I have a few questions about what kinds of symptoms one may get w/ gum disease just starting? I mean I'm only 24 years old, however my dad has periodontal disease. And, I notice that when I get my teeth cleaned, they aren't just sore for awhile, my gums are actually swollen for at least a week after....and this goes on when I get a cavaty filled sometimes. I also quit flossing because EVERY time I did that I'd bleed, if just a bit and hurt and it was awful. My teeth are also very close together. The dentist and oral hygenists of course just say to doit every day and eventually thatshould go away, but the last one I talked to said it should definately not bleed EVERY time you do it! I am worried that I will eventually end up w/ gum disease. I'm confused about floride too, they had me purchase a floride rinse for preventing re current cavaties (is it my bad gums are causing me frequent cavities??) butI also hear using floride a lot weakens teeth. That doesn't make sense because they want me using it daily at least. But I do notice my teeth feel a bit tougher when I do use it regularly. I just was wondering if anyone who is older had gums that were as senstive as mine are, and are now facing gum diseases and conditions now...

It is very important to floss daily, even if you bleed. ESPECIALLY if you bleed. I thought the same thing. My gums bled while I was pregnant so I became more gentle to them...trying to never to touch them. I ended up with PERIO disease. It is now controlled, but it was a long road to get it all fixed. Get examined by your dentist if you are very worried. :)

Rush-

I agree with countrymom...You really MUST floss if you have early gingivitis...just go easy. Did the dentist/hygienist show you how to do it properly?

Also, please ask the hygienist about massaging your gums daily with a rubber-tipped gum stimulator. This will increase the flow of blood to the area and help promote healing.



There's a sign in my dentist's office that says"

"You don't have to floss every tooth..
Just the ones you want to keep!"

Also, I was told that regularly using an electric toothbrush really helps the circulation of the gums and helps to tighten them up. But this may be too early and too much for you right now... It's something to consider for later after you heal more.....So I think in the meantime make sure you are using a SOFT bristle toothbrush.

Another great healing ritual for the gums and for oral health in general is to buy some 3% Hydrogen peroxide. Take two capfuls, swish it around your mouth and spit out. Do this every evening for a week or until you notice improved gum health, then only once a week for maintenance. OR you can buy something called Gly-Oxide at your local drug store which contains carbamide peroxide 10% and is made specifically as an oral antiseptic cleanser. My dentist recommends it whenever I get a periodontal "flare-up"..It's terrific for canker sores and gum inflammation.

zuzu xx

Thaks for the responses!


"I agree with countrymom...You really MUST floss if you have early gingivitis...just go easy. Did the dentist/hygienist show you how to do it properly?

Also, please ask the hygienist about massaging your gums daily with a rubber-tipped gum stimulator. This will increase the flow of blood to the area and help promote healing."

I still floss daily and all...sometimes it doens't bleed it just hurts. I do have a toothbrush w/ these rubber massager things. I think it's getting time for a new one though. The dentist and hygenist showed me how to floss properly so that I don't hurt myself so much.

It hurts too, especially to floss the area where my root canal was.

Have you been told you have periodontal disease or gingivitis? Next time ask your dentist/hygienist what condition your gums are in and how you can prevent gum disease. Make sure they show you how to brush and floss properly.

What we know about periodontal disease is that it is a complext multi-bacterial infection that not only has to do with the bacteria but also an individual's suceptibility to the disease (via the immune system). The severity of the disease, however, is directly linked to plaque accumulation. It is also noteworthy to add that research has found a periodontal disease gene--which may increase a persons risk to periodontal disease but would not be the primary cause of the infection.
The signs and syumptoms include: inflammation, bleeding, suppuration (pus), tenderness, recession, bone loss, mobility, recession.

A lot of times crooked teeth retain more plaque and are harder to keep clean, therefore those teeth are more prone to periodontal infections. Have you considered braces?

If your gums are tender after a cleaning, it is most likely due from the infection itself, not the cleaning. Plaque first forms along the gumline. If it is not removed on a continual basis (ie--2x/day) he gums can become inflammed and infected. When the infection is limited to the gums and does not progress into the bone it is called gingivitis. The gums often become loose and boggy allowing more plaque to go under the gums and start a deeper infection which can progress to the bone, ligament and cementum (structure on the root surface) which is called periodontal disease. Gingivitis is a reversible infection. However, periodontal disease is often a chronic condition that does not go away (you will not grow the bone back) and needs to be constantly maintained.

If you have post op tenderness/inflammation following a cleaning or even after flossing remember that essentially your gums are injured and infected from the plaque. When you clean around this infected area it is just like cleaning an open wound, it is going to be sore. I recommened using warm salt water rinses. 1/2 tsp salt to 1/2 c warm water for one week 3x/day or the use of Chlorhexidine (prescribed by the dentist).
If you floss and use an electric toothbrush effectively your gums will return to a healthy state and cleanings/flossings will not hurt in the future.

As for the fluoride question. Bacteria that causes cavities are different than the ones that cause periodontal disease. Both diseases are a bacterial infection and plaque is the primary cause. The source of fluoride (topical toothpaste or rinse vs. water fluoride or vitamin) and developmental stage of the tooth affect the optimum benefits of fluoride. Systemic fluoride is mostly beneficial for children developing permanent teeth (2 years prior to eruption especially) since it is deposited during maturation of the enamel and dentin. Topical fluoride (rinse, gel or paste) is great for teens/adults and safe to use everyday. The enamel has matured and only affects the outer layer of enamel. It is good for preventing future decay, recurrent decay along fillings/crowns and helpful with sensitivity.
Always consult a dentist or hygienist regarding fluoride for developing children since too much systemic/topical fluoride can result in fluorosis (weak mottled enamel).