Treatment For Gingivitis

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   Will my gums get better after treatment for gingivitis?
   I recently found out I have gingivitis. I would like to know how long it would take after proper treatment at home to get my gums better.

   • ANSWER:
     Most cases of gingivitis will resolve in a couple of weeks after treatment and with good continued home care, consisting of proper brushing and flossing. Good luck.

2. QUESTION:
   gingivitis treatment * dentists?
   i’ve recently started my own treatment for some minor gingivitis that i noticed above my front tooth. however now all of my gums are red and kinda sore. i’ve been practicing great flossing which i was doing wrong before, now imake sure it goes under the gum line. when should my gums calm down? and is this normal?

   • ANSWER:
     If things have not gotten back to a normal state of health in 2 weeks, you may have a more advanced case of gingivitis. if so, you will need to see the dentist or hygienist for some professional treatment. good luck.

3. QUESTION:
   What is the treatment for dentalcaries & gingivitis?

   • ANSWER:
     Caries (“cavities”) are restored by excavation and placing compsite usually, sometimes amalgam. You know when you get a cavity filled? thats the treatment.

     Gingivitis is a little more complicated.

     Actually, “gingivitis” (literally gingiva-swollen) is puffy gums and actually a symptom not a diagnosis, even though insurance companies allow it as a diagnosis. It is caused by periodontal disease of some type.

     Since it is such a broad term there are different treatments based on the cause.

     Like if you just have some swelling then flossing with good technique and more often will sometimes be enough to “fix” it. But if you have lots of plaque, then you will need to go to the dentist and have root scaling/planing to remove it from your roots. If it’s really bad you could be in for periodontal surgery, but you would probably know if your “gingivitis” is that bad.

4. QUESTION:
   Treatment for Gingivitis?
   I have Gingivitis, in my front gum. It hurt and is really annoying. I always want to press it with my toungue so i won’t feel it.
   I already went to Dentist for Cleaning.But it’s still there….
   I’ve already start to gargle with warm water with salt…

   Do you know any effective treatment for it? How long before you will see the changes?

   • ANSWER:

5. QUESTION:
   What is the treatment for gingivitis?

   • ANSWER:
     flouride enhanced toothpaste

6. QUESTION:
   is tetracycline mouth wash 250mg/3 times daily for one month safe for pregnancy in treatment of gingivitis?

   • ANSWER:
     The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a system to rate drugs in terms of their safety during pregnancy. This system rates both over-the-counter (OTC) drugs you can buy in a drug or discount store, and drugs your health care provider prescribes. But most medicines have not been studied in pregnant women to see if they cause damage to the growing fetus. Always talk with your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

     The FDA system ranks drugs as:

     Category A – drugs that have been tested for safety during pregnancy and have been found to be safe. This includes drugs such as folic acid, vitamin B6, and thyroid medicine in moderation, or in prescribed doses.

     Category B – drugs that have been used a lot during pregnancy and do not appear to cause major birth defects or other problems. This includes drugs such as some antibiotics, acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspartame (artificial sweetener), famotidine (Pepcid), prednisone (cortisone), insulin (for diabetes), and ibuprofin (Advil, Motrin) before the third trimester. Pregnant women should not take ibuprofen during the last three months of pregnancy.

     Category C – drugs that are more likely to cause problems for the mother or fetus. Also includes drugs for which safety studies have not been finished. The majority of these drugs do not have safety studies in progress. These drugs often come with a warning that they should be used only if the benefits of taking them outweigh the risks. This is something a woman would need to carefully discuss with her doctor. These drugs include prochlorperzaine (Compazine), Sudafed, fluconazole (Diflucan), and ciprofloxacin (Cipro). Some antidepressants are also included in this group.

     Category D – drugs that have clear health risks for the fetus and include alcohol, lithium (used to treat manic depression), phenytoin (Dilantin), and most chemotherapy drugs to treat cancer. In some cases, chemotherapy drugs are given during pregnancy.

     Category X – drugs that have been shown to cause birth defects and should never be taken during pregnancy. This includes drugs to treat skin conditions like cystic acne (Accutane) and psoriasis (Tegison or Soriatane); a sedative (thalidomide); and a drug to prevent miscarriage used up until 1971 in the U.S. and 1983 in Europe (diethylstilbestrol or DES).

     Aspirin and other drugs containing salicylate are not recommended during pregnancy, especially during the last three months. In rare cases, a woman’s health care provider may want her to use these type of drugs under close watch. Acetylsalicylate, a common ingredient in many OTC painkillers, may make a pregnancy last longer and may cause severe bleeding before and after delivery.

     Read the label of your package first, if it is not clear go to your dr or pharmacist or ask your OBGN. If there is uncertainty rather stay away from it, it is a mouthwash, you can have safer alternatives (ask your Dentist). The actual absorbtion of tetracycline is not known via a mouthwash, personally I would stay away from it.

7. QUESTION:
   treatment for pregnancy gingivitis?!!PLZ HELP ME!!!? ?

   m in my 32nd week of pregnancy n my left corner, lower gum is bleeding like hell….i went to a dentist ,she even cleaned up my teeth n said thats its kind of normal in the last trimester n the bleeding would continue for a couple of weeks….its been two weeks i have been to the dentist n still i bleed so much…m so worried about because m loosing so much blood that way n also i read somewhere that bleeding gums can be one of the reasons of preterm labour….:-((((

   plz tell me what should i do, any over the counter meds that i can take….n i have been regulalrly flossing n brushing n keeping my teeth clean but somehow the bleeding doesnt seem to stop….plz help me out … give some ideas that can help me stop the bleeding!

   • ANSWER:
     You are already doing everything you can do.

     I am a dental hygienist, and I teach my pregnant patients about pregnancy gingivitis. Keep up the flossing, every day, brush your teeth and massage your gums with your toothbrush. Don’t brush/floss too hard, you could do more damage.

     Yes, gingivitis can cause low birth weight, pre term babies. However, that is mostly from people who aren’t treating it at all.

     You are doing everything right. Your gingivitis will clear up immediately after giving birth to a happy healthy baby.

     Good luck hun.

8. QUESTION:
   dental help from gingivitis?
   I have sensitive teeth
   my teeth are not perfect [not straight but ok]
   need invisalign or braces
   I’m tired of this problem its bothering my life that I get suicide thoughts for it
   I’ve been smoking a lot of ciggarettes for about 2 years straight
   smoking herb
   and the worse of it the methamphetamines for 3 months straight.
   I’ve been through the emergency, I escaped death. I have medical bills.
   I’ve gotten arrested for having a pookie (pipe) my boyfriend blamed it on me.
   I dissapointed my parents.
   supposably I smoked the meth wrong that the meth made my gums very very sensitive, inflammed, and jelly, my gums are becoming less around each tooth that is causing loose teeth.

