HomeAnswersDentistrygingival recessionI have receded gums due to overzealous brushing. Please help.

Can scaling, along with antiseptic and antibiotic medications, help manage receded gums?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At February 4, 2024
Reviewed AtFebruary 4, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My current dentist has stated that my teeth and gums are healthy, but I do have a recession on various teeth at varying degrees. This is not due to gum disease but rather from overzealous brushing before I realized I was doing so. I am overwhelmed by the fear of losing my teeth, which is preventing me from focusing on anything else. I have been taking Citalopram and a combined oral contraceptive medication. Please help.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Yes, the dentist is not entirely correct. Indeed, I have reviewed the enclosed files. I am a maxillofacial surgeon, and your problem falls within my expertise. I can certainly help you by suggesting some non-surgical remedies and oral hygiene tips. Tooth mobility can become possible as gingival recession increases. Firstly, I would like to know how long you have been taking Citalopram medication. Is it for a few months or several years? Are you currently pregnant, expecting, or have a history of pregnancy, lactation, or any other medical issues? Please provide me with your medical history so that I can recommend the most suitable remedies to protect your gingival health and prevent tooth mobility.

I am glad to be of assistance. You can continue the conversation here by sharing your medical history.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor for the reply,

I am feeling very anxious. I have been taking Citalopram for about six months. Before that, I was on Escitalopram for a few years. I am not currently pregnant, but I do plan to have a child in the next few years.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, I just wanted to confirm that. It is good to know you do not have any other medical issues. I will be providing my suggestions shortly.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor for the reply,

I maintain a healthy diet, so I doubt there could be a deficiency. Could you please explain which deficiencies can impact gum and tooth health? What are the best foods for promoting gum and tooth health? I also make sure to drink plenty of water and chew sugar-free gum. Additionally, I do not have gum disease; it is just gum recession. Can you elaborate on the use of the suggested methods for addressing recession in cases beyond gum disease? Furthermore, could you explain what you mean by "stage 1/2"? Can you reassure me that I do not need to be overly anxious and that things will be okay? Do you have any tips for maintaining the best oral care during pregnancy? I understand that anxiety can significantly affect oral health, and I have a specially fitted night guard for potential teeth grinding due to my anxiety. This guard was custom-made for me. Can you please provide as many suggestions and information as possible in response to my questions and, above all, offer reassurance?

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You do not need to worry much about the technical terms. Grade 3 gingival recession indicates poor gum health, but you are currently only at grade 1. So, as long as you do not notice any loose or mobile teeth in the next few years, you really do not need to be anxious. Please eliminate any fear and focus on getting your regular cleaning done every six months to one year. By having scaling or cleaning done at your local dentist's clinic, you can ensure that there are no calculus deposits or gum obstructions that might affect the strength of your teeth.

When it comes to deficiencies, deficiencies in vitamin C, vitamin K, or lycopene are all associated with gingival health. Therefore, it is advisable to consume a variety of green vegetables and citrus fruits such as oranges, guavas, clementines, and peaches. Pomegranate fruits can also be helpful. Foods rich in lycopene include tomatoes, watermelon, grapes, red cabbage, and asparagus, among others. These can be found in various fresh fruits and vegetables. Consider reducing meat consumption and incorporating more egg whites and lycopene-rich foods into your diet. In preparation for your upcoming pregnancy, it is essential to include folate-rich foods in your diet, such as legumes, lentils, whole grains, and so on. Additionally, a lycopene-rich diet can help boost your immunity, which may aid in conceiving.

If you need a folate supplement or wish to discontinue extended contraceptive use for conception, please consult your gynecologist accordingly. Yes, anxiety can indeed have the most detrimental impact on oral health. Please avoid smoking and alcohol consumption and incorporate lycopene-rich foods from the list I provided for better oral health. To maintain good oral health, try to minimize stress and use Chlorhexidine mouthwash and a combination of Chlorhexidine Gluconate and metronidazole regularly to prevent gum problems. Make sure to get your dental cleaning and scaling done every six to eight months. Your night guard is essential; please wear it regularly because neglecting it when you have bruxism or grind your teeth at night can result in oral lesions.

You can consult with me every three to six months and provide updated pictures for my review. Alternatively, you can also utilize the 50-hour chat icon on iCliniq to have continuous access to the doctor, which will help you save time on repeated questions. I hope your queries are resolved and any further queries are welcome. Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Achanta Krishna Swaroop
Dr. Achanta Krishna Swaroop

Dentistry

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