Gum questions

[SadSmile]

I wasn't sure which thread to put this in, so hope this is ok. Can gums that have receded be fixed? How is that done?

[Dr Kalpesh Bohara]

Hi

If a patient has receding gums then the cause of it has to be diagnosed first. This can be a number of reasons i.e gums disease, aggressive toothbrushing, bite problems, etc

Once this has been diagnoised then the mouth would be treated accordingly.

Mant patients ask if the missing gum can be replaced. In some circumstances this can be done by a tissue graft - but this is dependable on many factors.

I hope this helps

[SadSmile]

Thank you! If the problem is the bite, how would that cause the gums to recede? Sorry for my ignorance, but I am trying to work out how that could happen.

[Dr Pav Khaira]

Originally Posted by SadSmile

Thank you! If the problem is the bite, how would that cause the gums to recede? Sorry for my ignorance, but I am trying to work out how that could happen.

We could explain it but the information would fry your mind! The mode in which this happens is multifactorial, not even all dentists understand it. Bite problems can put differential pressures on different aspects of your teeth, and its all about how your body responds in it's adaptive mode.

[SadSmile]

Thank you! I have one more question (well, probably lots more, but one for now). Where the gums have receded I obviously have severe sensitivity and I also have some sensitivity at other places, like between teeth. My dentist (NHS) has given me very strong fluoride toothpaste to use to counteract this. Does this actually work?

And I read on the package that the fluoride increases the staining on my white fillings, and I can definitely see the edges going black. Is this true?

[Dr Pav Khaira]

It can work very well. The staining can be removed very easily by your dentist. These products normally work within a few weeks. Do be aware some clients will have continued sensitivity regardless of what is done