I have like a little crevice or notch that's formed between my gum and tooth, is it a something serious?

Question

Its kind of like the gum has receded and created a ridge or hole or something where the gum meets tooth. It doesn't hurt or anything, but if I press my nail in the gap, I do get that zinging sensation. No hot or cold issues, etc. I've been told my gums are receded some, but I'm 25, take good care of my teeth and when I was told this it didn't seem to be an urgent problem. My questions are 1.) Could this just be a cavity or something easily fixed with a filling? 2.) How do you know when you're gums have receded to a dangerous point? (I have no bleeding or irritation or anything) 3.) When is it necessary to get gum surgery? 4.) What can I do at home beyond regular brushing and flossing to stop gum recession and any problems I have?

Answer 1

You should be seeing your dentist for a cleaning and exam every 6 months. Your oral health is a very important part of your general health and you don't want to let something like this go. Also, maybe you're not flossing correctly...I found out I wasn't flossing right about 6 yrs. ago (I'm 43)

Answer 2

some teeth get recession more often others, usually canines and pre-molars. the reason being is that they are on the corner of your mouth and usually get brushed more that the other teeth because you brush them when you brush your front teeth and again when you brush the back teeth.

it sounds like to me that you brush too hard and maybe brushing wrong.

try to lighten up on your grip, and don't scrub back and forth. you should place the bristles and use gentle vibrations, then love the brush to the next teeth and repeat.

you should be getting your teeth cleaned regularly. your hygienist should be showing you how to brush correctly.


1.) Could this just be a cavity or something easily fixed with a filling? it may not be a cavity, but either way it can be filled. so the root is smooth and not a gap.

2.) How do you know when you're gums have receded to a dangerous point? (I have no bleeding or irritation or anything) recession and periodontal disease (bleeding, etc...) are not always related. recession is not always dangerous or painful, just keep in touch with your dentist and they will measure it once a year and let you know if there have been changes.

3.) When is it necessary to get gum surgery? this is between you and your dentist. sometimes gum surgery is more for appearance and comfort that anything.

4.) What can I do at home beyond regular brushing and flossing to stop gum recession and any problems I have? nothing, just brush gently and correctly.

Answer 3

Here's what you have my friend.
You have some recession at the gumline. This could be caused by mechanical means (using anything other than a soft bristled tooth brush - the softer the better) or by gum and bone disease.

If you have healthy gum and bone (no bleeding or pocketing), then more than likely it is a mechanical recession. When you put your fingernail on that area of the tooth you are actually feeling a nerve transmission down the exposed root of the tooth. Don't worry - you're not going to die!!

Make sure you are using a soft bristled toothbrush and use some desensitizing toothpaste such as Sensodyne. Then have your dentist check the area out as he may want to place a tooth colored filling in that area to protect it. That depends upon the circumstances - but it doesn't sound drastic.

I have several areas in which that happened to on my teeth in the past and the situation was easily handled. You'll be just fine!

Answer 4

HELLO,
FIRST, YOU ARE NOT ALONE, MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS.
THIS IS CAUSED BY GUM RECESSION.
CAN THIS BE A CAVITY OR FIXED WITH A FILLING? NO.
YOU CAN TELL THERE IS A DANGEROUS POINT IN GUM RECESSION WHEN THE SOFTER PART OF THE TOOTH CALLED THE DENTIN IS EXPOSED.
WHY IS THIS HARMFUL? BECAUSE THE DENTIN CAN BE ERODED AWAY BY BRUSHING.
WHEN THE DEFECT BECOMES SO UNSIGHTLY THAT YOU WANT TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT, THEN SEEKING SURGERY FROM A PERIODONTIST IS WISE.
TO KEEP GUM RECESSION FROM BECOMING WORSE IT'S IMPORTANT TO:
#1 USE ONLY A SOFT TOOTHBRUSH
#2 DO NOT BRUSH FORCEFULLY AND BE GENTLE WHEN YOU BRUSH AND FLOSS.

Answer 5

If you smoke, STOP. Smoking can cause a whole lot of damage, your gums will look so old. I would also advise (but never be able to do it!) quitting the soda. I would definitely be a little worried because you are so young for that.