Receding Gums ???

greggp_2

recently in my lower front middle teeth I get small gritty bits between them as if enamel is wearing off my teeth and the gap between them is larger than it use to be! It only happens now and again. I visited the dentist last week and he told me that I had receding gums and there was nothing I could do about it apart from keep my teeth clean.

I am a 34 year old male btw. I clean teeth twice a day and use Listering anti-bac mouth wash had reasonbale teeth for most of my life only two fillings required and no other problems.

I have been using an electric brush for a couple of years now- maybe I am brushing too hard as this is what I have found one of the causes to be on a google search earlier.

Don't know if anyone knows much about this problem or can offer any advice as I am a little worried about this.

thanks in advance

choille

Do you smoke?

Do you use dental floss?

The gritty bits sound like plaque - possibly?

Mrs_Arcanum

Make sure you brush along the gum-line (brushing gums & teeth) but do not try gouging things out using the toothbrush & try using Corsodil mouthwash for a few weeks. Maybe also try the enamel replacement toothpaste.

greggp_2

use to smoke not heavily - not smoked for 10 years. Yes floss also.

I thought it may be plaque related but the gap between my two lower front teeth is certainly larger than it use to be which is causing me concern.

brook2jack

The gritty bits are tartar, builds up typically lower front teeth. Mouthwash is a waste of money /time and corsodyl used when it shouldn't and for too long stains teeth brown. , you need to be using floss or tepe brushes to clean between the teeth as brushing alone is not enough. You should ask your dentist/ hygienist to check your flossing tepe brush technique.

As tartar builds up inflammation builds up ,gums shrink down and gaps between teeth get bigger. You can't make the gaps smaller just stop the problem getting worse.

McKneff

Have you lost any back teeth, if so its normal for other teeth to 'spread out' so to speak.


I dont use floss, my dentist recommended Tepe brushes (like little bottle brushes) which actually clean in the gaps rather than floss which just actually pushes debris out.

McKneff

Toothsmith should be along soon and give you the benefit of his profession.

brook2jack

McKneff wrote: »

Have you lost any back teeth, if so its normal for other teeth to 'spread out' so to speak.


I dont use floss, my dentist recommended Tepe brushes (like little bottle brushes) which actually clean in the gaps rather than floss which just actually pushes debris out.

No it's not normal for teeth to spread out if back teeth are taken out. Given time most lower front teeth will move closer together hence after braces if retainers aren't worn lower teeth often cross back over. The only time gaps develop between lower front teeth is if there is inflammation /infection present and the teeth "move away" from the inflammation , or if gums shrink down again due to insufficient cleaning between the teeth.

JustBe_2

I also recommend the little brushes they come in various sizes and really keep between the teeth clean.

I use them all the time and they have definately helped:D

JustBe

Toothsmith

McKneff wrote: »

Toothsmith should be along soon and give you the benefit of his profession.

Brook's doing fine!

McKneff

Toothsmith wrote: »

Brook's doing fine!

I was going to quote both names but I momentarily forgot B2J name.

Sorry B2J:o

luv you both:D