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Original poster

Anybody with gum disease or receding gums want to chat - feel like I’m the only person in the world with this awful disease

199 replies

Shootingstarsparkle · 07/01/2023 12:35

Hi, exactly what the title says basically - I have chronic periodontitis and severely receding gums. I’m so scared and my every waking moment I worry about losing my teeth. It’s affecting my whole life. Just wanted someone to chat to about it all really and wondering if anyone else is in the same position

OP posts:
ElizaDoolittle77 · 18/02/2023 10:46

ButtonandTiny · 17/02/2023 17:53

I also have this, paid to go for private treatment last year. I had a 'proper' deep clean, not like the one I was getting at my NHS dentist. I've been strict with my interdental brushes and all of my pockets had shrunk at my 3 month check.
I've signed up for a £25 a month plan that includes 4 hygienist visits and 2 dental check ups a year. Not a cost I wanted to pay but feel I need it to keep on top of the disease.

Why is dentistry sooo expensive? I think I might have to sort a plan out

ElizaDoolittle77 · 18/02/2023 10:47

beck1976 · 17/02/2023 20:35

Have read on another post about how probiotics can help your gums improve. Does anyone know of any good ones that could help with oral health?

I have read this too! Not sure which ones but it is something I will look in to - I will let you know if I find anything useful!

ElizaDoolittle77 · 18/02/2023 10:50

MsJuniper · 18/02/2023 09:37

I use these:

www.boots.com/dentek-eco-slim-brush-iso1-pink-32s-10314794

I stock up whenever they are on 3 for 2.

My gums are slowly getting worse but hygienist is so expensive. Whenever I am assiduous with the brushes and mouthwash I feel things improve though. I don't get bleeding any more.

My siblings are much more lax with their teeth and have barely had a whisper of a problem over the years so I guess sometimes it is luck of the draw.

Oh this is annoying isn’t it! My DH hasnt been to the dentist for over 20 years and has perfect teeth with no problems! I have always been so good with my dental care and (up until 3 years ago) visited the dentist every 6 months! So unfair! Not that I wish my DH bad teeth lol but you know what I mean

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Dental health General health
blebbleb · 18/02/2023 10:56

I've had receding gums since my early 20s. I'm 38 now. I go to the hygienist every 6 months and it hasn't got much worse. Smoking and poor oral hygiene can make it worse but some people are just prone to it.

yellowsuncat · 18/02/2023 11:01

hello people, here are some tips from a fellow sufferer.

  • use a water pik around gumline (the cordless ones are better as you can do in the shower)
  • do a few water fasts lasting a few days (work up slowly and do it carefully e.g. electrolytes). The autophagy (breaking down the dead cells) helps heal the gums. Worth googling autophagy if you're not sure what it is. Be sure to fast carefully and read up beforehand.
  • Taking co-enzyme q10 and vitamin c really helps gums!
  • Don't be overzealous with the interdental brushing / flossing as you can traumatise the gums and make receding worse. Obviously use the interdentals regularly but don't be rough. I like the Easypicks as they seem less harsh on the gums. Remember the gums need to be cleaned but also they are tender and need to be carefully looked after not traumatised.
  • Use a sonic toothbrush and change the head regularly. Doesn't need to be an expensive one. Changing the brush head about once a month seems best to me.
  • I use a long handled small tufted brush called an interspace brush to reach gums in hard to reach places like right at the top / back behind the teeth.
  • Oil pull with coconut oil (swish a small spoonful around the mouth) once a day for a few mins. It's a great antibacterial! Then be sure to rinse. Helps my gums no end. I just do it as I am walking around the house then spit out.
  • Watch out for toothpaste with SLS. SLS can aggravate the gums, at least in my case it does. There are plenty of SLS free ones (fluoridated) that are good.
ilovemyspace · 18/02/2023 11:01

I use interdental brushes, electric toothbrush and waterpik (once or twice a day) and when the dentist's checked my gums ( you know with the numbers that they call out, but never tell you what they mean, so I googled ) it's always been around 3. What's been a game changer for me is using Listerine Advanced Defence Gum Treatment - it's really improved my gum health. My gum health is now 0/1 - that's NEVER happened before! May be worth trying?

fluffylampbear · 18/02/2023 11:02

If you're getting a WaterPik the "pickpocket" special head is the best type - order online if it doesn't come with it.

