Periodontitis may be more common than you think. (According to Wikipedia, it affects 30-50% of Americans.) But I never thought I would be one of those, especially at my age.
Last summer I went to our dentist for a checkup. He said that, by the way, my gums were receding, and had I noticed? I said not really, but I was kind of freaked out by it. He said not to worry. It wasn't a big deal unless it got worse. Well, it got worse, so before the break, I went to a periodontist for a gum graft. I'm happy with the way it turned out, but of course, it'd be better if it had never happened. The doc said it was probably caused by the following: genetics, braces, my frenum (the little piece of skin that holds your gums to your lip) pulling down on my gums, and possibly brushing too hard. Healthy gum tissue helps keep teeth strong and anchored, so if I had lost more, I could've lost a tooth or two. Just a warning--make sure your toothbrush is soft, especially if you have those White genes.
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3 comments:
I was at the dentist last week, and I asked the hygienist about it. She said braces, braces, braces. I feel so bad for you my dear. Did they recommend an electric toothbrush? You can't brush too hard with those.
Reading this makes my teeth hurt. I'm so sorry. Forrest has the same problem.
I actually got an electric toothbrush for Christmas and the doc told me yesterday I can use it, so I'm excited.
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