   Ewww my saliva is sticky and clear and I always get paranoid from my mouth…

   How can I know if its safe to trust a dentist to clean my mouth very well if I have a feeling my teeth are loose if I put pressure I’m afraid I can loose my teeth from them fucking with my mouth!!!

   What do they do exactly from gingivitis treatment?
   Is it possible to numb my mouth while this treatment?
   How much is the dentist treatment? [I have no insurrance]
   Are the going to pull out teeth and put them back?
   idk I’m very paranoid its devistating!!! Is a lot of pain I can even bite a damn sandwich!

   PLEASE HELP me on my questions I’m very curious to know before I go to the Dentist I would really really appreciate for your time is saving me and GOOD BLESS

   • ANSWER:

9. QUESTION:
   Old cat has Gingivitis. Mum can’t afford to pay for treatment. What can i do?
   She is quite old but I don’t want her to be in pain. However if dental treatment is expensive we can’ afford to have her put under anesthetic, and being quite old she already responds hossibllt to anesthetic.

   What are some ways I can help my cat?

   • ANSWER:
     Firstly,brush her teeth regularly. There are some animal charities which may be able to help you,Cats Protection,/Shelter ;etc;look on the net or `phone directory. Never give your cat any medication meant for humans,it can be fatal to cats. you could try going to a few vets and explain your position to them,if they can`t actually help you I`m sure they will be able to put you in touch with an animal charity that can. I`m sure you will be able to find some way to help her.

10. QUESTION:
    Question about Gingivitis?
    Does the treatment for gingivitis hurt? If so like how painful is it?

    And what is the process of the treatment, do they cut the gums?

    Because, I think I have it. My gums aren’t sore and don’t hurt but when I brush my teeth, if I hit it a bit too hard, it bleeds and there are white parts in the part between the tooth and the gum and I can’t get it out.

    Help please =3

    • ANSWER:
      If it is just gingivitis, the treatment would be a prophylaxis and that would be relatively painless. I would have this treated promptly before it becomes more. Good Luck

11. QUESTION:
    Alternative pain relief to injections during dental work?
    Does anyone know of anywhere (I’ll pay if I have to) where I can get an alternative such as gas to dental injections? I have a serious needle phobia and am completely unable to let anyone inject in my mouth. Up to now I have been lucky and have no fillings (i’m 26) but have had to have treatment for gingivitis without injection which is agony. The dentist originally refused to do it and couldn’t believe I went through with it, but frankly I’d take a whole load of pain to invoid an injection. My concern is that if I need root canal work or deeper gingivitis treatment I won’t be able to cope… Will anyone give me gas in the UK?

    • ANSWER:
      you should ask your dentist about sedation rather than gas. You aren’t knocked out you are still conscious but really relaxed and it also causes amnesia so you wont remember getting the treatment afterwards. You’ll still need to have injections either way and root treatment would be extremely painfull without them as you are removing the nerve from the tooth. Personally I would rather get the injections as they aren’t that bad, you could ask your dentist to put on a anaesthetic gel before the injections and you hardly feel them.

12. QUESTION:
    How much does treatment of potentially advanced feline gingivitis cost?
    I just recently realized my cat’s bad breath and some tooth discoloration. After some research, I’m concerned that he might have an intermediate/advanced case of Gingivitis, but hopefully not Periodontal disease. I will be going by my local Humane Society to find out what options exist locally for individuals with low income, but I figured I would go ahead and see if anyone had a general idea as to how much it might run for treatment. Thanks.
    Nope, his gums are not red. I did a lot of reading up on it last night and from what I can tell, the discoloration is most likely plaque.

    • ANSWER:

13. QUESTION:
    at home treatments for gingivitis?
    are thare any good remidies for this??

    • ANSWER:
      there is none. gingivitis is a chronic disease that wears down your gums. it usually causes teeth to fall out prematurely. you need to go to your dentist to see what can be done. start taking better care of your gums because just brushing your teeth does not get the gingivitis causing bacteria that becomes tissue destroying. if it looks like your gums are receding you need to go to the dentists immediately.

14. QUESTION:
    I’m 13 and have gingivitis, i’m starting to get treatment for it…?
    Is there any way it can lead to other gum diseases.

    • ANSWER:
      yes it can lead to more serious conditions..but as long as you follow your dentists advice your gums will heal.

      I think parents should keep a close eye on their kids dental health, because they’re not going to do it themselves..

15. QUESTION:
    cure for gingivitis also how long it last?
    I have gingivitis, and it is really bothering me?
    I’ve been washing with peroxide twice daily, and just want to know treatment forms, and how long it will last?

    • ANSWER:

16. QUESTION:
    What is wrong with this Dental Office?
    Okay, yesterday, I went to a new Dentist because my other one was becoming overbooked. Wait like half an hour after my appointment time to get called, and get xrays etc. When I get the cleaning, the (not Dentist, just someone who was in a Dental training program in high school, which wasn’t that long ago) keeps giving me an attitude. She is pushing my head down, saying “relax, God”, like in a way that siblings wine to eachother. Every once in a while, saying “STOP!”, and moaning. Oh yeah, mind you this is in a room with 5 other patients, (no privacy there). Now she is poking into my gingiva with Dental floss and those picks they use, and there is no way to stop the automatic reponse that an animal has when they experience pain. She bitches to me now, saying “I know this is gonna hurt, but your gums are infected, and if you flossed (which I do) it wouldn’t happen and its gonna hurt until you floss. So she is finally done doing the cleaning/unscheduled Gingivitis treatment, I wait half an hour for the actual Dentist to come in and do a check before I leave. Oh yeah, she turns around and talks to someone with that pick only millimeters from my face and pokes my lip. “Oops, sorry”. While I am waiting for the Dentist, I hear them complaining that their paychecks haven’t come in, the Supervisor is on her cell phone, compaining then talking about other employees with them. They call other employees b****es. Okay, so now the Dentist checks me after the poking of my gingiva, saying that I have been poking my gums with a fork and I have blood blisters and have to see an Oral Surgeon. Her worker was poking at my gums, you ……. No, not you. What do you think? Also, this place is advertised on TV as a relaxing place for kids, fun and easy with trained professionals.
    I have gone to Dentists before, and have good oral hygiene. In 14 years, I have only gotten 1, minor cavity. Okay, but after they damage my gums, the actual dentist says I poke my gums with a fork. The ones I had only got training through Vocational Technical High School courses, no college. Why, though when they check my mouth did they leave blood blisters?
    I do floss, every day.
    Also, they weren’t just poking around, they were poking into the tissue, and when I look at the gause they use, I see it covered in blood.
    I meant to write whine.

    • ANSWER:
      all i can say is, WOW!.. they are very unprofessional and/or understaffed and overbooked!..

      these places that you see advertised on tv need to advertise b/c they have no clients!.. that’s number one..

      i switched dentists a few years ago and i was happy the first year and a half.. but now, i’m debating on finding a new dentist..

      they told me that my gums are going to be so extended b/c i don’t floss.. then they gave me an attitude.. i had a dental assistant trying to numb me for a “special gum cleaning”.. i refused it and told her off.. i don’t want an assistant sticking novacaine into my gum!

      my advice.. find a new dentist!.. if they treat first time patients like that, then chances are, they’re no good.. it’s not worth the hassel and frustration, when all you want is a lousy 10 minute cleaning!

      good luck..

