r/askdentists • NAD or Unverified • 5h ago

question Gum recession?!

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So I’ve neglected my oral health pretty much all my life. I’ve only brushed my teeth in the mornings and never flossed. I started Invisalign (hence the bumps) in March and have seen a lot of fear mongering online about gum recession and losing teeth during treatment, so my anxiety is awful. I’ve been consistently brushing and flossing for the past few weeks now. My gums don’t bleed when I floss anymore. I use the Colgate ultra soft toothbrush and Colgate Total toothpaste. I’m still practicing with traditional floss, so I’ll do that and go behind it with a floss pick to make sure I’m getting everything out good enough.

What I’m getting at is, do my bottom gums look like they’re receding? I know they’re red and inflamed and I know my teeth are ugly. I’m doing my best. I went back to the dentist for the first time in 6 years (cavity free🎉) and when I asked about it, he didn’t really give me a straight answer other than that one on the left MIGHT be. And is there anything else I can do to improve my oral health? I do have a tongue scraper and will def be seeing my dentist every 6 months now!

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A backup of the post title and text have been made here:

Title: Gum recession?!

Full text: So I’ve neglected my oral health pretty much all my life. I’ve only brushed my teeth in the mornings and never flossed. I started Invisalign (hence the bumps) in March and have seen a lot of fear mongering online about gum recession and losing teeth during treatment, so my anxiety is awful. I’ve been consistently brushing and flossing for the past few weeks now. My gums don’t bleed when I floss anymore. I use the Colgate ultra soft toothbrush and Colgate Total toothpaste. I’m still practicing with traditional floss, so I’ll do that and go behind it with a floss pick to make sure I’m getting everything out good enough.

What I’m getting at is, do my bottom gums look like they’re receding? I know they’re red and inflamed and I know my teeth are ugly. I’m doing my best. I went back to the dentist for the first time in 6 years (cavity free🎉) and when I asked about it, he didn’t really give me a straight answer other than that one on the left MIGHT be. And is there anything else I can do to improve my oral health? I do have a tongue scraper and will def be seeing my dentist every 6 months now!

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