Talk to me about gum disease

[guiltyofnotflossing]

I’m 32, went a very long time not brushing my teeth really due to mental health . I also went years not seeing a dentist - my mum was petrified of them and managed to put me off them too . She only has 7 teeth . My dad’s teeth are equally bad . Sister has every single tooth filled except for the front .

I had bad overcrowding as a child, had multiple teeth removed as a kid, again at 13 under anaesthetic (had teeth in roof of my mouth and one under my tongue), then have had 3 wisdom teeth out plus a back molar - and due my final wisdom tooth out soon .

I went to the dentist two weeks ago, first time in a long time - she said I am extremely lucky - I only needed one filling, mildly worn down from grinding and a bit of staining . She said I have mild - very treatable - gum disease . Went to hygienist this morning who hacked away at my teeth; said they’re bleeding much too easily, gums a bit inflamed too. She’s done a deep clean and polish (£79?) and said to floss daily and buy something called interdental brushes for the back . Said something about ‘recession’ on part of my mouth but didn’t explain what that means. Have to go back in a month to see if there’s improvement .

Hygienist did say it’s mild and manageable/treatable - actual dentist said if I stick in with six monthly, twice daily brushing and flossing I shouldn’t lose any more teeth .

Is there anything else I could/should be doing? The last time I had a proper check up done I was about 19 so I know I’ve done well to get this far !!

Do everything they have told you. Keep on top of it and it should remain easy to treat. But dont get upset if it comes back anyway.

I had one bad bout about 30 years ago and it still recurs every now and then. I am currently being considered for a deep clean around one tooth. Not because my dental hygiene is poor, it isn't, but because that's just the way it is.

Basically don't panic, do what they suggest and you should be fine.

yes just persevere with the regime they recommend, you can’t change the past circumstances so don’t feel bad.

I had a lovely dentist, who basically said although good cleaning, flossing etc is important, some people just have less healthy teeth/gums than others, the same as any body part I guess.

years ago when I worked on a mental health ward we had dentists visiting, for health promotion. They were very lovely and said to the patients that a good brushing once a day at a time that works for the person is a good habit.

They acknowledged that when unwell, not everyone is motivated or has the ability to get themselves into a regular twice daily routine with all the flossing etc. So if a patient felt a little better at lunchtime for example, just try to do it then. It was a realistic and kind approach.