Im 30 and my gums are receding and my teeth are very sensitive to cold drinks please advice

Q. I am a 30 year old mother of one. When I was in my early teens, I used to literally ‘peel’ my gums that rest on my teeth using my fingernails, and, I found that a new (thin) layer of gum used to grow back the next day, and I then used to continue this habit. I stopped for 2 years (mid-teens) when I had track braces fitted in, but then continued after they were taken off. I noticed when I was about 22 years of age that the thin layer of gums that I used to peel did not grow back, but I still perservered occasionally with this (yes, I admit!) bad habit! As a result, I have receding gums, and would like advice on what can be done to help restore my gums. Currently, because of my receding gums, I am finding that my teeth are very sensitive to cold drinks and foods. I would be extremely grateful for your help/advice please. Thanks!

A. It is very difficult to re grow gums but sometimes grafting can be done, however you would have to be very sure that you would not peel the new gum away. Desensitising agents can be used to reduce the problems with cold substances.

Dr Riten Patel The Mulberry 18 Ashley Road, Walton on Thames Surrey, KT12 1HS Web: www.mulberrydental.co.uk Tel: 01932 223 479 View My Profile Dr Patel

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