Questions and Answers about Receding Gums
June 24th, 2010Q&A with our dentist
Dr Keith Cohen answers online readers’ gum related questions including what to do about white patches or white gyms, as well as handling stains revealed by receding gums
Quickly receding gums
Q: My gums are starting to recede very quickly. I have asked my dentist for advice, but he only tells me to use sensitive toothpaste. Can you suggest methods to stop this from getting worse?
A: Gum recession is usually caused by a gum disease or from incorrect brushing techniques. If your dentist is unable to help you with this, ask if you can be referred to a ‘periodonist’ who specialises in gum treatment or to the ‘periodontal department’ of one of the dental schools for further advice.
•Dairy goodness for gums
Receding gums and stained teeth
Q: The gums across my top front teeth are receding and the area is stained and cannot be cleaned. My dentist proposes to cover the stains with the material used for composite fillings which costs £700 for nine front teeth and is an hour’s work. The stains are not visible as they are above the “smile line”. But my dentist says if I don’t have the work done, my teeth will get worse. What would you advise and is the cost reasonable?
A: There are many causes for stains, but treatment will not be required unless it is for decay on the tooth surface. Unless your dentist is a fast worker, he may not be able to complete nine filings in an hour. If you have any doubts, I think you should consult another dentist to confirm the diagnosis and treatment.
White patch on gum
Q: I had an upper molar extracted a month ago and the next day I noticed a white area, about 1-2 cm on my upper gum. My gum is sore in the region over the adjacent two teeth. The white area which I initially thought was gum bruising is not clearing up. The other gums are slightly sore and my saliva seems thicker than usual. Will it eventually clear up or is there anything to worry about in the long run?
A: The ‘white area’ may be an ulcer in the region of the extraction which would heal up within a week. If this persists ask your dentist to check for any other cause. The saliva may also be modified by any medication which you are taking. Following an extraction it usually takes about one week to get back to normal.
White gums
Q: I recently noticed that my lower jaw gums are white and quite hard on one side of my mouth (which was not the case before). I clean my teeth twice a day, but do not really pay attention to my gums. They seem to have receded a good deal. What should I do? I know someone who transplanted the insides of her cheeks on her gums and they look very healthy. I am an NHS patient but have not seen a dentist since I was ill in hospital last year. Can my dentist undertake this procedure?
A: First you need to understand that everyone’s mouth is different, so it is not advisable to assume you can apply the procedure your friend received to yourself. Dentists receive complete training on treating teeth and also the entire mouth and jaws. Those who smoke usually get white patches in the mouth, but there may be other causes. Check with your dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment. If he/she cannot help, ask to be referred to an appropriate specialist.
