Objective To investigate the effect of glass ionomer cement combined with composite resin in the restoration of cervical tooth defect on patients' gingival health and restoration durability. Methods A total of 80 patients with cervical tooth defect admitted to the Department of Stomatology, Jiangyin Ligang Hospital from January 2023 to December 2024 were selected, and they were divided into the control group and the observation group by the random number table method, with 40 patients in each group. The control group was treated with simple composite resin restoration, and the observation group was treated with glass ionomer cement combined with composite resin restoration. The gingival health indicators, restoration durability and patients' subjective feelings were compared between the two groups. Results The GI score, BOP and PD in the observation group at 6 and 12 months after treatment were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The restoration retention rate in the observation group (95.00%) was higher than that in the control group (77.50%), and the marginal fft was better than that in the control group, and the wear volume was smaller than that in the control group (P<0.05). The VAS score of postoperative pain in the observation group was lower than that in the control group, and the VAS score of aesthetic satisfaction was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Glass ionomer cement combined with composite resin restoration can effectively improve the periodontal health of patients with cervical tooth defect, and enhance the durability of restorations and patient satisfaction.