Help with receding gums

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Permalink Reply by Jeanie Cig on February 25, 2012 at 1:28pm

I noticed this as well. I think I was not consistent enough with my greens. However, I have had history of difficulty with my thyroid, and recently I was told that hormonal imbalances (thyroid in particular) can cause this. I haven't done any additional research about it yet, however.

Permalink Reply by Don Bennett on February 25, 2012 at 1:29pm

Chanelle, one of the biggest causes of receding gums is brushing too hard and/or with a toothbrush that is anything other than "soft". Most people's idea of how to brush their teeth has nothing to do with the best way to brush teeth; they are simply following directions that have been around for a long time and are practiced by many people and even promoted by dentists, but never-the-less, it is still not the best way to use a toothbrush.

There are some considerations re: dental health when eating an all-raw, fruit-based diet. I recommend reading this article, and you may also want to consider reading my 2nd book for it contains information about this subject. Also, if you know anyone who attended the Woodstock Fruit Festival last year, I did a lecture on this subject, and the video of that lecture is available to those who attended, so you might be able to watch it.

Also, there is a difference between gums that "tighten" and ones that actually recede. It's an important distinction. But if your gums are indeed receding, then you of course want to discover the cause, but you should also be careful to prevent any exposed dentin from being compromised (cavities); dentin is not as hard as enamel. The info in the above article mentions ways to keep your teeth as free from acidic conditions as possible, and the book mentions them too. Obviously if you are currently consuming soda or anything that wears down tooth enamel, you should stop; this includes the consumption of nuts which causes your mouth environment to be more acid than it would be if you were consuming fruit. And making sure that your diet includes sufficient nutrients so your saliva is able to remineralize the normal daily erosion that takes place, is a good idea. The reasons that the fruit and leafy greens you are eating may not supply enough of everything you need is addressed here. And sufficient vitamin D (which doesn't come from food) is important too (for strong bones and teeth); more on D can be found here.

I hope this helps.

Note: Due to my current schedule, I will not be "following" this discussion.

Permalink Reply by jimmy on February 25, 2012 at 1:42pm

Hi Chanelle,

The latest advice from dentists these days is to only brush your teeth downwards away from the gums(upwards for bottom teeth),and with a half rotating motion if you know what I mean?,and be sure you floss as well.

How about your actual teeth,any problems with the enamel??,or your hair and nails?.if your dentist mentions anything this is one of the first signs of some sort of sub clinical malnutrition which will lead to serious problems in the long run,and should'nt be ignored.I know this first hand,its usually a mineral problem and from the acids in fruit picked before they are ripe(most fruits dont ripen further once picked). 

Permalink Reply by Rose von Vegan on February 25, 2012 at 7:37pm

I found dates were making my teeth hurt. I stopped eating them without mixing them in something first, and now nothing hurts.

Permalink Reply by Chuckster on February 26, 2012 at 1:03am

The gums need the cleaning and stimulation that a softbrush provides.  I found that I was not spending enough time and care if I stood in front of a sink and brushed.   Instead I took a glass of water and baking soda to my desk and gently brushed longer while, say reading 30bad.  I have one tooth with recession and it looks like its getting better.

Permalink Reply by Chanelle Hodge on February 26, 2012 at 7:43am

Thanks so much everyone for the info. I will try it all. I am really worried as now more of the clear coating(sorry not sure if its called enamel etc) is coming of from the gum line down on one of my teeth:( 

Permalink Reply by jimmy on February 26, 2012 at 9:10am

Thats the root part of the tooth that the gum is meant to cover tightly,there is no enamel covering that part of the tooth,the enamel is only above the gum line,meaning the dentin is exposed(see link),but the gum can recover.To be honest,I'm not sure what causes this,you can research it online.

Permalink Reply by jimmy on February 26, 2012 at 9:12am

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/image-collection-oral-health#photo...

Permalink Reply by jimmy on February 26, 2012 at 9:17am

I think you need to see a good holistic dentist to get some advice

Permalink Reply by Chanelle Hodge on February 28, 2012 at 7:14am

Hey Thanks so much to everyone for you advice. I've decided to go to a holistic dentist today. I will let you know how it goes. I think the receding might have a lot to do with the tartar build up on my teeth(only been to the dentist about 7 times in my life and never had a teeth clean) and also I have been grinding my teeth my whole life. 

Permalink Reply by Chanelle Hodge on February 29, 2012 at 7:37am

So I went to the dentist yesterday and she said they used to think the cause of receding gums was brushing too hard(which i def don't do) but that didn't make much sense because not all of my gums are receding. Now they are thinking it is caused by Bruxism(teeth grinding) which makes sense as I have been grinding my teeth my whole life and also the teeth were my gums are receding seem to be the ones that take most of the pressure from grinding. I have been doing 811 for nearly two weeks now and I don't think I am grinding as much anymore as I am not waking up with a really sore jaw etc. I am just wondering if anyone else has had the same experience with grinding? and if the 811 lifestyle helps?

Permalink Reply by Gabriel Sabolboro on August 3, 2012 at 7:32am

Hi I'm just curious if your gums healed?  I am new to this diet and am having the same problem, didnt want to start a whole new thread with this one here already.