Are my bottom gums in bad shape?

[dev5]

I'm 23 years old and it's been quite awhile since I've been to a dentist. When I was around 16-18 years old I pretty much just stopped going. I had braces for a few years a while back, and miscellaneous work done when I was younger.

I recently noticed that I think my gums are receding quite a bit. I've since then been flossing once a day, brushing twice a day, and using mouth wash, but I fear the damage of poor oral hygiene is already done. I drink lots of coffee as well, so I have some stains on the back of my four bottom teeth.

I attached two pictures of my bottom teeth. It's obvious that they are receding, but is it bad enough to where I would need a gum graft? I have an appointment for a check-up to get an xray/exam etc tomorrow, but money is a concern. I'm sure that I have a few cavities so I should be able to get those filled, but I'm fearful of needing some sort of gum graft.

 

[Busybee]

Often gum disease is hereditary. You should see a specialist periodontist to discuss treatment. You should be having regular cleans if you are prone to this. What's your diet like? Do you smoke?

 

[dev5]

Often gum disease is hereditary. You should see a specialist periodontist to discuss treatment. You should be having regular cleans if you are prone to this. What's your diet like? Do you smoke?

I don't smoke and currently my diet is relatively clean. I workout avidly and mostly eat a paleo diet however I do have my binges. Before I started working out at around 18-19 I ate terribly though.

 

[Busybee]

If you see a specialist now they can hopefully give you a treatment plan to head off any serious problem.

 

[dev5]

I guess what I'm looking for is, do they look really bad? Is the dentist going to suggest grafting or some other procedure, or just regular cleanings?

 

[Busybee]

They don't look too bad. If you start having regular sessions now you will save the teeth. Make an appointment.

 

[MattKW]

I guess what I'm looking for is, do they look really bad? Is the dentist going to suggest grafting or some other procedure, or just regular cleanings?

This is not periodontitis (gum disease). It's self-inflicted from over-zealous brushing maybe using a hard brush. The dentist can talk to you about changing your habits. This is too early to worry about gum grafting, and if it doesn't progress, it might just stay like this.

 

[honestdoc]

How you can tell you are brushing too hard is to look at your toothbrush bristles. Are they looking destroyed? A soft bristled toothbrush should look like new when you throw it out after 3-4 months. Another less likely factor is history of braces putting trauma to the bone as well as grinding and clenching.

 

[Busybee]

i think this is poor technique rather than over zealousness. Looks like old fashioned up and down brushing rather than the recommended way.