Gum disease

[AloeVera44]

Just got back from dentist. Like a lot of people, I hadn’t been for ages since covid.

Was told I have ‘pockets’ of 5mm in most of my teeth, 4mm in others.

Dentist said I needed to see hygienist to clean them. I’ve made the appointment.

I always thought I had really good teeth. I brush twice a day and floss at least a couple of times a week.

Has anyone managed to reverse this level of gum disease? If so, how??

You can't reverse gum disease (periodontitis) you can only stabilise it.

There are many factors that cause gum disease. But mainly:
-smoking
-poor oral health

Floss and cleaning between the teeth needs to be managed daily.

When you see the hygienist it might be worth going through your brushing technique to ensure you are cleaning the gum line efficiently.

I hope this helps.

Ime visiting the hygienist is more important than the dentist. I go to the hygienist every 6 months and dentist annually. Agree with pp check brushing technique with hygienist.

Dentist here!
with good oral hygiene, daily flossing and interdental brushing, together with a good hygienist you’ll get those pockets to reduce to normal. You may end up with a little bit of recession and sensitivity for a little while which should be easily managed with fluoride treatments.

After very expensive dental implants, my dentist recommended a Waterpik rather than flossing. It’s a bit of a faff but very effective if used at least daily. Using it closed the pockets I had and I got a clean bill of health from the hygienist.

I had this and combined with Perio treatment( like a gum pressure wash!) Corsodyl toothpaste and electric toothbrush and a waterpik it's now under control.
I was so worried I would lose my teeth In my case it's likely genetic plus a smoking habit( quit 5 years ago)

Thank you all so much for your advice. It's very much appreciated.

That's very reassuring coming from you as a dentist, Littlemissprosecco!

I've just been to Tesco and got some interdental brushes and some Corsodyl mouthwash. I will be ordering a Waterpik when I've done my research on which one is best!

I'm feeling a bit better about it now :)

I have had gum disease and have lost a few teeth because of it. I visit the hygienist every three months use an electric toothbrush as well as interdental brushes. This has helped to improve my gums.

I work in dentistry and just a heads up waterpics/water flossers are not recommended as effective interdental cleaning

Be careful with Corsodyl. It is bad for staining your teeth.

Me again!!
Yes, it’s not the actual corsodyl which stains. But it will leave a layer on your teeth which will absorb tannins etc… from tea, coffee red wine, so do be aware. The staining can easily be removed by a hygienist though, so don’t worry if it does happen.
Also waterpicks are great to use as well as interdental brushes and floss. Not instead of.

Yes, I'd buy Corsodyl toothpaste over mouthwash and don't rinse teeth after brushing

I had recession over one tooth and I really stressed about it. I now get a clean every 3-4 months. Use sensodyne gum health toothpaste (even though it's costs a fortune) dental tape and interdental brushes. And an electric toothbrush

Thanks again all. I’m determined to nail this oral hygiene thing. I always thought it was so simple!

I’ve just used the interdental brush and I’m quite shocked at the way in which the metal end drags against the teeth when pulling it out. It really didn’t sound or feel like it was doing my teeth any good! Is that normal?? I got the red TePe ones that my dentist recommended. Are there any alternatives without metal wires? Plastic ones??

I am going to take all of the advice given on here on board - I will use the waterpik (once it arrives) alongside other devices/treatment. I’m more than happy to pay to see the hygienist every few months.

Much gratitude to you for you sharing your experiences and wisdom with me.

My gums aren’t great, I definitely recommend getting a good routine going:
water flossing
interdental brushing
tape flossing
electric toothbrush
interspace brushing along gum line

I do that once a day in the PM and then just water floss then use electric toothbrush in the AM. Technique is everything though, get the hygienist to check you’re doing whatever you’re doing effectively.

Wait until you have your hygiene appointment. The hygienist may advise different size tepes for different size spaces in your mouth. It’s not unusual for patients to use three or four different sizes. There does need to be some friction when cleaning but you shouldn’t be doing any damage. A good hygienist will show you and check that you’re managing. You’ll be fine.

I'm glad you're said that-mine was rubbish and I bought it from the dentist!