gingivitis problem

[pneuma]

so i was told i have level 3 gingivitis in some parts of my mouth. so i'm a little freaked. i bought a water pik and a bunch of floss and floss holders. does anyone have good advice on how to reduce and get rid of gingivitis? i still have my wisdom teeth and my dentist told me if i didn't get a handle on it, i would lose them. thanks for any help you can offer.

[Gellia]

Hi,
Proper brushing and flossing will help. Wisdom teeth are many times extracted anyway as they can interfere with jaw function as we get older. Don't worry about the wisdom teeth.

If you are only in a gingivitis stage you should consider yourself lucky. You've found the problem before periodontal disease can take hold.

All you really need to do is GOOD brushing twice a day. It's the sticky plaque on your teeth that gets down into the gumline that causes all the problems. GENTLY brushing for two to three minutes (sing the alphabet song at each quadrant) each time you brush is a good start and all you need to do to remove that plaque. Then, be sure to use that floss. I use a water pik once a day at night also, and my periodontist has been very pleased with the results. They say not to use it more often as it too can be hard on the gums.

Whatever you do, don't scrub your teeth hard. That only removes enamel and irritates the gums more making you think and feel like things are getting worse (been there - done that!).

Be sure you go for professional cleanings at least twice a year.

Gingivitis is reversible if you take care of it now. Once periodontal disease sets in you can only hold your own.

Good luck. Do the proper brushing and I think you'll be fine.

Best to you,
Gellia

[bocmember01]

A Type 3 case of periodontal disease is a moderate periodontitis which involves pockets of 4-6 mm, bleeding on probing, some degree of horizontal and/or vertical bone loss. Gingivitis would be considered a Type 1 case and is reversible. But if you were told you have a Type 3 case I'd assume it is periodontal disease which is non-reversible. Don't know what you mean by "getting a handle" on your wisdom teeth. If they are impacted or partially impacted then extraction would be indicated.