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OT: Gum erosion

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 12/15/2013 9:01 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah, I know, this isn't a dental forum, but I have seen a few threads about teeth problems on this board in the past and I'm worried sick. A few years ago I had a pocket of gum on a lower front tooth become inflamed and eroded. I was worried about it at the time, but the dentist basically didn't seem the slightest bit concerned (where have I seen that before?).

Despite Crohn's, steroids, etc., I managed to avoid any significant problems with my teeth for the next few years; I needed a crown at one point, that was all. Then a few weeks ago the tooth next to the one with the eroded gum became inflamed and painful. The upshot is that I now have even worse erosion on that tooth than the original one.

It's the two lower front teeth which are affected. Does this mean my front teeth are gonna fall out at some point? I've been burying my head in the sand, but the affected teeth have started to hurt again, and I'm terrified. I really, really don't want to end up with a set of dentures. Dentistry is where the NHS falls down, to be honest. (Cue joke about the British and their bad teeth.)

Anyway, has anyone else had this problem? Is it treatable? How much does it cost? :-/

Edit: Oh, and I have just got a new cold sore. Yay stress... =/
Posted 12/16/2013 12:23 AM (GMT 0)
When you saw eroded, do you mean that they are receding from the normal gum line? Receding gums can be caused by lots of things including improper brushing technique. The meds we take are also very harsh on our mouths by altering the normal PH among other things.

If you have an enflamed spot on your gums you need to get it checked out and treated. I have several areas where the gum has receded in the front and sides. Some of that was from improper brushing. Also genetics play a role. Their are some families where many have receding gums. With proper care, I think your teeth should be fine once you get that inflammation cleared up.
Posted 12/16/2013 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
If the gum is receded too far a graft of gum tissue can be attached. I had this done on one front bottom tooth, it wasn't too bad and the graft continues to work out just fine. Don't remember what it cost, but insurance did help some.
Posted 12/16/2013 1:10 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, receding is exactly what I meant.

Unfortunately I became more careless with my teeth-brushing :-/ My morning routine is longer than it used to be, and so I started to hurry the teeth-brushing. (Sometimes as well I'm so anxious, my mind is anywhere except on my teeth :-/)

I'm not on any Crohn's meds or antidepressants right now, but I am on Zoplicone. One of its side-effects is a dry mouth: another reason to get off it.

Anyway, tomorrow I'm going to make an appointment with my dentist. I just hope I don't have to wait too long. Thanks, Ides!

Edit: Thanks, betty. I'll ask about a gum tissue graft, although I would be fairly surprised if NHS dentistry did that. If it's not too expensive, maybe I can afford to pay for it, although cheap dental work does tend to be an oxymoron...

Post Edited (NiceCupOfTea) : 12/15/2013 6:14:20 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 12/16/2013 8:12 AM (GMT 0)
Girl you should see my Mom's bottom front gums! They are so receded they look like they'd just fall right out. But they aren't even loose, and her dentist isn't too worried about her losing them.

I've had some receding from my bottom two front teeth as well. Not really bad though. I think it happens with age and can run worse in some families.

I'd just take good care of your teeth the best you can, I doubt you lose them.
Posted 12/16/2013 4:34 PM (GMT 0)
There are lots of reasons this happens, one being gum disease and other include grinding your teeth, tobacco use, aggressive brushing, not enough dental care.

I have this problem too, mine bring from lack of proper dental care and grinding. I had a tooth scaling done along with my cleaning and had a mouth guard made to help with my grinding at night. Both have helped a lot!

I also switched to Sensodyne tooth paste to help with the sensitive teeth because of the gums.
Posted 12/17/2013 5:49 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Jen! It does help to hear that.

@jdiane - I'm not aware of grinding my teeth, but when I'm really stressed out I give myself an eye/neck ache sometimes by clenching my jawbone :-/

Anyway, I've got an appointment with a dentist at midday this Friday. Was amazed to get one so quickly; thought I'd have to wait until January or even February.
Posted 12/18/2013 1:48 AM (GMT 0)
NCOT, I had an issue with receding gums due to brushing way to hard and I have had a few crowns due to breaking teeth. My dentist highly recommends a sonic toothbrush for me and I have seen a significant difference. My receding stopped and I get very little plaque on my teeth. It may be something you may want to check out
Posted 12/18/2013 2:17 AM (GMT 0)
Like this one? <_<

www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4433484.htm
Posted 12/18/2013 3:21 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, mine is very similar to this. With it I don't have to put any pressure on my teeth or gums so I have not so far had further issues with my gums. I have always been an overly hard brusher and had receding gums resulting ultimately in a root canal due to infection. This has helped me tremendously.
Posted 12/18/2013 3:28 PM (GMT 0)
yep, I did the sonic too and it has made such a difference!
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