I've noticed my gums have been receeding since the beginning of treatment, or even before. Progress is very slow over the last 7 months, and I thought maybe I was having some kind of gingivitis renewal or something, and it was good for my gums.
But, lately my teeth have been hurting a little bit, and I'm growing concerned.
I'm scheduling a Dentist appointment soon, and was wondering if there was anything I should be aware of regarding the medications I'm taking, and telling the Dentist what I'm dealing with.
Posted by nefferdun (Member # 20157) on :
Take co enzyme Q10. You can buy 300mg capsules. It is the best thing for gum problems.
Posted by Wolfed Out (Member # 23727) on :
Thanks nefferdun.
I re-read Dr. B's supplement suggestions again last night, and saw Co-Q10 and Alpha Lipoic Acid as #3 and #4 on his list, respectively.
He writes that ALA makes Co-Q10 more effective, so I'll give it a shot Posted by elizzza811 (Member # 24713) on :
My gums are receding, too, and no antibiotic yet has helped this issue. But read this...another spirochete...
I know I've been exposed to this, not only because it is so common, but because my mom had a duodenal ulcer the entire time I was growing up. My mom also lost all her teeth by the age of 40.
My teeth feel wiggly some days (since my gums receded), my tongue is perpetually white, and I also experience ongoing GI issues. It's almost as if there is some sort of delay once the food hits my stomach. I'd been blaming it on my gallbladder, but now I'm thinking maybe I have something going on in my duodenum like my mom did?
I remember my teeth feeling wiggly as a kid, too, and I would go run and drink some milk and brush my teeth in fear that they'd all fall out. Was it h pylori? I'd certainly been exposed to it.
Research mastic gum. I actually just ordered some because it's supposed to eradicate h pylori.
My dentist recommended that I use Listerine Smart Rinse (find it in the kids section) after brushing. It has fluoride to help protect and strengthen teeth and kills germs without alcohol. He said that alcohol can worsen receding gums by drying out the mouth. The Smart Rinse seems to be helping reduce my tooth sensitivity.
I alternate the Listerine Smart Rinse with Jason brand "Healthy Mouth" mouthwash (buy at iherb or health food store). It is great and refreshing. Helps prevent fungal problems in the mouth.
Posted by Ivy (Member # 18365) on :
Might you be clenching or grinding your teeth? This can cause your teeth to hurt and your gums to recede- especially if your teeth are not in correct alignment.
Your dentist or hygienist can check you for that. If so get a hard plastic guard to wear every night.
Posted by hadlyme (Member # 6364) on :
Definitly tell your dentist what antibiotics that you are taking. You don't need to go into detail why you are taking them. But they do need to know what drugs you are taking.
We have to remember too, that sometimes, not all things are directly related to lyme and the co-infections.
Some of these gum and teeth issues are passed down in families. Smart of you to get to your dentist to see what is going on.
There are many different products out there that they have now to help with sensitivity. Ask about MI Paste, they can give you a tube. It is great for just regular sensitivity if there isn't any other issue going on with the teeth.
Posted by sillia (Member # 23994) on :
My gums receding was apparently caused by clenching and grinding at night, which I was not aware of. The dentist had to show me a plaster cast of my teeth and exactly how the jaw was moving and where the teeth were wearing down before I would believe him! Then they made me a mouthguard to wear at night, which I do, even when I'm napping.
Now my gum recession is stable. They measure it at every cleaning--it hasn't changed in a couple of years.
Plaque can cause gum recession, too. You already brush and floss, no doubt, but do you know about the tiny little brushes you can get to brush between your teeth? I have read that doing this in ADDITION to regular brushing and flossing can give really good results.
My teeth are close together with little space, so I particularly like these little ones. Further down on that page you can see examples of the brushier ones. Most good drug stores carry these now.
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