Localized gum recession?

[emma26]

Hi everyone I'm new and I could really use some advice!
One of my upper front teeth has a receding gum line, but both my dentist and dental hygienist can't find anything wrong with it! I'm scared to death there's something they overlooked and I will somehow end up needing surgery or losing the tooth.

I used to have some minor gingivitis but I've been getting my teeth cleaned twice a year for several years now, and I brush really well and floss and use toothpicks etc. I had a cleaning last week and the hygienist said she couldn't find any infection (even though I think the area looks kinda red), and that gum recession sometimes just happens. I've been rinsing with warm salt water twice a day just in case, but so far it doesn't appear to help.
Before I noticed the gum recession my gums already got slightly swollen and inflamed sometimes, usually in the same spot, but both my dentist and hygienist tell me everything is fine and I shouldn't worry.
Is it still possible to develop periodontitis undetected with regular cleanings and good oral hygiene?

The tooth with the gum recession also appears to have moved a little bit. I used to have braces and still wear a night guard so I thought maybe that had something to do with it. My dentist recommended I go see my orthodontist but he didn't take me too seriously. He said teeth just moved all the time (even though I have one of those bonded retainer wires on the back of my teeth). He also told me my old nightguard was fine, and that the gum recession might be caused by clenching/grinding my teeth. But how is that possible when I wear the nightguard every single night and have been for years? I got them to make me a new one just in case, but if the nightguard isn't the cause or solution and I also appear to have no infection, then how do I stop the recession?

Sorry for rambling on, I'm just really worried!

 

[letsconnect]

Hi emma ,

any of the reasons you mentioned (orthodontics, clenching/grinding, etc.) might potentially be the cause and it would probably be impossible for anyone to guess over the internet as to how to stop it. For your own peace of might, you might want to get a second opinion.

Have you thought of seeing a periodontist (a specialist for gum problems)? They have extra training in this area and may be able to give a better assessment than your dentist or orthodontist. The usual way of seeing a periodontist would be to ask your dentist for a recommendation and/or a referral. This would be the best way to do it if you have a good relationship with your dentist. But it is also possible to go to a periodontist directly. The British Society of Periodontology has a search form on their website where you can search for their members, or you can search for a Specialist using the General Dental Council's website.

I hope you'll be able to get to the bottom of this - best of luck !!

 

[comfortdentist]

I have heard this type of complaint too many times. Your gum recedes and your dentist and hygienist can't find anything wrong or your dentist does bonding on the root. The problem almost always is a lack of attached tissue and all you need is a tissue graft. That technique was worked out about 30 years ago and still there are dentists that don't even know how to tell when a patient needs one much less can do one themselves.
Makes you wonder what else they don't know?

 

[emma26]

I've definitely thought about seeing a periodontist, but from what I understand that's only for severe cases and you can only go if your dentist refers you (I don't live in the UK btw, maybe it's different there). Since my gum recession is supposedly minimal, I feel like the dentist is gonna think I'm a dental hypochondriac or something and not take me seriously. I think I'll make another appointment anyway and just ask about it, hopefully he won't laugh in my face.

 

[comfortdentist]

If the recession is minimal but it bothers you then it is a graft with a great chance of being completely successful

 

[carole]