Q. I have had one place on my lower front tooth that has been receded for 10+ years. When I first noticed it I started using the Sonicare toothbrush and have used one twice a day since that time. I have obviously purchased new ones over the years, and do not let the head of toothbrush get old and frayed. My overall dental health is excellent, my gums do not bleed when brushing or flossing. Recently (approximately two weeks ago) I noticed the gum area below the tooth was very tender and when I looked, I saw that it was extremely white all around the base of the tooth. I had been using one of those peroxide whitening mouth rinses once a day for about one year. I thought it may have been related so I stopped using it. Since then the area is still very white, with no pain (unless I mess with it.) The gumline below the white area is somewhat more red in color that the rest of my gumline, but again no tenderness or pain. I do not smoke,have never chewed (I am a female)I drink about 3-4 cups of coffee per week. I take a blood pressure med once a day and am 51 yrs. old. Should I be concerned and see a dentist or am I being an alarmist?