Severe gum disease. Petrified. If you're a dentist Or have similar please read!

[Hidingmysmile]

I went to a new dentist two weeks ago after moving house. I have moved from a 'corporate' NHS practice to a family run NHS practice. I have been really worried about my teeth as they have moved since having my DCs. I told the dentist this. She did a very thorough check and told me that it was not good news. I have bad gum disease and have lost a lot of bone. I was gobsmacked as have always gone every six months and have never had any major problems. They say that the extent of my bone loss is very rare in someone of my age (30s). I have been pg or bfing for the last 4 years. I know my dental hygiene has not been as good as it should have been but I don't think it's been that bad! I have 'forkation' (not sure if that's the correct term or spelling) under my crown (the only tooth I have ever had work on) and my bone loss is going beneath the enamel. She said on an a scale of 1-4 I was a 4. 4 being the worse end of the scale :-(

Anyway, the dentist asked me if I could feel my teeth wobbling. I replied no but since going to the hygienist I think they are actually loose. One of my front ones especially. I am waking up at night because I am clenching my teeth together so much and if I knock my teeth together I am sure I can feel them moving. Also, if I bite down I am sure they feel bouncy almost.

I have been given a regime of brushing with an electric toothbrush and using interdental brushes (teepee?) and peroxyl mouthwash which I am doing. I am going back tomorrow after just two weeks as I am so petrified that I am going to lose my teeth. What do I need to be asking the dentist? I want to know whether there is anything they can do to improve the aesthetics of my now very wonky smile. I am also really struggling with this as I have been coping with severe pnd and I just feel that this is catastrophic news and I don't know how I am going to cope.

I am not a dentist but I have trouble with my teeth and gums so I have read alot of info on here and on other sights.

If it is on a scale of 4 for badness have they recommended seeing a periodontist?

I have seen that some periodontist's offer braces and also a retainer (possibly called a splint) on the back of the teeth to keep them in position.

Have you found that your gums have receeded between your teeth, is that where the movement is?

Hi, thank you for replying. Yes my gums have receded and will do more apparently when the pockets of manky-bacteria-yuckyness have gone with lots of brushing and interdental action. They have said that they may refer me to a periodontal specialist or to the hospital. Will I have to pay for either of these? What has your experience been?

My gums have receded and my gums feel sore and swollen at times however dentist says fine and just sends me for scale and polish however I do wonder if I should get second opinion as my brother also goes to same dentist and they missed decay he had on back teeth that he kept telling them about for 18 months to 2 years so I worry he has also missed my gums.

It sounds like you are having a deep clean which I have heard that the gums do recede afterwards but I have also read about a laser that can also be used and this is meant to reduce the amount of receding the gums experience but from looking on the net this is expensive.

I know someone who was referred to the hospital and they did not have to pay at all for these appointments.

There's a long thread here www.mumsnet.com/Talk/general_health/733570-severe-gum-disease
started some years ago but seems to have been resurrected recently .