Gingivitis

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Visited hygienist for my yearly appointment recently (tbf I only seen a hygienist for the first time about a year ago as was never suggested by dentist that I should go).

said my brushing is excellent but need to floss more which I agree with.

said I have slight gingivitis! Does that mean early signs of gum disease?

what can I do to help other than the obvious of more flossing.

It doesn't help that I have tmj with a very small jaw opening so struggle to get right at the back to floss and keeping my jaw open for ages gives me so much pain.

she mentioned a water flosser. Said she wouldn't normally recommend but might be good in my case.

to add, I have anxiety over getting gum disease. My mother has it and lost a fair fee of her teeth now but she didn't go to the dentist for quite a few years so it was unnoticed for a while.

to add, to me my teeth and gums looks fine. I have no bleeding when brushing either.

I don't have to see her again for another year.. but will be seeing dentist in 6 months or so!

I think this is a relatively new thing to see the hygienist separately. I have always gone ti the dentist and the take a look and clean. Nowadays, the dentist looks and the non nhs (I.e expensive) hygienist cleans at a separate appointment so don't feel bad about not going.

Yes, it's inflammed gums that if left can lead to tooth loss. It's a long slow process tho. Just keep brushing (make sure you brush the gum) flossing and mouth washing and you'll be fine!

Thank you. I used to be nhs at the same practice and hygienist was never suggested. It was only when the practice went mainly private it was suggested 👀 my last hygienist app was fine, as was my dental check up so hopefully I can nip it in the bud now.