In pain and scared! I think i have serious gum disease? What can i do?
Question:
I havent brushed my teeth ages... please i dont know why.. i just never bothered.. bah it sounds so pathetic
anyway... i started brushing yesterday and my gums are bleeding loads! and the blood is all sticky and thick.. not runny. as you can guess its very painful when i come back the next mourning or night to brush
what can i do to fix it? just keep brushing? im thinking of brushing midday as well so morning, midday and afternoon? willl that do anything
im too afriad to go to the dentist.. they will just have a go at me for not brushing my teeth
peace to you all
thanks for your help
Ed
Answers:
Ed, you need to go to the dentist. It's as simple as that.
I THINK YOU SHOULD GO TO PHARMACY AND GET SOME MOUTH RINSE SUGGESTED BY PHARMACY, THEY ARE LIKE DR. OR DENTIST SINCE THEY WENT TO SCHOOL FOR 8 YRS. THEY A.LWAYS KNOW STUFF WHEN I ASK, JUST GO TO WALMART AND THEY WILL SHOW U WHAT TO GET. PEACE
It's good that you started brushing your teeth. Your gums are probably very sensitive to the brushing and they're probably loaded with plaque. Don't brush more than twice a day, because it you go at it too vigorously or too often, you'll just make them more sensitive. At this point, brush twice a day, FLOSS, rinse your mouth at night with Listerine ... and make an appointment with a dentist! I know you're afraid to do that, but believe me, they've seen everything. Explain when you make your appointment that you haven't seen a dentist in a very long time. It's good that you're going now instead of waiting until teeth start loosening or falling out.
Whenever people see blood, their natural reaction is to avoid brushing the area when, in fact, you need to brush that area more! By brushing more, you stimulate blood flow in your gingiva which flushes bacteria out and helps to restore your gums back to a healthier state. Because you went for so long without brushing (and I'm assuming flossing as well), plaque bacteria built up under your gums, and brushing and flossing removes the bacteria, leaving your gums a little tired and sore. This is called gingivitis and is totally reverseable if you act now. If you leave it go, it can deleop into periodontitis, which is bone loss, and is not reverseable. Keep brushing 2-3 times a day and try to floss at least once a day (preferrably at night before bed), and your gums should be back to a healthier state in no time. You can use a tartar control Listerine if you wish. If the thick, excessive bleeding does last for over 3-4 weeks, consult your dentist, there may be more to it then a simple case of gingivitis.
Your gums are very irritated by the recent activity you have subjected them to especially since you do not brush and haven't done so for a long time or ever. You may also have a serious peridontal problem that will take time and professional care to fix. Obviously, you began brushing them because something started to concern you and I suspect you are now realizing the error of your ways. Better late than never.
For now, you need to rinse your mouth with a good mouthwash to try and get them to calm down. I even recommend a salt water solution of 1-2 teaspooons to a cup of warm water. This should help with the bleeding.
Then find the softest toothrush you can and gently brush in a circular motion as best as you can. Rinse well again. As soon as you get them to stop the blood flow, start using floss - gently by sliding the floss up one side of a tooth and then up the side of the adjacent tooth. Do this from right to left untill you have done it to each tooth pair. Rinse and then do it to the lower teeth. Rinse until clear.
I trust you want to save your teeth? I hope so. It is currently thought that a person's overall health is somewhat governed by the health of the person's mouth. Bite the bullet (no pun intended) and get to a dentist. Tell him/her how you feel about the condition in which you find yourself.
Since they are not your parents, dentists will not rake you over the coals for the ill-treatment you have imposed on yourself. Why should they? You represent a lot of dental fees for them. They will welcome you with open arms.
You may have sensitive gums. Try brushing a little softer, and rinse with mouthwash to avoid bacteria from spreading. Bleeding gums does indicate gum disease, but they don't usually give hurt when they bleed. Also, if you are concerned with your dental health, why are you avoiding people who know the best thing to help you with your problem?
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