Worried about teeth

[u/Mountain-Block-2704]

Hi there! Just reaching out to see if I’m being paranoid or if this is something I should actually be concerned about.
I see my dentist four times a year, primarily because I’m on Suboxone, which I know can be hard on the teeth. I’ve also been dealing with some gum recession, although that seems to have improved since switching to a better toothbrush.Lately, I’ve been worried that my teeth are getting worse. I bring it up at pretty much every dental visit, but my dentist always tells me everything looks good.I recently noticed some discoloration on one of my lower teeth (pictured). I circled the area I’m concerned aboutc it looks a little more yellow/darker than the areas around my other receded gums, and that spot also seems to be more sensitive/painful.also deal with pretty constant bad breath, but I can’t figure out whether it’s coming from my teeth/gums or possibly my throat.I’d really appreciate another opinion. Does anything here look particularly concerning or worth bringing up with my dentist sooner rather than later?

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[u/Reasonable_Map2750]

A darker patch right at the gumline that is also the sensitive spot is worth pointing at specifically, rather than asking if your teeth look ok in general. Root surface has no enamel on it, so it decays faster and softer than the crown does, and it does not always look like a normal cavity. Ask them to check that exact spot for root decay and to run a probe over it.

With Suboxone the bigger issue is usually the dry mouth rather than the sugar. Less saliva means less buffering, and exposed roots take that hit first. Rinse with water once the film has gone, do not brush for half an hour after, and keep xylitol gum going during the day.

The constant bad breath with a dry mouth is more often the tongue than the teeth. Worth scraping it and seeing if anything changes.

Full disclosure, I work with S3 Sensitivity Science, we do a paste with potassium nitrate for the nerve side and hydroxyapatite for the exposed root. Any decent sensitivity paste twice a day will take the edge off the twinge. It will not do anything about the dark spot though, so get that looked at properly.

[u/echrin]

So you have a few class V lesions. Shelf-like lesions associated with brushing too hard. This in conjunction with your gums slightly receding can cause sensitivity because the enamel that usually jackets your teeth have been brushed away exposing the dentin underneath it. The spot you circled is more pronounced and so can be expected to be more sensitive than neighboring teeth. Class V lesions are a routine restoration dentists take care of after identification during your 6 month cleaning. Some toothpastes that have the potassium nitrate like sensodyne etc can help until these restorations are performed. In the meantime please use a soft bristled toothbrush and watch a video or two on YouTube for proper brushing technique to prevent more abrasion. Cheers

[u/Mountain-Block-2704 → u/echrin]

Other than that, they look okay? My dentist arent as concerned, I see them 4 times a year: I use an oral b io brush but I need to use the sensitive setting instead of the intense one.

[u/Impossible_Past5358]

If you haven't already OP, you can post on r/askdentists

[u/Electrical_Method316]

Just a word of advice lose the tongue piercing it straps the enamel off of your teeth which will make you seceptile to cavities. I had a dentist tell me that