Another recent question asked via the Dental Expert App.

What does it mean to have receding gums? What can be done for this?

There are a few reasons why one might develop receding gums. One way is by using an improper brushing technique (i.e. brushing in an up and down or circular motion with a manual brush, rather than with small, vibratory strokes on a 45 degree angle). Another reason involves using a brush that has harder bristles or that is frayed and overdue for being replaced, which can traumatize the gums. Sometimes there may be high muscle attachments (attaching the inner part of the lips to the gums), which pull down on the gum tissue over time as one speaks, smiles, eats, etc. Additionally, gums can recede as a result of periodontal disease, due to the bone loss beneath.

While the gum tissue may not grow back on its own, there are a few things one can do to help prevent gums from receding further. Among the suggestions are:

• Use an electric brush

• If using a manual brush make sure to use soft bristles

• Use the proper brushing and flossing technique

• Consider re-attaching the muscle attachments so that they are not pulling down on the gums (frenectomy).

• See your dental provider frequently to avoid developing periodontal disease (gum disease)

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A lack of certain nutrients can become a factor in periodontal disease by making it more difficult for the mouth to resist infection. Periodontal disease is a condition where the infected gums gradually pull away from the teeth, deepening the surrounding pockets, allowing the infection to destroy the supporting bone. This results in the loosening of the teeth and their eventual loss if left untreated.

Vitamins and minerals play a crucial part in helping the body combat bleeding and swollen gums, loosening of teeth, decay and bad breath. More specifically, vitamins and minerals help to form antibodies, help fight bacteria and infection and aid in the response of the immune system.

The first suggestion regarding diet and nutrition should be to eat a well balanced diet and take the necessary nutritional supplements. Keep in mind that food storage, food processing, freezing and thawing, and cooking depletes the majority of nutrients from foods that were originally nutritious.

There are many other factors that affect the way vitamins and minerals are absorbed into our system. Stress, smoking, alcohol, drugs (pharmaceutical and recreational), pollution and various medical conditions can act to prevent one from receiving the benefits of a well-balanced meal. Remember that disease tends to occur less frequently in a healthy, well-balanced body.

Posted by: Marc Lazare, DDS