17. QUESTION:
    tingly tounge?? should I go to see the dentist or dr?
    hello can anyone advise… I have just started with tingly tongue & back of gums… have had gingivitis treatment in the past… but I suffer from anxiety and think I may have started to clench my teeth in the night.. I take an anti depressant dolusepin to help me sleep at night as it causes drowsiness… recently the brand changed and as one of the side affects is dry mouth…. I’ve also changed toothpaste too…
    now I’m worrying myself to a state because I don’t know whether it will go on its own, I’ve bought a mouth wash for sore mouths & gums and been rinsing with that 3 times aday… it seems to relieve it but when I think about it it feels like the sensation increases… I can eat ok and taste ok but my teeth kind of ache when they sit on each other… do you think I’m mad? please please can someone advise if I go to th dentist i’m freak that he’ll pull all my teeth out or do work unnecessary because I have phantom symptoms… if i go to the Dr’s suppose I can get another script and try and get the other brand of tablets.. or is it more serious?? very worried & scared… (

    • ANSWER:
      First off….I would discontinue the new toothpaste that you are trying. Go back to the old one. I have had a few patients say they had tingly or burning tongues after starting to use Colgate Total (which is the toothpaste that I use by the way). They were sensitive to something in the Colgate. Crest did not bother them.
      If that does not stop the tingling…I would talk to your doctor. Certainly some medications might cause this problem.
      I would bet it is the new toothpaste.

18. QUESTION:
    Dental Gel – Corsodyl, how to use?
    Hi all, recently had a crown fitted in, and a result of that my gum was infected and is now slightly swollen. I recently went to my dentist and he gave me a Dental Gel named – Corsodyl Gingivitis treatment. I must apply it on twice daily on the part of my gum that is swollen (repeat for two weeks untill my next appointment). The problem i have is, i forgot how long my dentist told me to leave it on for (or even if he did give me a time length?). On the box it says it should not be swollen, so im thinking that rules out just leaving it in there? Anyone have any ideas on how long i should leave the gel on the gum for? It does not give a time limit on the how to use either.

    • ANSWER:
      According to the instructions on the Web page below, there is no specific time limit on how long to leave the Corsodyl Gel on. You just need to do it at a different time from when you brush your teeth, to keep the toothpaste from deactivating the Corsdyl.

      http://www.superliving.co.uk/pharmacy/body-health/mouth/gingivitis/corsodyl-50g-dental-gel-p.html?Itemid=3

19. QUESTION:
    Should wisdom teeth be removed during a bout of gingivitis?
    I have a minor bout with ginigivitis and I am scheduled to have my wisdom teeth removed this Friday. The dental assistant said I was good to go for the surgery.

    I have had gingivitis for the past several months and went through four treatments including a debridement. I’ve used prescription mouthwash but recently ran out of it (my gums started to get a little red after that but I bought some regular mouthwash today).

    I’ve brushed and flossed and mouthwashed religiously twice a day almost all the time. My gums look a little better (a lot better than several months ago). Should I go ahead with the surgery or should I call the surgeon and talk to him about it first? I specifically requested this time off from work and I don’t want to have to cancel the appointment and re-schedule again.

    I am going to drop off my prescriptions for Vicodin, a mouth rinse, and amoxicillin this week.
    By the way, the dentist said that they should be removed ASAP since they were causing me some pain.

    • ANSWER:
      I would not be concerned unless there was an infection going on. Go ahead with it and express any possible concerns when you go in.

20. QUESTION:
    what would be a good conclusion for this essay?
    Without proper care of the teeth and the gingiva, periodontal disease could easily take over anyone’s mouth and could possibly mean the end to the teeth. This serious disease can be prevented or treated at an early stage by simply brushing and flossing.

    Periodontal disease is an infection of the structures that surround the teeth. It begins with food debris and plaque not being brushed or flossed off and they turn into bacteria that worsens and leads to puffiness in the gingiva. Plaque must be taken off the teeth by brushing and flossing twice a day to prevent infection, but it only takes 24 hours for plaque to build up again. A few things that can lower your defenses, and help cause some form of periodontal disease, are: smoking, diabetes, stress, medicine, pregnancy, puberty, AIDS, HIV, cancer, and even diet, to name a few. Soda and certain types of food can also affect the teeth.

    Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. Most people do not find out they have this condition until a dentist advises them of it. Signs of gingivitis are: red gums, inflamed gums, bleeding while brushing and/or flossing, sensitive gums, possible bad breath, or bad taste. Gingivitis can easily be treated by brushing, flossing and using a mouth wash and no real pain is usually associated with gingivitis, which means that gingivitis is easily reversible with good oral home care and professional treatment.

    After gingivitis is left untreated, it can turn into mild periodontitis, moderate periodontitis, and finally advanced periodontitis. With time, plaque can build under the gum line and toxins can spread. The bacteria causes puffiness and redness, which is the body’s way of warning you something is wrong. Signs of these forms of periodontitis are: more pronounced bleeding, longer looking teeth, gum boils, abscesses, periodontal pockets, and mobility of the teeth. When some of these signs are reached, there might still be a chance of keeping the teeth if the person see’s a dentist as soon as possible and gets treatment, but this is when the structures that support the teeth are broken down and pretty much destroyed. After the disease is continually untreated, the teeth may become so mobile that they might have to be removed. This disease can affect anywhere from one tooth to all thirty-two teeth. After the age of 35, three out of four adults have some form of periodontal disease, which can lead to tooth loss.

    If treatment is needed, a root planing or a scaling might be the procedures to be considered. Scaling is a procedure to remove plaque and calculus around the tooth surfaces and root planing is the smoothing of the tooth surfaces to promote re-growth and reattachment of the gingiva to the tooth.

    • ANSWER:
      It is quite evident that taking good care of one’s teeth by routine brushing and flossing will prove to be beneficial to him or her in the long run. By taking pride in the teeth at an early age, tooth loss and other unpleasant, unhealthy situations of the mouth can be deterred.

21. QUESTION:
    is this good so far for my essay? be honest please.?
    Without proper care of the teeth and the gingiva, periodontal disease could easily take over anyone’s mouth and could possibly mean the end to the teeth. This serious disease can be prevented or treated at an early stage by simply brushing and flossing.

    Periodontal disease is an infection of the structures that surround the teeth. It begins with food debris and plaque not being brushed or flossed off and they turn into bacteria that worsens and leads to puffiness in the gingiva. Plaque must be taken off the teeth by brushing and flossing twice a day to prevent infection, but it only takes 24 hours for plaque to build up again. A few things that can lower your defenses, and help cause some form of periodontal disease, are: smoking, diabetes, stress, medicine, pregnancy, puberty, AIDS, HIV, cancer, and even diet, to name a few. Soda and certain types of food can also affect the teeth.

    Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. Most people do not find out they have this condition until a dentist advises them of it. Signs of gingivitis are: red gums, inflamed gums, bleeding while brushing and/or flossing, sensitive gums, possible bad breath, or bad taste. Gingivitis can easily be treated by brushing, flossing and using a mouth wash and no real pain is usually associated with gingivitis, which means that gingivitis is easily reversible with good oral home care and professional treatment.

    After gingivitis is left untreated, it can turn into mild periodontitis, moderate periodontitis, and finally advanced periodontitis. With time, plaque can build under the gum line and toxins can spread. The bacteria causes puffiness and redness, which is the body’s way of warning you something is wrong. Signs of these forms of periodontitis are: more pronounced bleeding, longer looking teeth, gum boils, abscesses, periodontal pockets, and mobility of the teeth. When some of these signs are reached, there might still be a chance of keeping the teeth if the person see’s a dentist as soon as possible and gets treatment, but this is when the structures that support the teeth are broken down and pretty much destroyed. After the disease is continually untreated, the teeth may become so mobile that they might have to be removed. This disease can affect anywhere from one tooth to all thirty-two teeth. After the age of 35, three out of four adults have some form of periodontal disease, which can lead to tooth loss.

    If treatment is needed, a root planing or a scaling might be the procedures to be considered. Scaling is a procedure to remove plaque and calculus around the tooth surfaces and root planing is the smoothing of the tooth surfaces to promote re-growth and reattachment of the gingiva to the tooth.

    • ANSWER:
      Nicely done. I’m guessing you are in upper-level high school or possibly in junior college, from the quality of the writing.

      One suggestion, though. The expression “longer looking teeth” comes across as awkward. I’d recommend rewording the phrase.

      Best of luck with the remainder of the essay.

22. QUESTION:
    good conclusion for this essay?
    Without proper care of the teeth and the gingiva, periodontal disease could easily take over anyone’s mouth and could possibly mean the end to the teeth. This serious disease can be prevented or treated at an early stage by simply brushing and flossing.

    Periodontal disease is an infection of the structures that surround the teeth. It begins with food debris and plaque not being brushed or flossed off and they turn into bacteria that worsens and leads to puffiness in the gingiva. Plaque must be taken off the teeth by brushing and flossing twice a day to prevent infection, but it only takes 24 hours for plaque to build up again. A few things that can lower your defenses, and help cause some form of periodontal disease, are: smoking, diabetes, stress, medicine, pregnancy, puberty, AIDS, HIV, cancer, and even diet, to name a few. Soda and certain types of food can also affect the teeth.

    Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. Most people do not find out they have this condition until a dentist advises them of it. Signs of gingivitis are: red gums, inflamed gums, bleeding while brushing and/or flossing, sensitive gums, possible bad breath, or bad taste. Gingivitis can easily be treated by brushing, flossing and using a mouth wash and no real pain is usually associated with gingivitis, which means that gingivitis is easily reversible with good oral home care and professional treatment.

    After gingivitis is left untreated, it can turn into mild periodontitis, moderate periodontitis, and finally advanced periodontitis. With time, plaque can build under the gum line and toxins can spread. The bacteria causes puffiness and redness, which is the body’s way of warning you something is wrong. Signs of these forms of periodontitis are: more pronounced bleeding, longer looking teeth, gum boils, abscesses, periodontal pockets, and mobility of the teeth. When some of these signs are reached, there might still be a chance of keeping the teeth if the person see’s a dentist as soon as possible and gets treatment, but this is when the structures that support the teeth are broken down and pretty much destroyed. After the disease is continually untreated, the teeth may become so mobile that they might have to be removed. This disease can affect anywhere from one tooth to all thirty-two teeth. After the age of 35, three out of four adults have some form of periodontal disease, which can lead to tooth loss.

    If treatment is needed, a root planing or a scaling might be the procedures to be considered. Scaling is a procedure to remove plaque and calculus around the tooth surfaces and root planing is the smoothing of the tooth surfaces to promote re-growth and reattachment of the gingiva to the tooth.

    • ANSWER:
      Gingivitis and periodontitis are potentially serious diseases that are easily preventable. Patients/students/people should be aware that these diseases could result in tooth loss. With simple dental care, including brushing and flossing regularly, periodontal disease is easily preventable, and mouths and teeth everywhere are happier.

23. QUESTION:
    I wanted to know how much it would cost to go do braces if I haven’t been to the dentist in awhile?
    Hey, I am trying to find so cash right now but wanted to get a estimate on how much it would cost to fix my teeth. I just signed up for a dental plan, but was still wondering about prices.
    Treatment for gingivitis, getting 4 wisdom teeth out, braces, and I’m missing one tooth on the inside upper part of mouth. This is a lot, I’m doing like a full makeover for myself, cause it’s needed big time. Thx, legit comments only please.

    • ANSWER:

24. QUESTION:
    So I need to know if gingivitis and or periodontal treatments hurt?
    So for any one who has had or has gingivitis or periodontal disease… I have either the beginning stage of the gingivitis or it has gone into periodontal issues. I have done a turn of research on it and I have an appointment for Monday I am super nervous and scared about it.

    For those that have had it or has it could you please tell me when they used the tool to measure the pockets to see how severe it is does it hurt? and when they do the scaling or any of the treatments how bad it hurt? I have only had one cavity filled in my lifetime and that was painful for me, so how does this compare?

    • ANSWER:
      The periodontal probing, to measure the pocket depth, will not hurt if done properly. If you have gingivitis, the treatment will not be as complex and will not hurt. If you have a more advanced problem leading to periodontitis, the treatment will require deep scaling and root planning. Sometimes if it is uncomfortable, a local anesthetic will be used to keep you comfortable. Good luck.

25. QUESTION:
    has anybody had or know about gingivitis?
    i think i may have gingivitis. i am seeing my dentist tomorrow n im scared.

    i just wanna know how does the dentist treat this? is it a painful treatment?
    wil i lose my teeth??? and how long does it take for this swelling to go down!

    • ANSWER:
      Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by bacteria that adhere to the teeth and gums, causing irritation and swelling http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gingivitis/DS00363. This sounds painful, but many people with mild gingivitis don’t even know they have it.

      Gingivitis is very common, but if it isn’t addressed it can become periodontal disease http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/periodontitis/DS00369, which causes tooth loss and put you at a risk for cardiac disease.

      Fortunately your gums are one of the fastest-healing areas of your body. Simple brushing, flossing, and (if your dentist recommends) using special mouthwashes daily will usually resolve gingivitis within a matter of a few weeks.

