By ~*The Tooth Fairy*~
What are Receding Gums?
Receding gums occur when the roots of the teeth become exposed due to the loss of gum tissue. Although there are number of factors that can contribute to receding gums, one thought to be the most common is the buildup of harmful bacteria. Our bodies naturally have a defense mechanism against bacteria which is oxygen rich saliva. However, our saliva is constantly altered by:
- The food or drink we ingest
- The oral products we use to cleanse our mouths such as fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash
- Other oral products such as alcohol and tobacco
What you choose to ingest of course is your choice but be aware that it effects how well our bodies are able to fight off this bacteria. When oral bacteria bonds it can form plaque which can inflame and irritate the gums. In turn, the plaque buildups up and can form waste which forms a wedge between the teeth and gums. This is what is known as gum recession. Gum recession can start as early as the teens but is more of a common problem in adults over the age of 40.
What are the Signs and Dangers?
Some oral conditions are characterized by pain and discomfort but with receding gums you can visibly see that there is a problem. Indications such as tight teeth, swollen, bleeding, or the feeling of gums pulling away from the teeth may be indication or gum recession. Other signs and dangers include:
- Sensitivity to sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), an ingredient in most commercial toothpastes.
- Abnormal tooth position, such as tooth crowding, giving inadequate cover of one or more teeth by the jaw bone.
- Hereditary thin, fragile or insufficient gingival tissue.
- Overaggressive brushing, which causes the enamel at the gum line to be worn away by scrubbing the sides of the teeth in a washboard fashion
- Periodontal disease
- Inadequate brushing or flossing, which allows bacteria to build up between the teeth, resulting in enzymes eating the bone away from the teeth
- Eating disorders, from self-induced vomiting
- Dipping tobacco, which affects the mucus membrane lining in the mouth and will cause receding gums over time
- Grinding of the teeth (bruxism)
- Intentional gingival retraction. For example, the adult tooth may not grow out of the gum, and to remedy this, a procedure called an exposure is done. It involves the gum tissue being cut open to allow the adult tooth to grow out. This is a less common cause of gum recession.
- Adult orthodontic movement of teeth.
- Piercings in the lip or tongue that wear away the gum by rubbing against it.
Receding gums can be an indication of more serious health problems that individuals may not be aware of such as:
- Diabetes
- Heart Disease
- Stroke
- Heart Attack
- Respiratory disease
It is critical to nip receding gums in the bud to ensure the condition does not worsen. Overall, take proper care to maintain your body's overall health because your quality of life may very well depend on it.
We Recommend
Avoid conventional toothpastes and mouthwashes that can add to your oral condition as opposed to improving it. Provide your mouth with an environment that is conducive to fighting plaque which is an important culprit in enabling the formation of receding gums. Be mindful that it only takes a few of hours for bacteria to form plaque, and only a few days for that plaque to harden into tartar.
The better that you take care of your mouth, tongue, teeth and gums daily, the more likely they are to stick around with you for a while. Your oral health is important to us and we are proud to present Tooth Fairy's All Natural Peppermint Polish made with proprietary patent-pending "Peroxymint," which offers an affordable and effective all natural formula for oral protection that you and your family can feel safe using. No toxins, chemicals, or abrasive make Tooth Fairy's All Natural Peppermint Polish an effective, superior, and quality solution in treating various oral conditions so you can enjoy proper daily oral care.
