Gum issues - I’m gutted!

[LLJETO]

I’ve just had my 6 monthly check up and on the exam where they check your gums I had a couple of areas of ‘3’ - as in significant pockets and bleeding. I used to be on yearly checks but the systems were down last time so I said I’d do 6 monthly.

I use floss harps multiple times a day as I hate the feeling of anything in my teeth. I can’t get the hang of actual floss, hence the harps - and when I’ve tried interdental brushes, they’ve often been too big. But will be trying those again, of course. I brush twice a day and this is the first time I’ve needed a scale and polish for years.

The dentist also mentioned some bone loss due to the build up and inflammation. Honestly, I’m gutted. I know it sounds daft but I’ve always done my best to look after my teeth.

In fairness, the dentist didn’t seem massively concerned and I’m booked in for a clean and to be shown how to use the interdental brushes but I worry about things like this.

Can anyone offer any words of encouragement please? I know the bone loss can’t grow back but I’m hoping this can all be stopped in its tracks.

Oh and I’ve got a wobbly wisdom tooth (probably due to a combination of bruxism and said inflammation)…I’m hoping it hangs on as I don’t relish having it removed.😬

Thank you!

If you see the hygienist every 3 months and use inter dental brushes (the correct size) recommended toothpaste and mouthwash you should be able to restore gum health. Diet could be a contributory factor along with things like smoking and drinking.
I would also suggest an electric toothbrush

I’ve had this for thirty years. One loose tooth, receding gums, some bone loss despite good oral hygiene. Was told it can be hereditary? I get numbed up and a deep clean done with the hygienist every few months. It’s a pain but doesn’t seem to be worsening. The one tooth is no looser now than it was, I give it a poke every now and then!

Thank you. I don’t drink or smoke so that’s a bonus. My diet is generally good, and I try not to eat too many times. I do drink sugar free squash regularly though. I’ve used an electric toothbrush for as long as I can remember. I’ve never seen a hygienist though..maybe I’ll start doing that. I’m an NHS patient so I assume the scale and polish is the extent of the hygiene things they offer.

Thank you for sharing! That’s reassuring. I think I’ll start doing regular hygienist visits. Do you know if it’s possible just to get an appt with them without registering as a private patient? I don’t want to lose my NHS status.

There is a big genetic component to gum disease. I've read that ppl can be twenty times more likely to have it depending on genetic factors. I have it - both my parents have bad gums. I do all the things and have a scale and polish every 6 months. Still affected :/

I go private costs £70 a time.

The hygienist is private at my nhs/ private dental practice so don't think it'll affect your status

You can have an NHS dentist and a private dentist elsewhere.

I have dry mouth due to Sjögren’s disease, and my gum health rapidly declined the past few years, despite my attention to oral hygiene. I began hygienist appointments every three months for a year and they’re back to much better health. I’ve now reduced to six monthly but will be continuing permanently if possible.

I went years with no issues then fell pregnant with hyperemesis gravidarum and I've had nothing but trouble ever since, bone loss, bleeding gums, wobbly tooth, one tooth even broke when I bit into a biscuit.

I see the hygienist every four months at £65 a pop and it seems to keep the periodontal disease pretty static.

Thank you all for sharing your stories. It’s really helped. I’ll definitely be booking the hygienist more often. My practice has an NHS bit and a private bit so I’m hoping I can go to the private side for those appointments. I’ll mention it when I go for the scale and polish appt in a couple of weeks. I’ve ordered some tepe brushes as well so l’ll start with those.

You probably should start seeing a hygienist. I have an appointment with one twice a year and feel it's more useful than the dentist appointment in some ways because she always gives my teeth a deep clean and this avoids the need for fillings etc.

I had some 4s at the back and huge genetic impact for gum disease

i had a full deep clean and, even with bone reduction, am now zero or ones

i go every 3 months at £75 which is worth it to me. I do have flare ups in some areas especially when I’ve been ill or run down but the regular visits help keep on top of it

Oh and how they show you to use the interdental brushes is brilliant. They show you what size to use for each area then give you the brushes that they use

i use red, blue and yellow ones

Yes I’m NHS

That’s amazing! I’m so pleased you’ve had success.

I’ve ordered a mixed pack of Tepe brushes so I’ll start using those when they arrive. Even if I don’t get it quite right with sizes it might help until my cleaning appt.

I don’t know about the genetics. I don’t think my mum has any issues, but then she’s never said either way. And I haven’t had contact with my biological father for 20 years so don’t know about him. I’m definitely going to do the hygienist appts. It sounds like it will be money well spent.