26. QUESTION:
    At home treatments for Gum Disease or Gingivitis?
    I havent been brushing my teeth on a regular basis, and I have been noticing that my gums have been hurting ans sore and swollen.
    Im ususlly very good at dental hygene, but I have been stressed and busy and just forgot to brush regularly lately.
    I am brushing good now, but my gums bleed a little when I do and even afterwards, they throb and hurt and are swollen.
    I mad an appointment for a teeth cleaning but I cant go for 2 weeks. Im brushing a lot, but What can I do in the meantime to make this Gingivitis go away? are there any mouth rinses I should do, or any home remedies??
    Would a salt water rinse help at all??

    • ANSWER:
      You also need to be flossing. Salt water rinses may help. Just keep brushing and don’t worry about the bleeding. Healthy gums will not bleed . So when the bleeding stops you know you are making progress. You will probably need some professional cleaning to totally clear up your gingivitis, Good luck.

27. QUESTION:
    Cat has Minor gingivitis is a cleaning enough?
    I spent thousands last year getting my cat’s teeth cleaned and had some pulled out because they were never cleaned before.

    I learned my lesson and now it’s been 1 year and I wanted to get a checkup for her. The vet said he has minor ginvigitus and it will cost 0 minimum to get treatment.

    Now, I really cannot afford it and I found a pet store that cleans cats teet for 0.. half the price.

    Is it really worth it to bring the cat to the vet or would a nice teeth cleaning be ample?

    Thanks!
    I think there is an extra fee if you get it cleaned at the vet.. or maybe they’re going to do more than just clean the teeth? I doubt the cashieer at the pet store does the cleaning.. I’m sure they have a specialist.

    • ANSWER:
      Hi Blue,
      having been in the veterinary field for almost 30 years, having teeth cleaned safely and effectively seems costly. At the practice I formerly worked at the cost was usually between 0 – 0 depending on how many teeth needed to be pulled and how difficult the pulling of the tooth or teeth are. Proper oral care helps prevent many diseases in animals such as heart, liver and kidney disease. Bacteria lives in the tartar on the teeth and can be released into the animals bloodstream causing the above health problems. The best thing to do is to have them cleaned and then use an oral rinse for cats daily to prevent further gum and tooth disease. It is recommended to actually brush your pets teeth daily with a pet tooth brush and paste.
      Best wishes,
      Pam
      www.protectthepets.com

28. QUESTION:
    A few questions about gingivitis and people who have been treated?
    Despite brushing and flossing regularly and using Listerine for years, I still got it. My mother use to work as a dental assistant briefly (years ago) and said gingivitis was fairly common but “no big deal.”

    1) How old were you when you were treated for gingivitis (I’m 24)
    2) What was the treatment method used?
    3) Did they prescribe anything like mouthwash or a special toothpaste?
    4) How long did it take for the gingivitis to stop inflaming your gums?
    5) Is it recurring? Are your gums inflamed some days despite being treated?

    +any other details you might like to mention.

    Thanks in advance.

    • ANSWER:
      Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums and can happen because of an infection no matter how good your oral hygiene regiment is. Once the treatment is effective, you will be fine unless reinfected. Stop putting your fingers or other object in your mouth. (Do you chew on pens or other objects when you’re thinking or daydreaming?) Use hydrogen peroxide to clean your toothbrush and any other dental instruments you use. Ask you dentist about using Listerine, it may be causing a problem with your natural defenses. Get some advice from your dentist about what oral hygiene steps you should be taking. I have found that a baking powder toothpaste with peroxide worked best for me, but can’t say it will work for everyone.

      Don’t worry, the dentist will give all the answers you are looking for.

29. QUESTION:
    periodontitis-how long can bateria stay inside the gum be4 pocket appears?how soon tooth start to fall?
    Due to overnight work in April/May-06, my son missed brushing his teeth on one occasional till the following noon. In late Dec-06, he went to the dentist for his periodical checkup, and was asked by the dentist if he wants to be referred to see a gum specialist for gingivitis/periodontitis and root canal treatments. As there was no pain in his tooth or gum, my son was unawared of it. In mid Jan-07, he went to see the gum specialist who asked him if he wants a “deep cleaning” in the gum, but the gum specialist did not recommend root canal treatment. Will his teeth falls? Since there is no sympton or pain, except the gum is pulled away from his tooth, is “deep cleaning” treatment still necessary after such a long time and will it be too late to undergo the deep cleaning treatment after so many months? Does the bateria still remain in the gum after more than 6 months?

    • ANSWER:
      IT DOES NOT DEPEND ON HOW LONG THE BACTERIA ARE THERE, IT IS THE TYPE OF BACTERIA AND THE IMMUNE RESPONSE OF THE HOST.

30. QUESTION:
    My cat has gingivitis and a foul ear odor- possibly a polyp or infection. Please provide helpful information.?
    I got a one yr. old tabby female from the SPCA a few months ago. Took her to the vet for a checkup. She has very foul breath and also a horrible smell in her infected ear. The vet told me to get lysine for the ginigivitis…(he didn’t mention cleaning). Also, he said I could give her antibiotics if the ear was bothering her. He thought the ear problem could be an infection or a polyp. She seems perfectly healthy otherwise. She doesn’t seem to have ear pain…but the odor is awful. Also, I have been doing the lysine but have not noticed a difference. My vet didn’t seem too concerned about this. What should be done for her? She’s a young cat now..but it could get worse as she ages. I feed her only dry food and sometimes tuna juice when we open a can. She also sometimes scoots across the rug. Should I get her worm treatment? How do you know whether it’s worms or just anal glands? Thanks for your help…I have had other cats, but this is the first one I’ve had with these problems. Thanks!
    I think I will get a second opinion from another vet. I don’t think the first was intentionally overlooking concerns. He is older and not sure if he does dental work. Appreciate all the great advice.

    • ANSWER:
      Shame on your vet for not giving a darn about oral and ear infection, simple antibiotics and supplements will do nothing to solve the problem. The infection from her mouth will spread to her heart and kidneys, and she will scratch the heck out of that ear until it blows up into a hematoma.

      My first suggestion is to find a vet with the time and concern to address your cat’s medical needs. My second suggestion is to get proper medication and treatment for the cause of the ear infection, and to have her put under anesthesia to clean the teeth thoroughly before they abscess or kill her.

      As for the scooting, it never hurts to deworm a cat with unknown history. FIRST make sure she’s treated and flea free before deworming. Then deworm with pyrantel pamoate for roundworms, and praziquantel for tapeworms. The p-pam will need to be repeated in 2-3 weeks, but the praziquantel usually takes care of the tapes in one dose. Both of these medications are now available over the counter (at least in the US). And when you have her looked at by your new vet, just make sure they check her glands and empty them if necessary. Tapeworms, fleas, allergies, and inflammatory conditions can all cause occlusion of the gland ducts, making them fill up. Make sure you don’t just treat the full glands, but also resolve the cause.

      And I don’t know why anyone would try to argue that canned cat food is better for dry. Elderly cats with no teeth maybe, but canned food is TERRIBLE for teeth, the syrup contains concentrated sugars that stick to the outside of the teeth where they cannot lick them clean. Chewing dry food keeps the teeth and gums in good health with proper stimulation, and less buildup.

