receding gums...any suggestions?

[SouthSam7]

I searched the archives but didn't find anything previously posted about receding gums.  I just noticed that my gums are pulling away from my teeth and the part of the tooth that turns into the root is showing about 1 or 2 mms on my bottom teeth, (especially on my side teeth, the molars and premolars).

I brush at least twice a day with a soft brush and I don't scrub them.  I also gargle & swish with Listerine at every brushing.  I take vitamin c and I don't smoke, so what the hell's going on?  Anyone else with this problem?  I'm 39.  I have all my teeth.  What can I do about it?

[RapidRod]

You might just need a deep descaling. Don't worry it doesn't hurt that bad.  The dentist will give you a script for a medicated mouth wash for a while.

[joemutt]

My gums are also receding at record speed, my dentist said to have my sinuses checked,
ok they're always irritated, so now what. I also had a root canal, the first one and the first repair to b made in 10 years, Sometimes my gums just itch an are painful, I also wonder if its HIV, meds or just age (45)

[Dachshund]

You don't need guesses...you need to see a dentist. However, if I had to guess I would have to agree with Rapid. Go to your Dentist!!

[aztecan]

Hey Guy,

Are you flossing? Believe it or not, it really does make a difference.

I agree with the others though, go see a dentist. I had the deep scaling Rod mentioned. Wasn't fun, but it wasn't that bad.

The net result was I was able to keep my teeth, which is the primary goal here.

I now get may teeth cleaned every six months. Also, my dentist told most mouthwashes are worthless, nothing more than flavored water. He told me I was actually beter off using salt water to rinse. The goal is to alter the ph in your mouth and prevent the growth of bacteria, etc.

The dentist said Listerene and a few others actually work. Ask your dentist what he recomennds.

Good luck and happy smiiles.

HUGS,

Mark

[Brian360]

I've got the same issue to.  The last time I went to the dentist and they knew I was +, they said this would happen.

If you experience dry mouth, might wanna take a look at the articles here:  http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Oral/Archive/DryMouth/index.html

Brian

[Miss Philicia]

I've always been told since diagnosis that HIV+ should always be attentive and see their dentist twice yearly for cleaning, mostly because of this gum problem.  In fact when I was diagnosed and my t-cells were quite low they had me go three time/year.

[AlanBama]

I have major gum recession issues.   In my case, it's a hereditary thing, I think; my Dad lost his teeth from gum disease.

On my top teeth, the gums have receded so far up, it shocks me to hold up my lip and look at it.  I will probably have to have some procedures to correct some of the worst of it later this year ( scaling, some kind of 'flap' procedure too maybe).   I have some prescription mouthwash, but can't tell it does much good.

[StrongGuy]

I know gum issues all too well...

Based on my experience, I'd suggest what some of the other wise folks mentioned and get a scraping (my doc calls it a gum treatment). And have a Periodontist do it. I had a regular dentist do it and I found you really have to have a gum doctor or his/her hygenist do it to get the best results. Regular dentist just didn't seem to have the experience. It;'s not all that pleasant (they use a metal pic and scrape the plaque/bacteria from under your gums).

I also do the following:

1) Brush with a soft toothbrush, along the gum line, for 10 seconds on each region of the gum. Back and forth. I use an electric toothbrush and I use Listerine toothpaste. Some swear by that Colgate Total because it supposedly kills germs but my doc said prolonged use can cause your mouh bacteria to become resistant to the triclosan (antibacterial agent in it) and the Listerine antibacterial agent is better because it doesn't linger in the mouth as long and less chance of bacteria becoming resistant.

2) I always use Listerine mouthwash twice a day too. I find the old fashioned yellow nasty stuff is better. It's stronger too (based on alcohol content).

3) You should floss but I'm bad with that and use a water pik instead a few times a week.

4) If your gums are tender or bleed don't ignore it. Get on an antibiotic. Tender gums means there is a degree of infection and bacteria is breaking down your gum line. My doc would give me his gold standard which was doxycycline but the stuff made me want to vomit so a regular mainline antibiotic works too (which I insist on now). There is also a low dose version of doxycycline called Periostat that is used for receding gums that supposedly stops the bacteria from breaking down the bone. I may have to use it in the future.

I'm pretty anal when it comes to my teeth and gums so if I sound a little overzealous it's because the thought of losing my teeth that my parents spend thousands on to get straight for me as a teen does not sit well with me.

Like I said, a periodontist and gum treatment every six months is key, and hopefully some of my maintence tips I've picked up over the years will prove helpful to ya too.

Good luck...
Mikey

[SouthSam7]

Thanks everybody; I swear I get more from these forums than all other sources of info combined (especially my clinic! - they suck!)

I will go to the dentist asap.  I used to go every six months but haven't been in over a year (oops).  I'll keep you posted.

Sam