The Bad Breath Blog

Receding gums (commonly misspelled as receeding gums), also known as gingival recession, describes the loss of gum tissue, potentially exposing the roots of one’s teeth. It generally happens the most to people in their 40s and older, but can sometimes start in the teen years. It is one of the main indicators of periodontal disease (also known as periodontitis, gingivitis, or gum disease).

Some causes of receding gums include:

- Brushing too hard with a toothbrush that has hard bristles. This causes the enamel by the gum line to erode.
- Periodontal disease
- Lack of adequate flossing and/or brushing. This allows bacteria / tartar buildup, which results in enzymes eating away the bone of your teeth
- Chewing tobacco. This affects the mucus membrane lining in the oral cavity and causes receding gums over a certain amount of time
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Adult orthodontic moving of the teeth
- Lip or tongue piercings can wear away the part of the gum that rubs against them
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), an ingredient that is in most toothpastes
- An uncommon cause is an adult tooth not growing out of the right place in the gum

It usually takes time for the gums to recede, and can often remain unnoticed. Some receding gums symptoms include the following:

- The teeth may be sensitive to hot, cold, sweet, sour, and spicy sensations. This is possibly because the dentin tubules might be exposed to external stimuli.
- Teeth may look longer than normal.
- Roots of the teeth may be seen.
- Tooth may feel notched at the gum line
- Teeth discoloration (due to the difference between the color of the enamel and cementum)
- Spaces appear between teeth due to the gums not being there anymore
- Cavities below gum line

NOTE: If receding gums are caused by gingivitis, you may also have these symptoms:
- Swollen/inflamed, red, or puffy gums
- Gum bleeding while brushing or flossing
- Bad breath

If you are having the aforementioned problems, you should try the PerioTherapy product line!

Is Gingivitis Contagious?

Gum disease / periodontal disease is a bacteria infection in the gums and bone area around your teeth.  Researchers have employed DNA techniques to track the path of infection between people.  How contagious it is depends on how susceptible a person is to getting the disease. 

Saliva contact is possible in settings like kissing, coughing, sneezing, sharing food (a cup, glass, etc.).

Studies by Canadian scientists showed that gingivitis is contagious with a transmission rate of between 30-70%.  It is believed that the periodontal bacteria can be transferred between partners during a kiss.  However, just because the bacteria is transmitted, does not mean that gum disease will occur, based on each individual’s immune systems.   It also depends on how often the person is exposed to infected saliva. 

Periodontal infections can be a serious problem because they are responsible for 75% of all adult tooth loss.  Unfortunately, peridontal disease also increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, osteroporosis, respiratory diseases, and pre-term low birth weight infants.

How do you avoid catching or spreading gingivitis?

1. Complete recommended periodontal treatments.  This destroys or reduces the bacteria causing the disease.
2. Frequent periodontal cleaning dental visits.  This reduces the risk of being re-infected.
3. Have everyone in your family screened if there is a genetic predisposition to getting the disease.

The National Institutes of Health have given a $1.3 million grant to a doctor to research how cognitive decline and dental health are linked together in elderly people.

Older adults commonly have poor oral health as well as cognitive decline, such as extreme cases like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.  With more information on these health conditions, people can improve their oral and cognitive health.

In previous research, people found that there are links between gum disease, tooth loss and a decline in cognitive function and memory.  Thus far, it is not clear what the specific underlying factors of this link are.   If you do have gum disease, receding gums, bleeding gums, and so on, you should check out PerioTherapy to help solve your problem. 

Dentists have been recommended to inform patients with severe gum (periodontal) disease that there is a strong correlation between below par dental health and a higher risk of stroke, diabetes, and heart disease.  These patients should be directed to see a doctor, since the proof of the relationship between overall health and dental health is increasing.

Source:  Brafton Inc.

http://www.periotherapy.com   Make sure to keep your gums and teeth healthy during pregnancy. If gingivitis is left unchecked, it may lead to more serious gum disease.

http://www.therabreath.com/productdetail.asp?cat=2&pid=287 A person with diabetes is at a much greater risk for gum / periodontal disease than a person who does not have diabetes.