Q&A with Oral-B on gum health with Dr Uchenna Okoye - ANSWERS BACK

[HeatherMumsnet]

Were running a Q&A on understanding the importance of looking after your gums with Dr Uchenna Okoye.

Maintaining healthy gums is vital as one in two Brits will have gum problems. Most of us dont know that gum disease is the biggest cause of tooth loss so we arent treating the problem.

For pregnant women, paying attention to gum health is especially important as research shows between 50-70% of women will develop gum problems sometime during their pregnancy.

Dr Uchenna Okoye is an industry leader and innovator in the field of dentistry. She is currently Clinical Director of London Smiling Dental Group. Beyond running her own multi-clinic practice, Dr Uchenna often appears on television and radio and is a frequent contributing expert on the health panels of multiple boards and magazines.

Post your questions to Dr Uchenna Okoye by Friday 15th November and we'll upload the answers to this thread the following week.

See further information about Oral-B s Love Your Gums campaign and here: //www.oralb-loveyourgums.com

This Q&A is promoted by Oral-B.

[Willemdefoeismine]

Once you've got gum disease can it be rectified and if so, how?

[smokinaces]

If my dentist has no concerns about my gums and I use mouthwash twice a day as well as brushing, what would make them spontaneously bleed around certain teeth? Could wisdom teeth cause movement? Can certain diets affect gum health? Why would supposed healthy gums suddenly bleed?

[EmeraldJeanie]

Why do some mouth washes stain teeth brown? I no longer use mouth wash because of this.

[Doitnow]

What should you do if your child is complaining of sore teeth and her gums bleed when you brush them? I've clearly been missing bits when brushing and don't know what to do for the best now.

[Helspopje]

How exactly does your new toothpaste for gum health work? My dentist has recommended it to me for post pregnancy gum issues and it sounds brilliant, but I'd like to read the science. If the Stannous Fluoride actually does what it is supposed to, why don't you bring out an oral gel for overnight as I'd love to use some inside my mouthguard.
Corsodyl was rubbish and stained my teeth like the poster above.
FWIW - my mouth is transformed after about 2 weeks of use. much less uncomfortable and no bleeding.

[adagio]

Not sure if I have missed the date for this one… I have gum erosion from brushing too hard. To be honest, I never knew this was a risk until it was too late.

Can anything be done to fix this (as in help them grow back, or to harden the now exposed tooth)? What are the long term consequences?

[kristinage]

Can oral-B protect of gum disease?

[peanutbutterandbanana]

I have read a bit about 'oil pulling' having seen a discussion about it on threads here. What does Dr Uchenna Okoye think of this practice? Does it kill harmful oral bacteria? Does she recommend it for keeping the gums and teeth healthy?

[bloodyhatefireworks]

Can you tell me about gum grafts?

If gums have receded to the extent that the teeth look like horses' teeth is there anything to be done to rectify this for health/aesthetic reasons?

Floss, tepe picks or water piks - which do you recommend?

How bad is smoking for gum health?

Thanks.

[Helspopje]

another one - not strictly on exclusively gum health but....

I had fab teeth until I got pregnant.

3 pregnancies later I have had:
gum problems
tooth grinding due to hip/back pain
chipped a tooth in labour due to a particularly hairy delivery (eek!)
enamel erosion due to chucking up 24/7 and gagging like crazy if I tried to floss or used my usual now 'funny tasting' toothpaste

Does she have any recommendations for tooth/gum care in pregnancy and the post natal period?

and

Why do we have to wait to be booked until the free dentistry kicks in? Much of the damage was already done by this point for me all 3 times.

[BobaFetaCheese]

Is airflossing much better than flossing?
I have bleeding gums due to plaque buildup and find flossing v.painful.

Densitry but not gum related; why can't I use an electric toothbrush on my 2 year old (they all say 3+)? e Husband & I had awful childhood dentisry we're keen to get the kids into good routines.

Thanks

[SwimmingMom]

After my first child I've developed severe gum problems. Now with regular cleaning & maintenance am problem free. But I believe the pockets are going to stay forever even if they don't get worse. Should I worry that having more children will make it worse? What precautions should I take? I've heard that if gum problems resurface during a pregnancy they can trigger premature delivery - is this true?

[shoom]

Hello.

I have generally good gums and teeth, but have a long-term issue with sensitivity in one area of my mouth (canine/premolar). This is the one area of my mouth where I can have bleeding gums. I use tape as the gaps between my teeth are too tight for floss. The smallest size of TePe brush can only be used on some teeth and won't fit through other gaps. I have the sensitivity under control with colgate prorelief. Should I introduce another toothpaste to help my gums? Do you recommend another tape / floss option for tight gaps? Thanks.

[PenguinBear]

My dp only brushes his teeth a couple of times a week as he says he 'forgets'. I am worried about his teeth... How can I make a duly grown man realise that he needs to brush everyday?!

[MickleMe]

Is there anything I can do to improve receeding gums?

[monopoly123]

I brush my teeth twice a day, use a mouthwash twice a day, never need any fillings but still my dentist says I don't clean my teeth well. Where am I going wrong? I do the full 2mins, make a huge effort to not miss bits but every check up is the same.

[MaureenFry]

Penguin - tell your DP he has stinky breath?

[MaeMobley]

Are sonic toothbrushes better for guns?

How does one avoid receding guns?

[MaeMobley]

GUMS, not guns!!!!!!

[OneHolyCow]

I had bad gums, bleeding and infection but am now in the clear. Have to share.. mouthwash stains your teeth but rinsing with oxigenated water solution (ask your chemist) works great! I use a 3% solution, dilute in with the same amount of water and keep it in my mouth, rinsing, for about a minute. Once or twice a day. It is foul but you can do a quick brush afterwards to get rid of the taste.
It is also much cheaper than mouthwash.

[Seaoftroubles]

What is your opinion of the Dr Ellie Phillips oral health programme,in particular the use of Xylitol to help stop,prevent and in some cases reverse disease?

[SwimmingMom]

OP - when are we getting answers? It's well past the stated dates now?!

[AmyMumsnet]

Hello,

We're just chasing up the answers for you.

In the meantime - floss daily!

[LucilleMumsnet]

Sorry for the delay, we have the answers back now and will be posting them shortly. Thanks to everyone who submitted questions.

[DrUchennaOkoye]

@Willemdefoeismine

Once you've got gum disease can it be rectified and if so, how?

Once you have gum problems if it is in its early stages it can be rectified with treatment from the hygienist. However, if it is in it the later stages it will need to be rectified by the Periodontist (gum specialist). After you have undergone treatment this will only make the problem go into 'recession' meaning it can return at any stage which means it will need constant monitoring.