QUESTION:
I have receding gums on my bottom front teeth. My dentist says it’s due to brushing too hard so I switched it up and have been brushing better (I floss everyday and use mouthwash too). I also have been eating healthier. My gums continue to recede though. The gaps in between my teeth are getting bigger and bigger and this worries me since it’s in the front. I’ve been to 3 dentists/periodontists and they all say that my gums are fine and that there’s nothing to worry about. There are no signs of gingivitis or anything worse and they’ve even complemented me on my dental habits. I notice, however, that my gums are receding and the gaps in between my teeth are getting bigger – it doesn’t seem like the dentists are really catching on. Is there anything I can do to make them stop receding? I’ve essentially tried everything 🙁
ANSWER:
It sounds like you have something called non-inflammatory attachment loss. This will cause your gums to recede in the absence of infection or inflammation. It is usually related to over aggressive flossing if it is occurring between the teeth, but it may also have to do with tooth position, orthodontic tooth movement or a tooth size to jaw size discrepancy. You need to see a periodontist for another evaluation and discuss with him your concerns and have them show you a less aggressive technique for flossing your teeth. I would be happy to see you but I am in Fort Lauderdale so unless you are planning a trip to South Florida I cannot help you. I do however have a periodontist friend in NYC to recommend for you his name is Joe Rowan and he is in Rockefeller Center. His phone number is 212-765-7340. Give him a call and let him know Nick DeTure and Tom McCawley referred you.
Hope this helps,
Nick DeTure DMD
AskaDentist.com