Receding gums
I am a healthy 37-year-old woman and have had good teeth and gums for some years now, following a conscientious regimen instigated by my dentist and hygienist. However, I recently noticed that the gumline above my two front teeth is receding. Is there anything that can help stop or even reverse this and rebuild the gum?
After tooth decay, the second most common disorder in the mouth is inflammation of the gums (gingival); a condition known as gingivitis and although dental experts believe that 95% of the adult population suffer from some form of gum (periodontal) disease, only 10% will develop serious problems. Early warning signs of those problems include bleeding gums, unpleasant tastes or odours in the mouth, and sensitivity of the teeth to hot and cold foods.
Gingigel is a biological mouth and gum-care gel based on hyaluronic acid; a natural substance found in the connective tissues of the body (cartilage, synovial fluid, and skin), that can help stimulate the production of new, healthy tissue when applied to the gums. It has been used to treat joint problems - including osteoarthritis - but in University trials in Germany, researchers found this agent could also work in the mouth where it was found to double the rate of tissue healing, increase blood supply to the gums and reduce inflammation.
You can now buy it in both gel and liquid form. Apply the gel to your gums and use the liquid as a mouth rinse. The gel costs £6.49 for 20ml and the rinse is £7.99 for 150ml. If your gums bleed too, you should also take coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Take 60mg a day and persevere for at least two months for the best results. Pharmanord’s CoQ10 costs £15.95 for 60 capsules. Take two a day. If not on sale in your local UK health store, mail order all these remedies from Victoria Health on 0800-413596.