Expert: Jeff Dalin DDS - 12/14/2007

Question
I have noticed my gum line is receding.  I am 25 years old and I have great oral hygiene.  My dentist is proud of my teeth except on my last visit he said I might be flossing too aggressively because my gums above my canine teeth were damaged.  I have been extra careful about flossing and I brush with an extra soft toothbrush twice a day.  I am in the sixth month of my third pregnancy in under three years.  Have my pregnancies taken away a vitamin or mineral?  I eat my fruits and vegetables and get plenty of calcium.  I also wear top and bottom retainers at night.  I am away from my hometown and cannot see my regular dentist.  Is my gum problem an emergency?  Will my gums grow back?

Answer
gums do not usually grow back. you sound like you are doing all the right things. sometimes patients get a little recession but usually it is self-limiting. it does not keep going and going...it usually stops after a slight amount. your dentist needs to keep a close eye on you...maybe get some pictures to chart exactly where things are at this time. make sure the retainers do not irritate the gums. make an appointment with your dentist to discuss this and get some baseline readings. good luck,

jeff dalin, dds