There are many confusing terms for when the FOUNDATION of your teeth is not healthy or strong. It’s all about the foundation, but it’s called gum disease, periodontitis, pyorrhea, ANUG, gingivitis, trench mouth and more.

If you have a fence post or mailbox post in the ground at least 4 feet it’s usually a strong situation. What if that post only goes in the ground only 2 feet? What if that 2 feet of buried post was supporting an 8 foot tall structure? The ratio of post above the ground to what’s in the ground is critical.

A tooth has two major parts: the root (portion embedded in the bone) and the crown (what is visible in your mouth above the gum). For example, a healthy front tooth can measure 22mm from its root tip to its chewing edge. Ideally, the root should be embedded in at least 12 mm of bone. If half of that bone recedes or erodes away leaving a 16 mm of tooth supported by only 6mm of bone… you might have a wobbly situation.

What’s most important, is that the gum tissue covers the bone so you cannot see or feel this bone loss. Your dentist can see it on x-ray or measure it with an instrument called a periodontal probe. This probing or measuring will give an indication of what is called pocket depth. If you have a 6mm pocket on a tooth that is 22mm long, you have lost 6mm of support and have a significant problem. Often the gum tissue will recede showing more of the root and hence the term “long in the tooth”. Receding gums usually indicate that the underlying bone is also compromised.

Receded gums can result in teeth that are very sensitive to cold, touching, chewing and more. There are some toothpastes and medications that can help relieve the discomfort. Sensodyne toothpaste is the most advertised. These desensitizers require that you use them exclusively because other toothpastes and rinses might remove the accumulated effect. You might have to use them for weeks before you’ll notice an improvement.

Today, we also have amazing surgery to rebuild “foundation” and gum. When I started my career, periodontal surgery was painful, expensive and often of questionable value. Periodontal plastic surgery and bone grafting has changed the prognosis on many cases. However, it still remains very expensive.

Dr. Alan Ross, Keene Family Dental, 67 Mechanic Street, Keene, NH 03431 Phone: 603-357-6767