Dr. Chetan Mathias

Something I want to talk about today because it comes up more often than people realise; gum recession.

It is one of the most common things I see in practice and one of the most misunderstood. Here is what surprises a lot of patients when I raise it: gum recession can happen even to people who attend their hygienist appointments regularly, brush twice a day, and genuinely look after their teeth.

So what causes it?

Brushing too hard is one of the biggest culprits and it is far more common than you would think. Aggressive brushing over time gradually wears away the gum tissue, slowly exposing the root of the tooth. Gum disease is another leading cause, where bacterial build-up below the gumline causes the gum to pull away. Genetics also plays a role; some people are simply more predisposed to it regardless of how well they care for their teeth. Grinding, misaligned teeth, and even certain lifestyle factors such as smoking can all contribute too.

The reason regular visits matter so much is this - gum recession is a gradual process. It rarely announces itself with pain or obvious symptoms in the early stages — which means by the time most people notice it, it has already been developing for some time. Catching it early gives us the best possible chance of slowing it down.

And if it's left too long?

Untreated gum disease and significant recession can lead to tooth sensitivity, root exposure, bone loss, and ultimately tooth loss. Research has also increasingly linked poor gum health to wider systemic health issues including heart disease, diabetes, and complications in pregnancy. Your gums are not separate from the rest of your body, they are a window into it.

Please never feel embarrassed coming to us with this. We're not here to judge how long it's been or what stage things have reached. We're here to help without any judgement whatsoever

If you have noticed your teeth looking longer than they used to, sensitivity to hot or cold, or your gums feeling tender or pulling away, please do not wait. Come and see us, the sooner we catch it, the more we can do

📞 01926 954116
🌐 thedentalplacewarwick.co.uk

This was the successful teeth whitening stage of a recent case.

Treatment was completed in two to three weeks using a high-strength formula that is safe, easy to use, and promises stunning results.

Once you start whitening, you should notice a difference in tooth colour within just a few days. When your treatment is done, we will take ‘after’ photos to help you document the change.

🌐 drchetanmathias.co.uk
📍 Warwick / Coventry / West Midlands
👨‍⚕️ Dr Chetan Mathias

We just got back from Rhodes and I'm still smiling.

There is something about a family holiday that puts everything into perspective. The early mornings, the long days, the decisions, the responsibilities; all of it melts away the moment you watch your children run towards the sea without a care in the world.

I am deeply aware of how fortunate I am to be able to do this. To take my family somewhere beautiful, to switch off properly, and to be present in a way that the pace of everyday life doesn't always allow. I never take that for granted, not for a single moment.

These are the moments I work for. Family holidays aren't just a break from the work, they're the reminder of what the work is for.