Q.
I am 27 and I have recently been to the dentist for the first time in a few years. I had not really noticed but on closer inspection it appears my gums have started to recede. One of my lower teeth it is quite extreme and I can see quite a lot of the base of my tooth. The dentist said he thinks it could be because I have been using a manual toothbrush too aggressively. He seemed in a bit of a rush and aside from recommending an electric toothbrush and seeing a hygienist he didn’t go in to much more detail but did say I was young to have so much recession! I am really worried now that my teeth will fall out before I am 30! I am really healthy otherwise, I don’t smoke etc. I have an appointment with a hygienist and have changed to an electric toothbrush but I am wondering what I can expect long term?
I am 27 and I have recently been to the dentist for the first time in a few years. I had not really noticed but on closer inspection it appears my gums have started to recede. One of my lower teeth it is quite extreme and I can see quite a lot of the base of my tooth. The dentist said he thinks it could be because I have been using a manual toothbrush too aggressively. He seemed in a bit of a rush and aside from recommending an electric toothbrush and seeing a hygienist he didn’t go in to much more detail but did say I was young to have so much recession! I am really worried now that my teeth will fall out before I am 30! I am really healthy otherwise, I don’t smoke etc. I have an appointment with a hygienist and have changed to an electric toothbrush but I am wondering what I can expect long term?
A.
Gum recessions can be caused by a number of factors and quite often are unrelated or not associated with gum disease. The most common underlying factor is having very thin gums and bone around the teeth (“thin biotype”) in combination with aggressive brushing over the time. Recessions can be stable over the years provided that you use an effective but not aggressive brushing technique. Your hygienist should be able to give you adequate instructions. It is important to have them monitored to assess stability. They could potentially be problematic if the recessions reach a point where the gum margins are not properly attached to the teeth. There are surgical techniques to correct and/or augment the quality/quantity of the gums if necessary. Discuss these issues with your dentist and consider referral to a gum specialist if any site becomes problematic or you want an assessment of whether you are a suitable candidate for this treatment and whether and when this treatment would be beneficial for you.
Gum recessions can be caused by a number of factors and quite often are unrelated or not associated with gum disease. The most common underlying factor is having very thin gums and bone around the teeth (“thin biotype”) in combination with aggressive brushing over the time. Recessions can be stable over the years provided that you use an effective but not aggressive brushing technique. Your hygienist should be able to give you adequate instructions. It is important to have them monitored to assess stability. They could potentially be problematic if the recessions reach a point where the gum margins are not properly attached to the teeth. There are surgical techniques to correct and/or augment the quality/quantity of the gums if necessary. Discuss these issues with your dentist and consider referral to a gum specialist if any site becomes problematic or you want an assessment of whether you are a suitable candidate for this treatment and whether and when this treatment would be beneficial for you.
Dr Jose Zurdo
Mall Dental Care
Pall Mall, Manchester, M2 4DU
Web: www.malldental.com Tel: 0161 830 7300
