is it gum disease or an infection?? - Dental Health Message Board

kieran83 · 09-09-2009, 04:30 PM

I have noticed now for the last say month when i wake up i wake up with bad breath plus like a white film of like dry saliva if thats the right word to use under and on my gums,when i clean my teeth it goes away but i never had it before and do now,and also i woke up this morning with an iron taste in my mouth i went to my bathroom sink and i spat out a bit of blood but not a lot,just wondering what it could be and i do have a few other health problems so thats stopping me going to see a dentist,
Any idea`s i be grateful,thank you.

Thelma-Louise · 09-09-2009, 10:38 PM

It sounds more like a gum infection or periodontal disease only b/c you don't mention pain or throbbing - usually a nerve or tooth infection will cause an extreme amount of pain - and you mentioned spitting blood - another classic sign of a periodontal condtion.

Certain meds can increase the susceptability of perio problems if not aggravate a pre-existing (and possibly undiagnosed) perio issue so you may want to check if some of this may be due to them. My sis had to change her BP meds b/c of issues with her teeth and gums so it may be a factor to consider.

kieran83 · 09-10-2009, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thelma-Louise

It sounds more like a gum infection or periodontal disease only b/c you don't mention pain or throbbing - usually a nerve or tooth infection will cause an extreme amount of pain - and you mentioned spitting blood - another classic sign of a periodontal condtion.

Certain meds can increase the susceptability of perio problems if not aggravate a pre-existing (and possibly undiagnosed) perio issue so you may want to check if some of this may be due to them. My sis had to change her BP meds b/c of issues with her teeth and gums so it may be a factor to consider.

thank you for your reply,well i aint on any meds at all and aint been for a good while,i do have a badish tooth that the dentist said i would need filled or something but i aint gone back as i stated i do have other medical problems so thats stopping me from going out,lazy or bad i know but it just seems that i am stuck in this rut and i know i need to get it seen to,
if you dont mind me asking,what are the main symptoms of a periodontal condition??
thanks again for your reply and hope all is good.

Thelma-Louise · 09-10-2009, 06:27 PM

Gums that look irritated or red and puffy (healthy gums are firm), bleed easily (unless one smokes), secretes white or milky substance similar to pus when pressed on near the base of the tooth and chronic bad breath or a bad taste within the mouth and a filmy feeling of the teeth and mouth in general as if its not clean despite frequent brushing. Other signs might be gum tenderness or soreness when brushing or flossing and an increase in tooth sensitivity and changes in tooth coloring (darker yellow) or their appearance (sudden gaps between teeth) toward the gumline.

kieran83 · 09-11-2009, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thelma-Louise

Gums that look irritated or red and puffy (healthy gums are firm), bleed easily (unless one smokes), secretes white or milky substance similar to pus when pressed on near the base of the tooth and chronic bad breath or a bad taste within the mouth and a filmy feeling of the teeth and mouth in general as if its not clean despite frequent brushing. Other signs might be gum tenderness or soreness when brushing or flossing and an increase in tooth sensitivity and changes in tooth coloring (darker yellow) or their appearance (sudden gaps between teeth) toward the gumline.

well my gums are what it seems like an off pink if thats the correct statement to use,yeah i do sometimes wake up with as you say secretes white substance but it comes of easy once i clean my teeth,i be honest i now clean my teeth regular for the past year where before it was like evey second day,and i do smoke as well my teeth are not so bad its just one at the back thats gone like a off white,the rest are an off white due to me smoking i guess,
well i be honest though i have also noticed if i clean my teeth before say at least 1 hour before going to bed but dont eat or drink anything that does seem to help also,i think its what you say or the fact its that tooth at the back which is tender if i like tap it,
well thanks again for your time and help in making me wiser,thank you.