Receding Gum Line

[kithara]

Does anyone else have this problem? I am trying very hard to keep my gums healthy, brushing and mouthwash. I need to get back to flossing, but since it makes my gums bleed it is more difficult. My gum problems were agrivated by a prescription I am no longer taking, but the gum line still seems to be receding and I am still dealing with gingivitis. My dentist mentioned that I might need tissue grafts eventually. Last night I noticed that I can see down to a grey part on one tooth because the gum line has receded so far and I'm scared.

What can I do to help my gums? Has anyone else ever had surgery to repair their gums? (FYI: My teeth are in great condition. Only 3 cavities in my life - 26 years.)

[lil_geek]

I had a skin graft when I was about 21. I am an amazing brusher (no cavities, and only 1 in a baby tooth!), don't generally floss or mouthwash....

They figured my receeding was because I brushed SO hard, which a hard brush, in the wrong direction, while I had braces (when I was 14)

The surgery wasn't a ton of fun, but it helped. It took about 2 hours, they graft the skin from the roof of my mouth. Then they sort of 'packed' it with this funky clay to keep all in place and protect the stitches. I didn't feel anything during, and they perscribed T3's afterwards. WIthin a week to two it was totally healed.

I still notice a bit of receeding (it's only at my front, bottom teeth), but I still brush really hard, and it is definatly better then it used to be. I think mine was covered by insurance... but I would have paid if I had to. I think it would save a lot of problems in the future.

[shopaholic]

I was told by my dentist that I should get the procedure as well....I really don't think I am going to. I've had ton of dental procedures done and this definitely does not appeal to me! It sounds quite painful :(

[lil_geek]

celicacutie81 - it was definatly not painfree... but WAY nicer then having atooth pulled or something.

I was at the point I had a lot of sensitivity because the roots were being exposed... so it was defnatly worth a few days of pain to be able to eat like notmal again!

[shopaholic]

I am not sure if mine is really bad right now. I know its hereditary and I also try not to brush too hard.

I don't have too much sensitivity than I normally would but once in a blue moon my gum will ache (only in one area)

[kithara]

Thanks for the replies. I looked around on the web a bit last night and found this site about other options for repairing gum lines...there is an option that looks promising with no drills or tissue grafts. I thought it would throw it out there for anyone else who is considering what to do. So far, I am not having pain, but the root is only now starting to be exposed on one of my bottom teeth. I also wore braces for 4 years when I was younger and wonder if that played a part.

http://www.wchstv.com/newsroom/healthyforlife/2021.shtml

[alliekat75]

Coincindentally, I was just at the dentist on Tuesday, having a similar conversation. I was chastised for not flossing "aggressively" enough. I floss a few times a week, but I really baby my gums. Apparently, the more your floss, the tougher your gum tissue will become and the bleeding will decrease.

I'm a hard brusher also, so my dentist is strongly recommending the Oral B Sonic toothbrush. It's electric and runs about $75.

Good luck with your situation. I was sad to learn that gum tissue does not regenerate itself.

[Jenessa]

I think htere is a high chance that braces plays a huge part in receeding gumlines. I too had braces for a couple of years and when I had then taken off, my regular dentist informed me that I would need to have grafting done to my gums. He thought that my gums were naturally like that!! I then had a talk with my orthodontist about it and he said he sees receeding gumline all the time with orthodontic patients.