Expert: Jeff Dalin DDS - 11/1/2008

Question
Hi. I am 21 yrs old, and I have good dental higene. I brush with a soft bristle brush...after learning that hard brushes hurt your gums...and have a sonicare that i use regularly. I am having a problem with soft, bleeding, receding gums...and I dont know why! I noticed that my teeth were moving a little and I dont have dental insurance...but I have been keeping a close eye on them. I need help...can my gums harden back up? what can I possibly do to help them? I dont want to lose teeth..especially when I know they are well taken care of.

Answer
you really need to get into your dentist right away for a good, thorough cleaning and gum evaluation (xrays and have your gum pockets measured). you may be having some gum and bone problems i.e. bone loss at the worst or maybe just inflamed gums at the least. you might need to have some sort of gumwork done and/or referral to a gum specialist (periodontist). you are young so i am hoping all of this is easily treated and reversed. but only your dentist will be able to make the diagnosis and determination. good luck,

jeff dalin, dds