31. QUESTION:
    Reverse Gingivitis?
    I have been wearing braces for about 2 months now that my teeth are shifting im noticing that my gums ar going back and im getting small gaps in between the teeth.
    My old dentis told me i had gingivitis(2 years ago).
    If this has anything to do with ging. how would i reverse it and is there any treatment?

    • ANSWER:
      brush you teeth! use this toothpaste called arm and hammer peroxide and baking soda whitening. and listerene is proven to kill gingivitis (according to their commercials anyway lol)

32. QUESTION:
    i want to ask a dentist?
    hello,
    i got a root canal and followed by the crown on the teeth 6 years back, now filling and crown came off, only tooth cavity is left and tooth is also broken a little bit, when i visted doctore he suggested me for core , gingivitis and crown treatment, my question is already my tooth is just a hollow sructure, and part of it is broken, can it with stand the crown, if yes how long, and it is going to cost me 0 apart from myinsurance.appreciate your response

    • ANSWER:
      Hi. The core your dentist suggested is necessary to replace the missing tooth structure and provide an adequate base to support the crown{it will fill in the hollow part of the tooth and give the crown something on which to rest} Since you’ve invested the time and money in a root canal to save the tooth, it is worth letting your dentist do the work necessary to rebuild it. The alternative of having the tooth pulled and replaced with a bridge or implant will be expensive also. Good Luck!

33. QUESTION:
    How to treat mild gingivitis and shade anomalies?
    I just got my braces off that I had had on for nearly three years. When the braces came off, my orthodontist told me I had a mild case of gingivitis, and to get my teeth professionally cleaned, and then do some at home treatment. It’s not a bad case, not by what I saw when I looked it up, at least. The gums are slightly enflamed and a little sore.

    I’ve already booked an appointment for my cleaning with my dentist next week, but is there anything I can do now? I don’t understand what he meant by “at home treatment.” What kind of treatment?

    Also, there are spots where my brackets had been on my teeth, like the shading is different from the edges of the tooth to the center. Is there any good at home way to treat this, or will the cleaning take care of it? I use a stain treating toothpaste once a day anyway, will this just go away?

    Thanks in advance!

    • ANSWER:
      home treatment means you will be put on a program of care to make sure that the gingivitis does not re occur after your cleaning. Basically you will be shown how to properly brush and floss., and you will have to follow through with it. As far as the spots, they may be able to be polished off. When you go in for the cleaning, be sure to ask about them.

34. QUESTION:
    Gum cut flap bottom teeth, bleeding gingivitis for three weeks whats the cure?
    I had gingivitis for about 3 weeks now. I dont drink or smoke.

    Been brushing my teeth and my bottom middle teeth were bleeding. Went to the dentist and said i needed to brush to cure. So i thought right… all i need to do is bursh to cure. So i brushed everyday after every meal and after about a week and a half the pain started to die down. Then after a few days the pain drops down there is a cut in my gum and i can feel its flappy with my tounge. Then cut is below my bottom teeth on the root and everytime i brush it it irritates it and i have bleeding and few amounts of pain.

    So the doctor told me to brush yet nothing is doing good, i even mouthwashed my teeth with anti plaque wash. Does the doctor not do a root gum clean? i had this before but this time they did not give me this treatment.

    Whats wrong with my gums and what treatment would i need?

    • ANSWER:
      I know, seems like a too easy an answer right? but guess what, your dentist is right.
      brush that area real well, meaning well but not abusive. then floss in between the teeth and make sure the floss goes right under the gums and scrape all that crap out.
      Gingivitis is caused by bacteria in your mouth that attaches on your teeth in between and under the gums.
      You will find that it may make it bleed more ( a self defense mechanism that your gums have to flush anything that’s irritating it) but if you do it consistantly, especially before you go to bed, you will see an improvement in one week.

35. QUESTION:
    Is this a sign of gingivitis? Please answer…T.T?
    Okay, so i’m having my braces for more than 2 years….and while i was watching a movie just now….suddenly my teeth started to itch(bear in mind, it was only a single tooth which itches..n that tooth was previously decay but i had treatment n filling before)….i went to check my teeth in the bathroom, there wasn’t anything….so i ignore it…..but after when i had my dinner n before i go to bed(there was nothing wrong with my teeth)…but the minute i went to the bathroom…gugle my mouth, spit it out…there was blood….so i panicked….n my teeth was itching again…so i brush my teeth….it was bleeding excessively( i could taste the blood, ewww)….after i stop brushing…..it stopped bleeding……am i going to get gingivitis??……

    • ANSWER:
      Anytime your gums bleed it is a sign of gingivitis. Gingivitis means “inflammation of the gums”. Having braces makes your gums much more succeptable to gingivitis because it is so hard to brush and floss with braces on. Gingivitis is completely reversable and preventable so there has not been any permanent damage, you just need to brush really well twice a day, and use your floss threaders to floss every day, use mouthwash regularly, and especially after you get your braces off and you can brush a little better it should all clear up! . . . However if Gingivitis is not taken care of soon enough and is just ignored it CAN lead to a more serious problem causing bone loss called Periodontal Disease. Go to your dentist for a cleaning, and do your best!

36. QUESTION:
    The toothache pain decreased but do i need antibiotic treatment ( Expert opinion only please )?
    I am an allopathic doctor.I had bad teeth since childhood.So i got multple caries. My second molar became caried. Then i had a filling done but i feel that the tooth was slightly cracked then.After several treatments, I had a metallic crown placed over it. Recently the crown came off, about 5 months ago. But the silver filling is stll there. I havent had a root canal operation done yet.

    Now 4 days before , i had a tooth ache. it was persistent, though not exactly throbbing in nature. I didnt take pain killers to decrease the intensity of pain so that if the pain increased i knew i was dealing with something serious. Also my brother ( who is also an allopathic doctor ) suggested not taking Antibiotics so that i dont form a dental abscess ( due to the pus formed after treatment ). I tolerated the pain and the pain subsided. I used to feel that it was a gingivitis though it used to pain severely when i used to press my tongue on it. I feel the pain was due to the crack in the tooth but i may be wrong here. The pain decreased in intensity everyday since the last 4 days. Today however i have minimal pain on pressing my tongue on the tooth ( which i feel suggests that the nerve is still alive ) but i have a swelling of my gum on the lateral side. I tried pressing it but it doesnt look fluctuant. Pressing on it suggest its firm. The pain has decreased in intensity considerably but this swelling has arose. I am concerned about this swelling.I have a slightly tender submandibular Lymph node ( 1 cm in diameter ) which i feel is only a reaction to the acute inflammation.

    My questions are
    1) Is this dental abscess ( even though pain has decreased and i feel that nerve is still alive , or just a body reaction to an inflammation resulting in swelling )

    2) I know i need to go to a dentist soon but i have an exam in 8 days. And i will be returning to my home country in 2 months. I dont have a insurance here in US. Can i wait for this much time using conservative treatment.

