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Dentistry/Receding gum line?

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Expert: - 12/25/2005


Question
During the past week I have been having some gum pain while brushing my teeth. After brushing, there are a few teeth where the gumline immediately surrounding the tooth is reddened. The redness and pain go away within a few hours after brushing. Also, the gumline on one of my two front teeth has receded, and so more tooth is showing & it is disproportionate to the other front tooth. I was wondering if this was something serious that I should go to the dentist for, or if there is something I can try at home first? Also, is the receding gum line permanent in most cases?

In case you need any of this information: I have no significant dental history, 21 year old female, what I consider adequate oral hygiene (floss daily, brush multiple times a day), don't eat much sugar, etc.

Thanks for any help/advice you can give!

Answer
Dear Lana:  What you have is irregularly receeding gums, caused by either brushing too hard, too often or too long, gum infection, other trauma, physiologic recession, or any combination of these.  You are too young for your recession to be physiologic (all of us will experience gum recession as we get older).  You are probably using a hard or medium toothbrush and brushing too often and too long.  Use an extra soft toothbrush and use it only twice per day for no more than 2 minutes per use.  Change it every 3 months.  There are procedures available that can either remove some gum tissue to provide a more even appearance, or graft gum tissue to replace what has been lost.  You ought to see your dentist to find out if this is not a more serious infection, and ask him what you can do to prevent or reduce further recession.  Good luck.  dd

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Howard Finnk, D.D.S., P.A., CEO

Expertise

I am a Family, Implant and Cosmetic dentist. I will answer questions on any aspect of dentistry and matters relating to the smile, gums, jaws and lower face. Member American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, and Atlantic Coast District Dental Association. I have served as District Council Member of Alpha Omega, as well as serving for one term as its President. I am also a member of The Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, and Mount Sinai Hospital Guild. I have served as a Volunteer for Project Dental Health and The Tri-County Dental Health Council.

Experience

Having attained over 30 years of clinical experience in private practice in Michigan, in 2001 I was re-certified by taking and passing the Florida State Dental Board Examination. After moving to Florida, I spent nearly 10 years re-honing my skills while working as an Associate Dentist for several large dental groups. In September, 2004, I was appointed Adjunct Clinical Professor at Nova University's College of Dental Medicine. I am certified in placement of Mini Dental Implants, and I am Director of The Florida Implant Center (floridaimplantcenter.com). On March 1, 2010, at the age of 62, I began all over again by buying a dental practice near my home in the Fort Lauderdale area. As sole owner and Chief Dental Officer of the new Nob Hill Dental Center (nobhilldentalcenter.com), I can now carefully provide dental care to patients who care, all within a caring, joyful environment. Over my career lifetime, I have provided thousands of diagnoses, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, periodontal treatments, TMJ therapies, partials, dentures and extractions, and dozens of implants for my patients. The only aspect of dentistry with which I have very little experience is orthodontics.

Organizations
American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, Atlantic Coast District Dental Society, Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, Alpha Omega Alumni Association, and American Association of Dental Implantologists. Formerly, American Academy of General Dentistry, Michigan Dental Association, Macomb Dental Society, Detroit District Dental Society, Tri-County Dental Health Council (a charitable dental care organization)

Publications
"How To Save Money At The Dentist" Going to press soon.

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Psychology from Wayne State University Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Detroit College of Dentistry Adjunct Clinical Professor, Special Needs Department, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Awards and Honors
Membership in The Vedder Honors Society

Past/Present Clients
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