Receding gums are no fun, as our british colleagues will attest. They bleed and make you "long in the tooth". But what can be done? Vigorous brushing seems to only exacerbate the problem.

It seems that overgrowth of gums is a side effect of folks taking a common seizure medicine, dilantin. I propose that dilantin be used to help folks regrow lost gum tissue. It might be necessary to stop brushing teeth for a while to allow the gum tissue to grow back, but this seems a small sacrifice in exchange for the gums of your teen years.
-- bungston, Nov 12 2003

Overgrown gums http://www.dent.ucl...part1/pyogenic.html
Sort of gory pics - click at your own risk! [bungston, Oct 04 2004, last modified Oct 06 2004]

A better approach http://www.breathcu...Category_Code=CBTST
"With age it is natural to develop some gum recession, tooth abrasion, and root sensitivity, but by using these types of toothbrushes you will dramatically reduce the incidences of these problems." [Klaatu, Oct 04 2004, last modified Oct 05 2004]

Receding Gums-Still need brushing http://www.receding...ellnessmonitor.com/
Use a soft toothbrush and try to remove all food accumulations from the gum line. You should gently brush after every meal using an antibacterial toothpaste. Food deposits on the teeth produce bacteria that cause inflammation and recession of the gums. [Drvitel, Jun 05 2006]

I thought flossing was the answer?
-- DrCurry, Nov 12 2003


Or, something less drastic? <link>
-- Klaatu, Nov 12 2003


Or gum-coloured chewing-gum which you could stick in place and hide the truth of your exposed roots.
-- dobtabulous, Nov 13 2003



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