Warah

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).