Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Gums Seem To Be Shrinking, White Spots Lower Down The Gums. Taking Medication For Heart Issues. Should I Consult A Dentist?
Hi, I m getting concerned about my gums as they seem to be shrinking and I feel i can see lower into the bottoms of my teeth . I thought it was white spots lower down, but there is no irritation, the gums just seem to be getting smaller. I have health issues at this time with my heart and I am taking Diltiazem 120mg now for going on 3 mths. I apparently will need Abilation Therapy . Simple enough. I also get blood work done every 3 mths. and all appears well. Do I need to see a dentist? Thank you, Shirley
posted on
Sat, 9 Feb 2013
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 13 Feb 2013
Answered on
Mon, 25 Feb 2013
Last reviewed on
hi shirley and welcome to HCM,
you are suffering from severe periodontal infection which is caused by poor oral hygiene and deposition of bacterial plaque, calculus and other debris deep in the gum pockets and teeth surfaces.
This has lead to inflammed gums ,recession or apical movement of the gums which exposes the root surfaces of teeth leading to sensitivity and pain.
If not treated in time , infection spreads to the underlying alveolar bone leading to bone loss ,mobility of teeth and finally exfoliation of teeth.
OPG radiograph wll show the exact condition of gums and alveolar bone accordingly periodontal surgery can be planed to improve the health of gums .
As you are a heart patient and on medication for other health issues i suggest you to get a consent or opinion from your physician before going for dental treatment.
i hope this helps,
take care.
you are suffering from severe periodontal infection which is caused by poor oral hygiene and deposition of bacterial plaque, calculus and other debris deep in the gum pockets and teeth surfaces.
This has lead to inflammed gums ,recession or apical movement of the gums which exposes the root surfaces of teeth leading to sensitivity and pain.
If not treated in time , infection spreads to the underlying alveolar bone leading to bone loss ,mobility of teeth and finally exfoliation of teeth.
OPG radiograph wll show the exact condition of gums and alveolar bone accordingly periodontal surgery can be planed to improve the health of gums .
As you are a heart patient and on medication for other health issues i suggest you to get a consent or opinion from your physician before going for dental treatment.
i hope this helps,
take care.
I find this answer helpful
1 Doctor agrees with this answer
Hi Shirley,
Welcome to the forum!
The symptoms you have mentioned above, clearly point to gingival recession. This is the receeding gumline around your teeth and is a main sign of chronic periodontitis. I shall suggest you visit your dentist for a clinical checkup. The periodontal problem can be treated by scaling and curettage as the first line of treatment (cleaning of your teeth) and later if need be then a mucogingival surgery can be done to reattach the gingiva so as to avoid any loosening of teeth. Seeing a dentist will only help in preventing further damage to your periodontium and teeth as a whole.
Hope this advice proves helpfull to you.
Have a nice day :)
Welcome to the forum!
The symptoms you have mentioned above, clearly point to gingival recession. This is the receeding gumline around your teeth and is a main sign of chronic periodontitis. I shall suggest you visit your dentist for a clinical checkup. The periodontal problem can be treated by scaling and curettage as the first line of treatment (cleaning of your teeth) and later if need be then a mucogingival surgery can be done to reattach the gingiva so as to avoid any loosening of teeth. Seeing a dentist will only help in preventing further damage to your periodontium and teeth as a whole.
Hope this advice proves helpfull to you.
Have a nice day :)
I find this answer helpful
3 Doctors agree with this answer
HELLO,
Thanks for the query.
Gum shrinkage may be due to many reasons-
1.accumulation of plaque and food debris
2.gingival recession
3.faulty ,hard brushing techniques
4.localised periodontitis
I would advice you to visit a dentist soon and get your teeth cleaned.
flap surgery can be done if mandatory.
The exposed root portion of tooth has to be filled with tooth coloured restorative material to minimise tooth sensitivity.
use desensitising toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth.
REGARDS
DR.BINDIYA
Thanks for the query.
Gum shrinkage may be due to many reasons-
1.accumulation of plaque and food debris
2.gingival recession
3.faulty ,hard brushing techniques
4.localised periodontitis
I would advice you to visit a dentist soon and get your teeth cleaned.
flap surgery can be done if mandatory.
The exposed root portion of tooth has to be filled with tooth coloured restorative material to minimise tooth sensitivity.
use desensitising toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth.
REGARDS
DR.BINDIYA
I find this answer helpful
Hi,
Welcome to the forum.
This condition is PERIODONTITIS leading to tooth loss in worst scenario.
start brushing twice daily with mild brush in a circular manner.
use warm saline rinses (half cup Luke warm water + half tbs table salt). rinse with it every day twice after brushing.
or take vit c supplements.
visit a dentist for TEETH cleaning, curettage, or surgery.
Maintain good oral hygine.
I hope this information has been both informative and helpful for you.
You can consult me again directly through my profile .
Regards.
Dr Neha Gupta.
Welcome to the forum.
This condition is PERIODONTITIS leading to tooth loss in worst scenario.
start brushing twice daily with mild brush in a circular manner.
use warm saline rinses (half cup Luke warm water + half tbs table salt). rinse with it every day twice after brushing.
or take vit c supplements.
visit a dentist for TEETH cleaning, curettage, or surgery.
Maintain good oral hygine.
I hope this information has been both informative and helpful for you.
You can consult me again directly through my profile .
Regards.
Dr Neha Gupta.
I find this answer helpful
dear friend.
thanks for sharing your concern.
gum shrinkage is seen in the following conditions.
1.localized periodontitis.
2.improper brushing technique,or vigrous brushing
3.poor oral hygiene like accumulation of plaque and food debris.
4.gingival recession.
you must visit your dentist and get scaling (cleaning)done once.
you can use antiseptic mouthwashes like chlor hexidine2% too.
do frequent warm saline rinses.
you can also consult your dentist regarding your exposed root surfaces.get them restored to avoid sensitivity.
also use soft bristle brush .
please mention about your heart ailements to your dentist,so that if required prophylactic antibiotic could be given.
hope this helps.
thanks.
thanks for sharing your concern.
gum shrinkage is seen in the following conditions.
1.localized periodontitis.
2.improper brushing technique,or vigrous brushing
3.poor oral hygiene like accumulation of plaque and food debris.
4.gingival recession.
you must visit your dentist and get scaling (cleaning)done once.
you can use antiseptic mouthwashes like chlor hexidine2% too.
do frequent warm saline rinses.
you can also consult your dentist regarding your exposed root surfaces.get them restored to avoid sensitivity.
also use soft bristle brush .
please mention about your heart ailements to your dentist,so that if required prophylactic antibiotic could be given.
hope this helps.
thanks.
I find this answer helpful
1 Doctor agrees with this answer
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Diltiazem
Loading Online Doctors....