What should I do about my teeth?

[gingercatsparky]

Unfortunately I didn't look after my teeth when I was younger and my parents didn't bother making me really. As a result I have lots of problems with my teeth. I have had bleeding gums for years on and off. Normally they bleed for a few days and are then ok after thorough brushing. But now I've hit 40 my gums are constantly sore and bleed. I have tried flossing more but it's painful and I have very small gaps between my teeth so I feel like I am not getting anything out and it's hard to get between them.

But my mouth is sore a lot of the time through my skin it hurts to touch. Everything I eat makes my gums sting.

Obviously I need to see a Denist but my nhs Denist is pretty rubbish and there is a long wait for appointments. Do I need to book regular hygienist appointments without actually seeing the Denist? Can you do this? How regular?

There are no other Denists taking on nhs patients near us now. So I feel I am stuck with a rubbish Denist.

I am wondering about booking regular hygiene appointments with a private Denist but do they do this?

Have you tried gengigel?

You can see a hygienist as often as you like privately or at your nhs clinic, but pay privately for it.

I see one at our NHS dentist, and pay £45 for half an hour, twice a year.

My teeth are close together and I have found a water flosser has made a huge difference. Your gums will bleed like mad to begin with but it's worth it (start on the gentlest setting and work your way up)

@Taoneusa

Have you tried gengigel?

What is this? What does it do?

I think twice a year won't be enough. I am concerned about my teeth. I really try hard with brushing and brush longer than the two minutes but I think I must just be not brushing very well. I have a good electrical toothbrush.

@MilkTart

My teeth are close together and I have found a water flosser has made a huge difference. Your gums will bleed like mad to begin with but it's worth it (start on the gentlest setting and work your way up)

Thanks. I will Google it.

Brushing alone won't help your gum health all that much, and I know it can be hard to floss with teeth very tight together as I have the same problem.

I think you should initally pay to have the hygienist clean your teeth. He/she will also be able to advise you on what to do between visits. They'll even get you to do it so they can check you're doing it right. They'll advise if you'd be best using a particular toothpaste or as someone else suggest a gum gel etc.

You might feel a bit hopeless but I had gum disease and after many visits to the dentist having periodontal cleaning, and really taking care of my teeth & gums in between, I'm now on top of it and my gums are healthy. So it really would be worth your while seeing a hygienist even if you have to pay. Good luck!

@LifeInAHamsterWheel

Brushing alone won't help your gum health all that much, and I know it can be hard to floss with teeth very tight together as I have the same problem.

I think you should initally pay to have the hygienist clean your teeth. He/she will also be able to advise you on what to do between visits. They'll even get you to do it so they can check you're doing it right. They'll advise if you'd be best using a particular toothpaste or as someone else suggest a gum gel etc.

You might feel a bit hopeless but I had gum disease and after many visits to the dentist having periodontal cleaning, and really taking care of my teeth & gums in between, I'm now on top of it and my gums are healthy. So it really would be worth your while seeing a hygienist even if you have to pay. Good luck!

Thanks. I have just ordered a water flosser.

Do you think I need to see the Denist too? He's always just said my teeth are fine. Or just book a hygienist?

Use Corsodyl mouthwash everyday for at least a month. If you have something like Gingivitis it will help clear it up. That combined with the water floss thing will really help.

I'd just go straight to the hygienist. They are trained in dealing with gum health and will take the time to show you exactly what to do etc. Even if you just go once, I think the advice will be invaluable. Plus, they'll clean your teeth & gums far better than you are ever able to do at home.

If your gums are bleeding that's more about your current/recent oral hygiene rather than something from your childhood.

See a hygienist and if they feel you need referred onto a dentist they can do so.

OR

See a dentist. They could possibly do a basic clean and then refer you on to a hygienist if you need it (sounds like you do).

I would book in with whoever has space the soonest.
You may have ANUG which would need an antibiotic.

See your dentist every 6 months.

*refer you on to a dentist for the likes of fillings/antibiotic prescription etc.

In normal times I see a hygienist every three months via Denplan. Corsodyl or Duraphat may help but ask a pharmacist before buying.

I see a hygienist every three months (privately at an orthodontist surgery as they are experts in cleaning the bonded retainer at the back of my teeth). However, I have also used the hygienist at my dentist in the past and DH sees a “standalone” hygienist that has no links to a dentist or orthodontist.

Corsodyl will stain your teeth with prolonged use (it says this on the bottle too) instead use Curasept, which is also a Chlorohexedine mouthwash but it is anti staining and comes in two strengths a treatment strength and a maintenance strength.
It is brilliant stuff.
www.dentocare.co.uk/curasept-mouthwash.html

As PP’s say you need to see a hygienist for some periodontal treatment and advice

Cordodyl will help calm down the inflammation but it's imperative you start flossing. The little interdental brushes like Tepe are even better than floss. They come in a range of sizes...sounds like you need the smallest. I think you should start this now but find a private hygienist asap and get a proper clean and advice.

Oh, and Cordodyl does stain but a hygienist will be able to remove the stain