significant health issues, including root sensitivity, food impaction, and potential tooth loss [4]. - The presence of gum recession indicates that periodontal disease has progressed to a serious level, which may result in further complications if not addressed [4]. Group 3: Misconceptions - Common misconceptions include the belief that dental cleaning causes gum recession, when in fact, the recession may have already occurred due to underlying issues [7]. - Another misconception is that bleeding gums during brushing should be avoided, whereas it is a warning sign that requires continued attention to oral hygiene [8]. - The idea that tooth loss is inevitable with age is incorrect; maintaining good oral hygiene from a young age can lead to retaining a healthy set of teeth into old age [10].