Can anyone offer any reassuring experiences of gum disease?

[Pinkponyclub123]

I have my first appointment with a hygeinist tomorrow.
A year ago I went to the dentist for the first time in years, and he recommended a deep clean because i have 'a lot of build up'. He didn't mention gum disease but I can clearly see that i have it. I didn't get the deep cleaning done, because I couldn't afford it (I still can't I'm using the last funds on my credit card), but I've got to the point where I can feel the tiniest bit of movement in my bottom front tooth.
From looking at pictures on Google and comparing it to mine, I'm pretty sure I have stage 4.
Has anyone experienced this and been able to save their teeth? Also, I'm aware the deep clean is very unpleasant, but what does it actually feel like?
I feel so disgusting. I've always brushed my teeth twice a day with an electric toothbrush, and haven't smoked in about 15 years (even then it was for about 2 years in my teens). I'm 34 years old so I could potentially have 50 years + to keep these teeth hanging on for 😁
Just to add, I am more than willing to put in the work with the little brushes ect at home, I think I'm going to become obsessed with dental hygiene now.

Well obviously as soon as you can afford it get the deep clean. But in the meantime floss and tepe brush between every tooth every night. Make sure you use the biggest brush you can get between your teeth. I had a little bit of gum disease but it's gone completely now with this regime. But you really need that deep clean ASAP.

I'm getting it tomorrow 😬 I'm going to wait for the advice on the little brushes, I don't want to make it worse and knock my tooth out (unsure if that's possible or not!)

I’m a lot older than you, you could be my daughter. I have gum disease, a mixture of inherited problems and being of an age where previous dentistry was in the dark ages!
Good cleaning procedures can reverse the problem, I’m fanatic about cleaning my teeth now, although I have lost a couple, my gums are improving.
My routine is, water flosser ( not cheap, but might be a present?) or flossing tape, interdental brushes, Wisdom chlorhexidine mouthwash, then brushing using an electric toothbrush and Corsodyl toothpaste, in that order.
I mouthwash before brushing so not to dilute the toothpaste.
My dentist is pleased with my progress. Don’t worry, just keep the cleansing regime up.

Thanks so much for sharing @Beebumble2. It's really reassuring to know that it can improve with a good routine,I think that's the exact sort of thing I'll be doing.

My hygienist recommends actually brushing the gums as well as the teeth.

Cheap water flosser off Amazon is a game changer.

@sueelleker @MysteryNameChange thanks for the tips!

I’m a similar age to you and have bad teeth. There is always a little bit of movement in your teeth. Don’t move them or you’ll wobble them out.

my Gums brush away so I have to use a super soft toothbrush which means there is a buildup. My dentist has recommended a pressure sensitive electric tooth brush, a single brush tooth brush for my wisdom teeth and the water flosser but it sounds messy.

corsodyl mouth wash when gums are sore.

Yes, water flossers are messy, you have to look down over the sink all the while you’re using them.
But I had several areas measuring a 4, now I have nothing over a 1 and the only difference is a water flosser. Not even a posh one, just the cheapest from Amazon.
The first few uses were rather scary as my gums bled quite a bit.
the appearance of my teeth, especially the lines between teeth, has improved so much too.

Wow I must have a look for one of these water flossers it sounds like people have great results from them. Once I've got through tomorrow!

@Pinkponyclub123hope it goes well tomorrow.

@rightoguvnori think you’ve sold me on it tbh. 😊

So does mine.

Thankyou!

How did you get on @Pinkponyclub123

@Needcoffeeimmediatley absolutely fine! The hygeinist and her assistant were so kind. I do have gum disease and a little bit of bone loss, but she said my teeth are nowhere near falling out. She got the majority of the bad stuff off in one half hour session today, and said I should go back in the next 3-6 months. I was also shown how to use tepe brushes and told to brush the gums aswell as teeth.
As for the actual clean itself, nowhere near as bad as i expected, i didnt have any anaesthetic and it was almost pain free, not the funnest experience of my life but I have absolutely no worries about going back.

I don’t know if you’re seeing a NHS dentist but I saw my surgery’s private hygienist and found it traumatising. I’m not scared of the dentist, I go regularly and historically the dentist cleaned my teeth. After the hygienist appointment I was scared to brush my teeth the evening, I thought they were going to fall out. I cannot articulate how awful it was. Fast forward to the beginning of this year and my NHS dentist told me that I had the beginnings of gum disease recommending the hygienist. I refused explaining why. So the dentist said he would do the clean. Usually I would have paid £40 ish for the dentist appointment and £70 for the hygienist. The appointment and clean was approximately £75. I was then given advice on brushing, using interdental brushes and Corsodyl mouthwash. Six months on and he’s so happy with my gum health. I will never see a hygienist again.

@UnderCoverB0ss gosh I'm so sorry to hear what an awful experience you had. I have heard/read about others who found the experience traumatic so I don't think you're alone on that one. I too saw a private hygeinist, I think I was incredibly lucky to have had a more positive experience.

I’m glad that your appointment went well @Pinkponyclub123 I wouldn’t wish my experience on anyone. I can’t believe the difference that the interdental brushes make.