Slightly loose teeth - Dental Health Message Board

sine · 02-17-2004, 01:37 AM

Hi, I've got some slightly loose teeth and receeded gums due to drinking too much pop and smoking too much. I've cut out the pop for the past 4 or 5 months, and have almost quit smoking, so I think I'm on the right track. I'm going to be getting to the dentist as soon as I can afford it, but in the mean time I was wondering if anybody could tell me if, after proper care of this gum disease, will my teeth and gums ever return to normal again?

Thanks,
Justin

sine · 02-17-2004, 10:47 AM

I should probably also add that I've clinched my bottom teeth against my top teeth since I was a child and have recently cut it down quite a bit since I realized I was doing it.

rhody · 02-17-2004, 11:20 AM

I used to have loose teeth when I had mercury fillings. I would think that if you have stopped smoking, and drinking and eating the various junk foods/drinks, that your gums and teeth could become more normal.

When I had these mercury fillings, I found that a salt water rinse (with baking soda and table salt) really made a difference. My bright red gums (that always bled when I brushed) changed temporarily to a pink color. You might try the salt water too.

I hope you can continue to make healthy choices, so that your teeth and gums look good.

flygirrll · 02-17-2004, 11:42 AM

When you go to the dentist, have them measure the amount your gums have receded. They'll take a little measurement thing, and go between each tooth, and call out numbers like 2,3 - 3,4 ect. (this is millimeters, i think). It doesn't hurt a bit, its just measuring. I was told that any 7's or above was too far receded, and would not come back. I had one 5,6, the rest were 2,3's and 3,4's. I was then told (after my cleaning) that if I began to floss every day and use listerine rinse they would come back. I did, and sure enough I have much healthier gums. Pink and healthy and growing back up around my teeth where they should be.

Get the measurements done, and a cleaning, and brush, floss and do a 30 second listerine rinse every day (the natural citrus tastes the best, and doesn't burn as much) and your gums should improve.

Congrats on quitting smoking! Thats a tough one, and thats the habit that is worst on your gums.
Good luck, and let us know what happens

zuzu8 · 02-22-2004, 03:52 AM

I second Flygirrll's advice about flossing.
My dentist has a sign on his wall that says:

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

zuzu xx