Toothpaste For Receding Gums?
Before we get started on this topic, I want to clarify a few things.
1. There is
no toothpaste that is going to restore receding gums. (not yet or not that I'm aware of)
Arresting the recession is something possibly, but restoring the lost tissue with a toothpaste ? - Not so much.
So, with that out of the way. The next reason you may have looked for this topic is regarding tooth sensitivity.
Well, there are plenty of toothpastes at your local drug store made to address sensitivity. If that is what you are after, it would be easiest to go to one of those stores locally.
If you want to strengthen your teeth naturally,
look on this page for the book about tooth decay - it's all about that topic.
Addressing the fundamental issues that cause receding gums.
If you are more interested in addressing the underlying problem of receding gums with the possibility of preventing it from getting worse, then read on.
Number one, always be under the care of a good periodontist who should be working with you to address this problem. It's important, so don't skip this part.
Two Major Reasons For Gum Recession
There are other possible reasons that you need your dentist to rule out for your (or your periodontist).
But the two biggies are:
1. Brushing too hard - This IS something you have control over and you can correct this bad habit.
2. Gum Disease - This is something you can usually influence and sometimes even correct under the watchful eye of your dental professional.
Gum disease currently effects about 75% of people. That's 3 out of every 4 to put it in simple terms. That's a LOT of people.
The reverse is that only about 25% are free of this problem. That's only 1 out of every 4 people!
Ask this of yourself: What are the chances that YOU have or don't have gum disease?
Brushing Too Hard
If this is the cause of gum recession for you, then you MUST break this bad habit as soon as possible. Because you want to stop doing damage as quickly as possible.
Some helpful hints:
1. Pay very close, conscious attention when brushing. Do not be an 'unconscious' brusher'.
2. Brush very gently. The goal of brushing is to disrupt plaque. The plaque is weak and easy to disrupt there is NO NEED to brush hard. Plaque needs to be disrupted consistently. That's why you hear that you 'should brush two or three times per day'. Follow your hygienis's or dentist's advice over anything else.
3. Try wearing ear plugs while you brush your teeth. I know it sounds funny. But you will actually be able to hear how hard you are brushing. If you are a hard brusher, you are likely to shock yourself into paying close attention after you do this. You'll be surprised at what you hear.
4. Break the habit. Whichever way works for you, just do it.
Gum Disease
Gum disease, periodontal disease and gingivitis are different stages of the SAME disease process. It is to your benefit to learn about gum disease.
A good book like:
What You Should Know About Gum Disease can help a lot. (disclaimer - I wrote it)
available on this site.
Understanding the problem is very important. It's difficult to take on something that you don't understand. You, of course, will also want to be working with your dentist or periodontist every step of the way.
What Happens With Gum Disease
Gum disease attacks the gum tissue and the bone supporting the gums. The further this progresses, the more the gums recede. This is because the bones that were holding up that tissue have shrunk.
The tissue and bone is basically being dissolved and destroyed by acid secretions from bacteria.
This happens because the bacteria are able to accumulate to large enough quantities that your body cannot stop the damage. Bacteria normally exist and you will never get rid of all of them.
The key is to keep the numbers small enough that they can't do damage.
There is a relatively objective way to know if you are in the danger or not. This is a measurement that your dentist or hygienist takes.
The name of the measurement is 'periodontal pocket depths'. Generally speaking, when your depths are 3mm or less, most dentists will say that your gums are healthy at that point. Generally speaking that means the bacteria are unable to accumulate to large enough quantities to do damage.
The reverse of that is, most dentists would say your gums are unhealthy when the pocket depths are greater than 3mm. Some people have 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and even deeper pockets.
End Game
If gum disease is the problem you are battling, the end game for you is to shrink those pockets down to 3mm or less. Once you achieve that goal, your dentist should be able to tell you that you are in good shape!
One tool that I know of that has helped a lot of people, including me personally is:
This one right here - read more about it.
Sincerely,
1-888-586-6849
