Please help me!!! I have gum disease! - Dental Health Message Board

Becs77 · 09-05-2009, 10:25 AM

Hi I'm a 32yr old female who has always looked after my teeth! Sadly at the start of the year I was diagnosed with juvenal Peritonitis (gum disease) My gums are receding rapidly and I was told I could lose my two front teeth within a year! I asked my dentist to refer me to the NHS dental hospital asap and I have heard nothing! (I don't think he ever did) So I went to see a private peridontist who has quoted me £2,500 to carry out the work. I simply cannot afford this and sadly he does not accept any kind of dental plan.
Please can somebody help me as I don't know what to do next? In the meantime my teeth are moving and this is effecting my confidence and my life!

dogeyed · 09-12-2009, 07:57 AM

I can tell you what I did when I also was quoted thousands of dollars to fix my gum disease. I of course kept going to my regular dentist and got teeth cleanings done four times in one year. While that was going on, I got one of those WaterPik tooth spray things, where high-speed water is squirted between the teeth. I began a regimen of using that water spray daily, flossing daily, lots of teeth brushing, and I added an Arm & Hammer hydrogen peroxide toothpaste (which fizzes out infection). By the end of the year, the dental technician was amazed, she said my gums were not bleeding anymore and looked healthy again. I was in my 40s when that happened. Those spray things work miracles.

Dragonomine · 09-13-2009, 11:09 AM

I have it as well. Started when I was around 21 (I'm 41 now). My lower front teeth have the nerves showing and I now have a gap in my upper front teeth due to loss of tissue there. It's caused by a bacteria and treated w/ anti biotics. In some cases the tissue grows back but in others it doesn't and in fact, receeds more.

I used to have a great deal of bleeding when I went for my Dr's visits but since I've been using Crest Total it's pretty much stopped along with my sensitivity due to my nerves being exposed.

I have learned just recently that there is a skin graph procedure to replace the loss of gum tissue but unfortunately, it's considered cosmetic and not covered under insurance.

The gum disease is inherited and caused by stress as well. My sister has it. I've had friends that have had it. I know I'm not going to pay an arm and leg for surgery. When the time comes if I lose teeth I'll just get them replaced.

Becs77 · 09-29-2009, 04:49 PM

Many thanks for your advice. I got one of those waterpiK devices and it really has made a difference in a short space of time! I have been to see a National Health Dentist who has recommended that I still go private as I will have to wait a long time to receive anything from the National Heath Service.

Thanks again - much appreciated! Rebecca