ElizaDoolittle77 · 18/02/2023 11:28

Beebumble2 · 18/02/2023 09:57

My sympathy to you all. I’m in the same position, despite having private dentistry for years ( Must have paid ££££). I try my best to keep them clean, brushing, interdental brushes, water pic, flossing and using toothpaste that’s supposed to help. It’s mostly my back teeth, I’ve lost two Molars. None of this is helped by having two back teeth removed when I was young because there was no room for them.
My dentist has told me it’s hereditary, so luck of the draw! My parent are no longer here so I can ask them. I find it very depressing.

@Beebumble2 - hereditary for me! My Mum had it, she is no longer with us so I can’t ask her about it but I wish I could go back in time and ask her. According to my Dad though she was the same as me - teeth are absolutely fine but gums are rubbish!

ElizaDoolittle77 · 18/02/2023 11:30

yellowsuncat · 18/02/2023 11:01

hello people, here are some tips from a fellow sufferer.

  • use a water pik around gumline (the cordless ones are better as you can do in the shower)
  • do a few water fasts lasting a few days (work up slowly and do it carefully e.g. electrolytes). The autophagy (breaking down the dead cells) helps heal the gums. Worth googling autophagy if you're not sure what it is. Be sure to fast carefully and read up beforehand.
  • Taking co-enzyme q10 and vitamin c really helps gums!
  • Don't be overzealous with the interdental brushing / flossing as you can traumatise the gums and make receding worse. Obviously use the interdentals regularly but don't be rough. I like the Easypicks as they seem less harsh on the gums. Remember the gums need to be cleaned but also they are tender and need to be carefully looked after not traumatised.
  • Use a sonic toothbrush and change the head regularly. Doesn't need to be an expensive one. Changing the brush head about once a month seems best to me.
  • I use a long handled small tufted brush called an interspace brush to reach gums in hard to reach places like right at the top / back behind the teeth.
  • Oil pull with coconut oil (swish a small spoonful around the mouth) once a day for a few mins. It's a great antibacterial! Then be sure to rinse. Helps my gums no end. I just do it as I am walking around the house then spit out.
  • Watch out for toothpaste with SLS. SLS can aggravate the gums, at least in my case it does. There are plenty of SLS free ones (fluoridated) that are good.

@yellowsuncat - thank you so much!! I think I do all of these apart from the water fasting. How bad are your gums if you don’t mind me asking? And have you had treatment for them?

ElizaDoolittle77 · 18/02/2023 11:32

ilovemyspace · 18/02/2023 11:01

I use interdental brushes, electric toothbrush and waterpik (once or twice a day) and when the dentist's checked my gums ( you know with the numbers that they call out, but never tell you what they mean, so I googled ) it's always been around 3. What's been a game changer for me is using Listerine Advanced Defence Gum Treatment - it's really improved my gum health. My gum health is now 0/1 - that's NEVER happened before! May be worth trying?

Thank you! The listerine is good stuff

yellowsuncat · 18/02/2023 11:45

@ElizaDoolittle77 my gums are pretty stable to be honest, I go to the hygenist twice a year (last time was 8 months) and she was super OTT like wow you're doing a great job.

I had to have braces because of bone loss due to being scared of the dentist a few years ago. So I've really turned it around.

Due to the fixed retainer I have to be more careful as more prone to gum issues. But I think the fasting helps.

I would also say that diet is a massive part of it. It's what you put in your body as much as what you do with your mouth.

I'm not perfect all the time with everything but I am working on it. I think the fasting helps heal deep down somehow due to the autophagy. And apparently at 3 days your body produces new stem cells, so could be helpful for gum repair! Although I haven't seen any studies on this specifically there's lots of them on the stem cell thing. Obviously fasting could be seen as drastic by some but I believe it makes a big difference.

Mysticguru · 18/02/2023 12:46

A few things that cause gum issues........

Check medication side effects. Some can cause inflammation.

Check blood pressure

Smoking

Acid/sugary drinks

Not using the correct brush and using it correctly. Electric ones are best.

Not using interdent brushes or Tepe brushes. Gum recession is caused by bacteria between the tooth and gum which will also result in bone loss. Have the hygienist measure the pockets and you'll see the improvement over the course of the visits. The use of interedent brushes or Tepe brushes daily helps enormously

Using the correct mouthwash and sparingly. To much mouthwash isn't good.