    3.) Can i take antibiotics now ? I am concerned if there is any infection i am overlooking. I dont want a dental abscess at any cost. Also i cant afford to go to a dentist soon enough because of my exam of 2 days and i dont want a nagging dental pain before my exam. ( My pain is already of less intensity ). If i take antibiotics now then will it develop into a dental abscess ? I dont have any fever now.

    4) The swelling wasnt there for 3 days but suddenly when i woke up today, its there. Whats the reason.

    For your reference i am attaching a picture of the swollen gum

    http://i37.tinypic.com/2ztbpq8.jpg

    • ANSWER:
      go to a dentist immediately

37. QUESTION:
    Inflamed gums for 2-3 days and good oral hygeine?
    This happens every couple months. Dentist says it’s not gingivitis and I brush and floss everyday. Any suggestions on prevention and/or treatment?

    • ANSWER:
      could be something your eating . try to see what it is . if you have braces that may be the problem

38. QUESTION:
    do i have gingivitis or gum disease? (after braces)?
    I got my braces off 3 weeks ago and nearing the end of my treatment i noticed my gums starting to swell. My Ortho never informed me about flossing until i brought this to his attention. since removing the braces, my oral care regime consists of brushing 2 times a day with Crest Pro Heath toothpaste and mouth rinse. I also floss 1 to 2 times a day with oral-b Ultrafloss. i have seen some improvement but can help to think that I’m developing gum disease. I’m considering getting a deep cleaning to remove plaque under the gumline.

    I plan on seeing a dentist this week, but I want to know if anyone has experienced this after braces and if I should spend the money for these procedures.

    • ANSWER:
      if you are brushing and flossing and using mouthwash 2 times a day then i think that you will be fine. your orthodontist should have told you, or gave you information in how to maintain your teeth, but gingivitis which is gum disease is reversible! so once it crosses the line from gum disease to periodontitis then you can not reverse that. but just do what you are doing now and your gums and teeth will be perfectly fine, but if you have recession on your teeth then you cant grow that back, but other than that your gums will be fine!

39. QUESTION:
    how to get rid of gingivitis?
    Ive kinda taken care of it so far but now my bottom teeth that are in the front one tooth and the gum is starting to get a little bad it hurts to brush that one tooth. My other teeth quit hurting a few days after i started my little treatment but the pain for that one started back. Ive been using hydrogen peroxide with water after i brush and floss i do that at night. Then in the morning i brush and do m mouth wash with the peroxide. I think its finally going away kinda but i don’t know what to do. I don’t want to cause my parents more trouble or money. Can i take care of this at home or should i just give in and go to the dentist and how do i take care of this?

    • ANSWER:
      USUALLY JUST BRUSHING AND FLOSSING TWICE PER DAY WILL RESOLVE THIS.
      A MEDICATED MOUTHWASH LIKE PERIDEX AND ANTIBIOTICS MMAYALSO MAY BE NEEDED.

40. QUESTION:
    How to calculate epi rates?
    Here is a question that is from the textbook. Its driving me crazy!!! if anyone can show HOW they got the answers-that would be most helpful.

    We undertook a concurrent cohort study with intervention to determine the association between periodontal disease
    and preterm low birth weight. Two groups of pregnant women were used. The first group was women with periodontal disease who received no periodontal treatment during pregnancy. The second group was women with gingivitis or mild periodontitis who received periodontal treatment before 28 weeks’ gestation. For the objective of the current study, to determine the relationship between periodontal disease and adverse delivery outcomes, women with gingivitis or mild periodontitis treated before 28 weeks’ gestation were considered periodontally healthy and without periodontal infection, and were used as the comparison group.

    Although 722 women were initially enrolled in the study, 83 (11.5%) were excluded for various reasons. Of these, 53 (11.5%) were in the group of periodontally healthy women and 30 (11.2%) in the group with periodontal disease. Of the excluded women, 60 were lost to follow-up, 14 had a spontaneous abortion, and nine had medically indicated preterm delivery due to pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, or polyhydroamnios. Because on the exclusions, 639 women finished the study. Of these study participants, 406 were in the group of periodontally healthy women and 233 in the group with periodontal disease.
    The total number of preterm births was 18 and the total number of low birth weight cases was 12. The number of preterm births was 6 among periodontally healthy women and 12 among women with periodontal disease. The number of low birth weight cases was 4 among periodontally healthy women and 8 among women with periodontal disease. Overall, the total number of preterm low-birth-weight (PLBW) cases identified in the study was 30. Of these, 18 were preterm births and 12 were low-birth-weight infants. The number of PLBW cases was 10 among periodontally healthy women and 20 among women with periodontal disease.

    here are the questions:
    7. Calculate the incidence of PLBW in the exposed group -
    8. Calculate the incidence of PLBW in the non-exposed group -
    9. Calculate the relative risk -

    it seems like it too much info in the problem so I just want to make sure I did it correctly. Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      #7. I(exposed)=20/233

      #8. I(non-exposed)=10/406

      #9 RR=(20/233)/(10/406)

41. QUESTION:
    treatment for gum disease?
    my cousin has a huge problem with his teeth atm. i think it is a either the effects of gingivitis happening or periodontitis. she said her healthy gum layer is almost deteriorated they’ve become “straight” instead of that shape you see gums hold teeth into (they have receeded?). he’s got black stains all over with cavity holes and it’s only until recently that it’s begun to hurt.

    he’s never been given candy or fast food, so i believe it is in his genetics that her teeth are in this condition. he’s going to check the dentist soon, but it’s quite expensive right now unless he can get the benefit from his school. what are some ways he can ease the pain or help fight the disease? O_O; thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      SADLY, THIS IS TYPICAL WITH PERIODONTAL DISEASE. THIS CONDITION IS CYCLICAL. IT HAPPENS IN VARIOUS DEGREES THROUGHOUT LIFE. THIS IS NOT A GENETIC PROBLEM, BUT IF EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY HAS POOR ORAL HYGIENE THEN THE RESULTS WILL BE SIMILAR FOR ALL.
      FOR THE PAIN HE CAN TEMPORARILY TAKE ADVIL (IBUPROFEN), HE REALLY NEEDS TO SEE A PERIODONTIST TO BEGIN TO TREAT THIS CONDITION.

42. QUESTION:
    Gingivitis… please help…?
    So I am pretty sure I have gingivitis I hardly ever brush my teethe and I know the treatments for it. But do I have to see a doctor for this or if I just brush my teethe and lay off the soda and sugar will I be fine? how many times do I have to brush a day if so? 2, 3 maybe even 4?(on a scale of 1 to 10 on how severe it is I’d rate like 6 or 7 maybe 8 but I’m no dentist)

    • ANSWER:
      FLOSS AT LEAST BEFORE BED. BRUSH TEETH FOR 2 MINUTES. RINSE WITH LISTERINE EVERY MORNING AND NIGHT, IT WORKS!

