Receiding Gums

Hi J., I have the same problem. My gum recession is genetic, I think, and I have had the graft procedure done once. That was about 5 years ago. The procedure wasn't bad at all, but it wasn't cheap. I have had braces since then, which makes gums recede more, so a few of my teeth are bad (not the ones that had grafts before). My dentist told me I didn't have to have the procedure done again, but that I should stop using whitening toothpaste, since it is abrasive and especially hard on the gums. She also said I should switch to an electric toothbrush, since your teeth get really clean and it's easier to apply less pressure when you brush. She said most people brush a little too hard without even realizing it. Those two things should slow down the recession. I hope this helps! If you do have to have the grafts, or want to see a periodontist about it, I absolutely loved my periodontist. He's in downtown Chicago, did a wonderful job with calming my nerves and with the procedure, and even personally called me at home the next day to make sure I was doing okay. Let me know if you want his info!

I was always told to use an electric tooth brush because it's so gentle and won't hurt your gums.

Hi J.,

I just read your request on receding gums and I'm writing you because I am a dentist and I see this everyday. Receding gums is a very common problem and it can be caused by a number of reasons like gum disease, brushing too hard, or even grinding your teeth at night. If you want me to explain more, you can write me or even call my office and I would love to look at you and give you a better explaination. ###-###-####
M...mom and dentist.

the way you're brushing has more to do with it than anything at this point. make sure you have a soft or extra soft brush. Hold it lightly, like a pen. and brush only 2 teeth at a time, in very small circles. Then pick up the brush and move to the next 2 teeth. dragging the brush across pushes the gumline back, that's the biggest culprit. The only way the gums will recede again after surgery is if the cause is still there (like aggressive brushing) Also, a history of braces or other things cause recession too, so surgery sould be really succesful. I recommend Dr. Robert Pick as a periodontist. He's one of the best.

Hi, J. ~ My husband has had the procedure done twice and he said it didn't hurt too much. He had to have both the top and bottom done. He had them both done 2 years ago. He said the roof of his mouth felt like when you bite into hot pizza and you burn the top of your mouth. Afterwards, he was fitted for a nightguard and was told to use an electric toothbrush and to be very gentle when brushing. He wore the nightguard for about 3 months and then decided he didn't want to. Well, he recently went to the dentist and they told him that unless he wants the procedure done again, he NEEDS to wear the nightguard every night because they are starting to see some recession again. So, as long as he wears his nightguard and uses the electric toothbrush, he will more than likely not have to have the procedure done ever again. Yes, the procedure is expensive, but I do believe that part of it was covered. I would say that you would definitely benefit from getting the procedure done and then taking the precautions to make sure that your gums don't recede after that so you don't have to have it done again. Hope this helps and good luck to you! L.

hi
i work for a dental office in the loop. I work for a great dentist (you can google him) he lectures all over the country and is very respected.
If your looking for a dentist...he is the one to go to. NOT just because i work for him but because i know his work and know what he can do.

But to your situation...gums receided on everyone. You have to watch the way you brush..or should i say how hard you brush and with what type of brush...electric is the best......but if your using a manuel one it must be a soft one....never use anything els.....

i'l check with him tomorrow and see if there is another reason that maybe your are receiding more then others(if thats what you think is happening) or he might say its normal or he might suggest something......
will see..ill ssend you another msg tomorrow night.

Hi! I have had this done twice! I had it done a while ago and heard teh the process is a lot less painful than when I had it done. Yes, they did srape the top of my mouthand graft it where the gum line was receeding. Where it was done is fine now but they are receeding in other spots now. I have recently switched to the Orald B Triumph tooth brush and I think I may have been brushing to long and too hard. This toothbrush has a timer thing that goes off every 30 seconds and then you should move to the other side of your mouth for a total brushing time of 2 minutes. I don't know if this is going to help me but I hope so. I also found out that I grind my teeth bad and the dentist said that may contribute to it also. But yes it is very painful and very expensive. Hope this helps

I have the same problem and I was told to use a Water Pik. The dental hygienist said that was the most effective way to stop the problem. I just bought it and havne't started it yet. Good luck.

I actually had that procedure done when I was about 9 or 10 years old. It wasn't particularly painful and I was completely awake during the entire process. Mine has held very well so well that every dentist that I've ever gone to has commented on it.

The reason that my gums were receding was that the muscle in my lower lip was pushing on my gums. After the procedure I wore a "lip bumper" to retrain that muscle (along with other orthodontic work).

I have the same thing, they told me it was b/c I was a hard brusher, you should see my toothbrush. They want to do a gum transplant from a dead person, it freaks me out. My sister in law had the procedure and a lady at my church group. They said it hurt for a few days and then they were fine.
I have been pregnant or nursing for the last 4 years so I have not dealt with the issue yet.
Good luck!

Hi J.,
I have not had the procedure done myself, but I am a dentist. Depending on the severity of the problem, it may be something you can just watch. However, if it is threatening the attachment of the teeth you need to have it done. Unfortunately, I have never seen you, so I can't comment. It will never get better w/o surgery, but you CAN prevent it from getting worse. Common causes include toothbrush abrasion and grinding/clenching. I would suggest a Sonicare toothbrush and a nightguard if any dentist thinks you might be a grinder. There is no guarantee it won't happen again if the cause cannot be detemined. Good luck. Feel free to write me with any questions.
K.

Hi,

I had the procedure about 10 years ago and it went just fine. It did improve the area, but other areas are receding. They put this thing over the roof of your mouth after they scrape it and it comes out on its own after your mouth has healed. I went to a periodontist for the procedure and I'm sure it was not cheap. When you brush your teeth, use a "soft" toothbrush and brush from the bottom up to the top of your tooth. Use "Sensodyne" toothpaste if you experience sensitivity. Try to avoid foods that promote gum and tooth decay. I hope that helps!!!

I have had receding gums and the accompanying sensitivity for awhile and once I had a filling type procedure to cover where there was no enamel, but it did not stop the sensitivity. When we moved (and switched dentists), the new dentist recommended using sensodyne when I brush and ACT after I brush at night. It has made all the difference - and it's much less expensive than any dental procedure! Good Luck.