Lower anterior cervical roughness - likely calculus or non-carious wear; cleaning and possible restoration recommended

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Quick clinical impression

  • The lower anterior teeth show rough, yellowish/cream areas at the cervical (gumline) region of several incisors.

  • Most likely causes (photo only — no probing/X-ray): tartar/calculus buildup with superficial stain, and/or non-carious cervical wear (abrasion/erosion) exposing dentine. The rough texture could be hardened calculus or eroded tooth surface.

  • The gingival margin looks mildly inflamed in places — suggesting local plaque/calculus irritation. I do not see obvious pus or severe swelling. Tooth mobility cannot be assessed from the photo.

What the dentist will do at assessment

  1. Clinical exam & periodontal charting — check pocket depths, recession, and mobility.

  2. Tactile exam with an explorer to distinguish calculus vs cavitation (caries) vs worn dentine.

  3. Bite assessment for traumatic occlusion that may cause abrasion.

  4. Intraoral X-rays if caries or root problems suspected (usually not necessary for surface calculus).

  5. Professional scaling & polishing (and root planing if subgingival calculus present).

  6. Assess need for restorative care (composite bonding or varnish) if there are non-carious cervical lesions or exposed, sensitive dentine.

  7. Oral hygiene instruction and review of brushing technique / products.

Immediate self-care (today)

  • Do NOT scrub aggressively at the rough area — aggressive brushing can worsen abrasion and recession. Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and a gentle technique (modified Bass or roll).

  • Use desensitizing toothpaste (potassium nitrate) if sensitive.

  • Salt water rinses (warm saline) once daily if gums are irritated.

  • Avoid acidic drinks/foods that can worsen erosion.

  • Orthodontic wax or a tiny dab of sugar-free gum can temporarily smooth a sharp area that irritates the tongue.

  • Book a dental cleaning — this often resolves roughness if it’s calculus.

Likely treatments

  • If roughness = calculus/stain: scaling and polishing will usually restore a smooth surface and reduce inflammation.

  • If roughness = worn dentine / NCCL (non-carious cervical lesion): dentist may smooth and restore with resin composite or apply fluoride varnish/desensitizer.

  • If there is active root caries: removal and restoration needed.

  • If gingival recession is present: monitor; consider gum graft only if aesthetics/sensitivity require and after inflammation is controlled.

Time frame to heal / what 14 days can do

  • If treated with professional cleaning now: gingival inflammation and soft-tissue healing commonly improve within 7–14 days; you should notice smoother tooth surfaces and less irritation.

  • Dentine/enamel loss will not “regrow” — restorations (composite bonding, varnish) are done at an appointment and may be completed within 1–2 visits.

  • If you delay for 14 days but maintain gentle care and avoid irritants, nothing dramatic will usually happen — but active lesions can progress, and sensitivity may worsen.

What will scale up (risks) if you wait or ignore it

  • Progression of calculus and plaque → deeper periodontal pockets, gum inflammation, and recession.

  • Increased dentine exposure → worsening sensitivity, higher risk of root caries.

  • Worsening abrasion/erosion if aggressive brushing or acid exposure continues.

  • If caries present and left untreated → pulp involvement, pain, infection, need for root canal or extraction.

Red flags — seek urgent care now if any of these occur

  • New or worsening severe pain, swelling, or a bump (abscess) on the gum

  • Fever or spreading facial swelling

  • Rapid increase in tooth mobility

Practical checklist to bring to the appointment

  • Photos (like the one you sent) and note when roughness/sensitivity began

  • List of medications & health conditions (e.g., acid reflux, bulimia, pregnancy/postpartum, medications that cause dry mouth)

  • Describe your brushing method and toothpaste brand

  • Ask for: periodontal charting, scaling & polishing, and assessment for NCCL/restorative options

Final comments / call to action

From the photo this looks treatable and often straightforward — start with a professional cleaning. Use the directory you provided to book a nearby clinic: https://cebudentalimplants.com/map-dental-clinic