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Original poster

Periodontitis disease- anyone have this and manage it?

72 replies

beck1976 · 17/02/2023 16:40

I am basically panicking as my dentist said I have periodontal disease, and I am scared as I’ve never had any dental problems before and my teeth have always been good.
I have had a gum shield for the last few years that I have to wear at night as I have bruxism, and he has me booked in for a deep clean next month to see if that helps my gums.
i feel so alone and constantly worried about it and ashamed, and feel like I can’t enjoy eating anymore. I can’t bear having to live with this for the rest of my life.
Has anyone got experiment of having this and has it improved over time?

OP posts:
Theblacksheepandme · 17/02/2023 16:50

Exactly same as you as I also have bruxism. It is scary to hear at first. I have to go every 3 month to stay on top of cleaning. It is crucial you go regularly for cleaning. The inflammation has improved. I have receding gums and obviously that wont approve. They can do grafting but I am reluctant in doing this as it sounds unpleasant. I think my problem is all down to menopause.

Original poster
beck1976 · 17/02/2023 17:02

Do you have to wear a gum shield at night to help protect your teeth from the grinding?
I am really hoping the deep clean will improve my gums and make the condition more stable as I don’t know what will happen otherwise. I had a normal clean & polish back in November which I thought had helped, but clearly this deep clean is meant to be more thorough.
I would probably do anything to help it so if this involved grafting then I would do so, even though I am scared of dentists.

OP posts:
Theblacksheepandme · 17/02/2023 19:46

Yes I wear a gum shield. The deep clean can be quite uncomfortable but is a necessity. Make sure they give plenty anaesthetic and don't be afraid to ask for more if you require it. As far as I know the grafting was more for aesthetics but I could be wrong.

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XenoBitch · 17/02/2023 20:13

I have it. Only found out by seeing in it my notes at the dentist. Then Covid happened, and I no longer have a dentist. Had no treatment at all 😥

Elle54321 · 17/02/2023 20:17

I do, its got a lot better by using the interdental brushes but after several deep cleans with the hygienist (at £60 for 30 minutes each) she told me there are areas she can't get to and I will need to see a specialist for treatment and that won't be available on the NHS so £££.

RedDogBlueDog · 17/02/2023 20:23

This reply has been withdrawn

The OP has privacy concerns and so we've agreed to take this down.

Puppylucky · 17/02/2023 20:37

First of all don't panic! I've had gum disease for years - it's largely due to the shape of my face. I have a short jaw and high cheek bones and it's almost impossible for me to clean my teeth properly. I had very bad gum disease a few years ago but with regular ( six monthly ) hygienist visits plus dental brushes I have turned things around . I still have gum recession but the cleaner my teeth and gum pockets are the less a problem it is.

Elle54321 · 17/02/2023 20:50

I did read somewhere that using a water pik with salt water is helpful so that's next on my list.

Theblacksheepandme · 17/02/2023 20:55

Elle54321 · 17/02/2023 20:50

I did read somewhere that using a water pik with salt water is helpful so that's next on my list.

I got one at Christmas and it's fantastic.

ladygindiva · 17/02/2023 21:10

Placemarking to pick up tips, as I have signs of this also.

XenoBitch · 17/02/2023 21:26

My teeth are too close together for the brushes. There are only about 3 gaps big enough to fit them in.

I do dip floss and brushes in medicated mouthwash (I use the Tesco own brand one). I picked up a sonic toothbrush (takes some getting used to), and I carry a bottle of salt water to swish with after eating. Colgate do a Perioguard toothpaste now (is on offer in a lot of supermarkets at the moment).

It is annoying as my teeth are fine, and I have no gum recession, or bleeding when I brush. I was diagnosed based on bone loss. However, I now to have an abscess in my gum that is pushing a tooth out of alignment to the point I no longer smile, and avoid people.

Sadlifter · 17/02/2023 21:28

Don't smoke.

Theblacksheepandme · 17/02/2023 21:58

The periodentist recommended Kin B5 toothpaste to me. It is very good.

Theblacksheepandme · 17/02/2023 22:00

Are any of you going through peri/menopause as declining levels of oestrogen can cause this?

catlovingdoctor · 17/02/2023 22:02

The most important thing will be your daily oral hygiene regimen. Whether flossing or interdental brushing this is essential in removing the plaque which drive the disease.

If you specifically have periodontitis this means you have lost bone; with good oral hygiene however you can at least arrest it.

The professional cleanings are important, but very much secondary to your own oral hygiene.

If you smoke, absolutely quit. Lowering stress and a good diet (vitamins and minerals are good for the immune system which is in a state of disbalance in periodontitis) are also good ideas.

TheOriginalMrsMoss · 17/02/2023 22:06

Highly recommend a Water Pik in addition to a good quality electric toothbrush - I use a Philips.

I can also recommend Gengigel. I don't think it rebuilds gums, nothing can really do that, but it definitely stabilises them. I had a loose tooth due to biting down on a nut. I was religious about brushing very gently, water pik then Gengigel on the gumline and it stabilised! I really thought it would have to come out.

I also use Sensodine to remineralise, especially in the receded areas. All these things make a difference, especially in combination. Routine is the key and being gentle at the gumline.

Theunamedcat · 17/02/2023 22:09

Sadly me too

Thelnebriati · 17/02/2023 22:11

Its a horrible price and the taste takes some getting used to, but I used Weleda salt toothpaste.

RedDogBlueDog · 17/02/2023 22:12

This reply has been withdrawn

The OP has privacy concerns and so we've agreed to take this down.

Elle54321 · 17/02/2023 22:12

I've had the bone loss (50% on Xrays) for 20 years its only this year that peridontal disease has been mentioned.

Babymamma192 · 17/02/2023 22:26

@Theblacksheepandme can I ask which of the water pik's you have? I would like one but not sure which one to go for.

Tia xx

Thelnebriati · 17/02/2023 22:29

I stick with the Phillips hand held, its been very reliable. The normal one is fine, the sonic one is more powerful but I'm not yet convinced its worth the extra price tag.

XenoBitch · 17/02/2023 22:30

This reply has been deleted

The OP has privacy concerns and so we've agreed to take this down.

I had the bone loss picked up in my late 30s. I have no idea what a DEXA scan is, or how to get one.

Btjdkfnn · 17/02/2023 22:35

A dexa scan is for bone density. You’d get it from
gp referral. I had one due to premature menopause. There was a lot of leg/hip scanning iirc

CryInToYourCornflakesNicola · 17/02/2023 22:39

Babymamma192 · 17/02/2023 22:26

@Theblacksheepandme can I ask which of the water pik's you have? I would like one but not sure which one to go for.

Tia xx

I have a h2o waterpik, it was the best offer on Amazon at the time. Sadly my gum health is so terrible it kind of made things worse. So as advice buy the cheapest with best reviews, rather than spending a lot and having to quit using it a week later.

And fuck the menopause that has caused all the issues in my dental health, never had a single problem until meno hit. Now I'm losing teeth and some more are loose.