There are some gum invigorate mouthwashes and pastes. Speak to your hygienist first!

Probiotic foods, omega3, green tea and other foods like apples can help.

ChaToilLeam · 18/02/2023 12:52

I have this. I’ve always been conscientious about brushing etc, my DSis is the same and has it too. My dentist says some people are just prone to it.

Good news is that with regular cleanings including under the gum line, it can be stabilised. I get the occasional flare but generally no further problems.

dameofdilemma · 18/02/2023 13:06

I sympathise OP.
I have receding gums and low bone density due to a small mouth - the bone around some of my teeth has just never developed properly as there isn’t enough space so as the gums recede the teeth are at risk.

Very difficult to get proper treatment on NHS. I have to pay for a specialist periodontist who has done several deep cleans under the gum line (takes hours), glued wobbly teeth etc to stabilise them. I’m still at risk though.

And yes to brushing with a sensitive setting and sensitive head electric toothbrush and interdental brushes.

Daftasabroom · 18/02/2023 13:17

This might sound a bit grim but I keep interdental floss sticks in the car, if I'm stuck in traffic or on the motorway I'll have a good old sesh, at least I feel like I'm doing something useful.

Radi04 · 18/02/2023 13:17

Daftasabroom · 18/02/2023 13:17

This might sound a bit grim but I keep interdental floss sticks in the car, if I'm stuck in traffic or on the motorway I'll have a good old sesh, at least I feel like I'm doing something useful.

Me too! And in my coat pockets for when I'm walking and by my desk

Daftasabroom · 18/02/2023 13:19

@Radi04 and I thought it was just me!

Beebumble2 · 18/02/2023 13:20

My dentist warned me that mouthwash with Alcohol in was too harsh. I had a mega cleaning obsession and resulted in very sore gums.

ElizaDoolittle77 · 18/02/2023 13:33

dameofdilemma · 18/02/2023 13:06

I sympathise OP.
I have receding gums and low bone density due to a small mouth - the bone around some of my teeth has just never developed properly as there isn’t enough space so as the gums recede the teeth are at risk.

Very difficult to get proper treatment on NHS. I have to pay for a specialist periodontist who has done several deep cleans under the gum line (takes hours), glued wobbly teeth etc to stabilise them. I’m still at risk though.

And yes to brushing with a sensitive setting and sensitive head electric toothbrush and interdental brushes.

It is just awful isn’t it! People with healthy gums are just so lucky!

yellowsuncat · 18/02/2023 13:54

yes I was reading that green tea in particular can be really good for the gums. Matcha especially (I drink the powdered form rather than bags).

Another study apparently I was recently reading that eucalyptus oil can regrow gums or something. The thing is the essential oil is not suitable for internal use so was hoping to find a toothpaste with it in.

ElizaDoolittle77 · 18/02/2023 13:56

yellowsuncat · 18/02/2023 13:54

yes I was reading that green tea in particular can be really good for the gums. Matcha especially (I drink the powdered form rather than bags).

Another study apparently I was recently reading that eucalyptus oil can regrow gums or something. The thing is the essential oil is not suitable for internal use so was hoping to find a toothpaste with it in.

I’m sure Holland and Barrett do a eucalyptus toothpaste. Their aloe Vera one is great and really soothing

yellowsuncat · 18/02/2023 14:04

@ElizaDoolittle77 thank you - will give it a go!

Newyearnewmeow · 18/02/2023 14:10

The probiotics which help with gums need to contain Lactobacillus. Plenty to choose from on Amazon.

ElizaDoolittle77 · 18/02/2023 14:13

Newyearnewmeow · 18/02/2023 14:10

The probiotics which help with gums need to contain Lactobacillus. Plenty to choose from on Amazon.

@Newyearnewmeow - thank you so much!

CriticalAlert · 18/02/2023 14:46

I have gum disease and I'm 68. The dentist has warned me about tooth loss. I floss, teepee and corsodyl rinse twice daily. I am meant to have hygienist appointments but at £90 a go I simply can't afford it! I honestly don't understand how this private hygienist thing has appeared! Dentists used to do this on the NHS!!