Regulator causes gum retreat?

[ScubaJorgen]

I'm just back from check-up by my dentist. She noticed gum retreat (I hope this is the proper english terminology; I mean the gum normally covering the root of the teeth lowers, uncovering more or less the teeth root) nicely symetrical on the teeth that are covered by the regulators mouth piece. She has heard about this as being a divers phenomenon.

I usually dive once a week. Last weekend I spent seven dives of about one hour under water.

- Does anybody know about gum retreat amongst scuba divers?
- Can it occur with the frequency I dive?
- Is there anything that can be done about it?

I have the intention to do some research on myself. Let you know....

 

[WileEDiver]

I haven't heard of this problem befrore, but you might look into a product called SeaCURE. It's a replacement mouthpiece (comes in different models to fit different regulators). You put it in hot water for about 30 seconds and then bite down on it. It molds to your teeth and jaw and is very comfortable. It reduces jaw fatigue (as you don't have to bite down on it to keep it in place) and might also be easier on your gums.

 

[pasley]

Interesting question and way outside my expertise. But before the qualified experts answer, I bet they will want to know if there are any other objects in the mouth like a tongue piercing or lip piercing that could be contributing.

I will be interested in seeing what the experts have to say as I too dive weekly

 

[Laurence Stein DDS]

Hi Jorgen,

The proper English translation for gum retreat is gingival recession.

There are a variety of causes of this condition:
1) Gum disease with bone loss/infection
2) Improper tooth position/malocclusion
3) Trauma
4) Orthodontic treatment (braces)
5) Clenching or bruxing/parafunction habits
6) Inadequate zone of attached gingiva
7) Damage from improper brushing or the use of a stiff brush
8) Thin overlying bone, dehiscence, fenestration

While the tabs on the regulator could cause recession, I think the probability is low. You didn't exactly describe where the recession is located in your mouth, I'm assuming that it affects the bicuspid region...that is where the regulator bite tabs are.

It turn out this area is particularly prone to recession for a variety of reasons. If you clench your teeth, this can accelerate the problem. Braces can also lead to tooth positions that look good but may place the teeth too far toward the cheeks and off the center of the bony ridge. It is very common to see patients following ortho with recession in the first and second bicuspid areas.

Clenching torques the tooth in the bone and the physical stress can result in recession on any tooth in heavy contact. These teeth commonly have both gum recession and a V shaped notch in the root surface.

I would be more suspect of the regulator if the area developed rapidly...several weeks to several months and affected one side more than the other (it is unlikely that this would be a symmetrical lesion). I would also expect that the recession would occur on the inside of the gums/teeth. If this is the case, you might want to cut off part of the inside "T" on the tab so it stops traumatizing the gum tissue

Most recession is a very slow process...taking years to appear or change. In fact, many people do not notice the recession until it is pointed out by their dentist or the areas have become sensitive to cold, touch or sweets. Just because you recently noticed the recession areas doesn't mean that they haven't been there.

If you wear certain kinds of oral piercings, they can generate local trauma like Pasley has already mentioned. The treatment for this is to remove the offending jewelry.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Laurence Stein, DDS
:doctor:

 

[ScubaJorgen]

Hi Jorgen,

The proper English translation for gum retreat is gingival recession.

There are a variety of causes of this condition:
1) Gum disease with bone loss/infection
2) Improper tooth position/malocclusion
3) Trauma
4) Orthodontic treatment (braces)
5) Clenching or bruxing/parafunction habits
6) Inadequate zone of attached gingiva
7) Damage from improper brushing or the use of a stiff brush
8) Thin overlying bone, dehiscence, fenestration

...

Laurence Stein, DDS
:doctor:

Again I am impressed by the knowledge that is present amongst members of the Scubaboard. I would like to thank you for the clear explanation. I really appreciate you taking the time to explain.

For myself: I don't wear pearcings (my wife would probably kill me). I think I have a longer history of gingival recession, since years ago one of my previous dentist urged me not to brush to hard I remember. So as you state, unlikely diving related. It is not bothering me anyway....

 

[DiverEdd]

Again I am impressed by the knowledge that is present amongst members of the Scubaboard. I would like to thank you for the clear explanation. I really appreciate you taking the time to explain.

For myself: I don't wear pearcings (my wife would probably kill me). I think I have a longer history of gingival recession, since years ago one of my previous dentist urged me not to brush to hard I remember. So as you state, unlikely diving related. It is not bothering me anyway....

Try this

http://www.manta-bite.com

I haven't tried this yet, but it looks interesting. It takes the pressure off your teeth.

Ed