43. QUESTION:
    Help with Gingivitis?
    hi,

    my friend believes he has gingivitis, and from the sound of things it seems to be quite aggressive. I have heard horror story’s about this very common tooth disorder and i told him i would post a question about it to find out what his best course of action would be.

    However, there is a slight problem. He works abroad and it will be difficult for him to fly home to get the problem treated by a dentist.

    Are there any treatments he can use from home to stop the progression of this bacteria?

    • ANSWER:
      Your friend can solve the problem by using Neem Oil and Neem Bark mixture. It is a product of India, but is available in most parts of the world. It will stop any bleeding in one day and start healing very fast. It takes a few weeks and he should notice a huge difference.

      Brushing, flossing, etc. are all good suggestions, but to get to the “root cause” using the Neem products will have the most dramatic effect. The next thing he needs to do is to fix his digestive problem that is the “root cause” of the basic problem. Plaque build up on teeth is because of a lack of good stomach acid product or utilization by the body. Adequate salt is a must because that is where the body derives it’s CL-ion to make stomach acid. Air dried sea salt is very important to ingest each day. Make sure he gets at least 1 tsp. of that each day. The typical Morton type table salt is NOT good.

      He will not need to get treated by a dentist with this problem if he follows the advice I just gave.

      good luck to you both

44. QUESTION:
    Another gingivitis question?
    I’ve been struggling with gingivitis for years. I’ve always been able to keep it under control but for the past week or so almost the whole of my gums have been swollen and red; they also bleed when I brush my teeth, of course. At the beginning of this ordeal, they didn’t hurt at all nor were they uncomfortable. I’m unable to visit a dentist because I don’t have insurance and I’m broke, so I’ve been treating the condition as thoroughly as I can at home. This has involved a variety of methods including rubbing baking soda and peroxide on my teeth, rinsing with salt water, drinking mint tea, rinsing my mouth with peroxide, rubbing peppermint and clove oils on my gums, massaging my gums, as well as brushing twice a day (pouring peroxide on my toothbrush) with fluoride toothpaste, flossing at night, and rinsing with fluoride mouthwash once a day.

    Now, after four or five days of these treatments, my gums are much less swollen, they don’t bleed as much, and they seem to be getting better overall, but the longer these treatments go on, the more pain they cause – brushing and rinsing with anything is almost torture, not to mention eating; when they don’t hurt, they itch, but that is much more tolerable.

    My actual question is, is this pain and itching a good sign or a bad sign? They say that when a wound itches it means it’s healing. Does this condition feel worse before it feels better?
    You know, I would love to see a dentist, I really would, but not having insurance and being broke really makes it difficult to do so.
    Please explain to me how I’m supposed to see a dentist when I don’t have any money.

    • ANSWER:
      CHRISTOPHER,

      IT’S ADMIRABLE THE WAY THAT YOU CARE FOR YOUR GUMS, BUT THE REASON WHY GINGIVITIS KEEPS RETURNING EVEN IF FLOSSING IS DONE IS BECAUSE THERE ARE HARD TARTAR DEPOSITS, AKA CALCULUS, BELOW THE GUM LINE CLINGING TO YOUR TEETH.
      AS LONG AS THESE REMAIN THE GINGIVITIS WILL NEVER HEAL AND DISAPPEAR.
      THE ITCHING/PAIN YOU FEEL IS BECAUSE OF THESE DEPOSITS OF TARTAR AND ONLY DENTAL INSTRUMENTS USED IN REMOVING THEM WILL RETURN YOUR GUMS TO HEALTH.

45. QUESTION:
    Periodontitis Question, 21 years old [DENTISTS ONLY PLEASE]?
    Please bear with me through this explanation. Years ago, I was visiting the dentist, when he told me that it appeared as if I had gingivitis. He said I should floss, but I didn’t take it very seriously (I floss a few times a month, and I was in highschool). Over the past few years, I have had exceptional dental hygiene when it comes to brushing – I brush at least twice a day, and I brush very very lightly and with soft bristles.

    I have not maintained good flossing habits – at best I have flossed a few times a month over the past few years. Over the past few years, I have noticed sensitive teeth develop. I went to see my dentist a year or two ago, and they said that my gums had receded a bit from brushing too hard. At first, I believed them, but now, after doing what I would consider “extensive research” (read: Google), I know that I am not brushing too hard. I brush in a circular motion, very very lightly, and yet my teeth are still very exposed, I have chronic bad breath, my teeth are sensitive, and my gums bleed every single time I floss. Out of fear of periodontitis, I have begun flossing more regularly, and immediately after flossing, I use listerine mouthwash.

    I am unable to book a dentist appointment for another month, so my fear is this: I fear that I have progressed from gingivitis to chronic periodontitis, because I have concluded that my receding gums cannot be the result of brushing too hard, and also, my gums bleed without failure every single time I floss. As a dentist, would you, hypothetically, agree with my self-diagnosis? If not, why not?

    And if so, is there anything I can do now? A lot of research has told me that after progressing past gingivitis, and without early treatment, periodontitis is irreversible and can lead too tooth loss, etc. At this point, if my diagnosis is correct, I am long past the stage of early treatment.

    I have come to accept that my gums will never return to normal without surgery, and I will have to live with my long and sensitive teeth for my whole life (I am only 21). What I am not prepared to accept is that this condition will only worsen, especially as I age.

    Assuming I have periodontits – is it true that I cannot cure this? I know that the accepted method is to “treat” it with great oral hygiene, brushing at least twice daily, flossing daily, and using antiseptic mouthwash. I fully intend to do this, and for some time now, I have been. But, as stated, my gums still bleed every time I floss, and my bad breath, when not originating from my throat, leads me to believe that I will have this for life. (I believe I have bad breath because my girlfriend used to tell me that I “probably have rotting gums” because I occasionally had “bad breath”).

    Will my condition worsen? Is there anything else I can do (apart from seeing my dentist and addressing my concerns with him)? When I see my dentist, what can I expect from this? Is “treatment” enough? I am very young and I do not smoke, so I am heartbroken by the possibility that my gums may continue to recede and there is nothing I can do about it. I am a very healthy individual, I eat right, I have a very intense fitness regime, and I take pride in my hygiene and appearance. I do not want to loose my teeth, nor do I want my teeth to become more exposed, or to have bad breath my entire life. This is not a problem anyone in my family has experienced before me, and in case you’re wondering, yes, I use toothpaste for sensitive teeth. I just don’t know what to do with myself – I cannot wait another month under this stress (I have had these concerns for several months now).

    I understand you cannot give me “medical” advice, being online, but any professional opinion whatsoever is anxiously awaited, and I appreciate anyone taking the time out to read and respond to this lengthy question. Thank you.

    • ANSWER:
      How about a dental student’s opinion? To diagnose periodontitis, you need to go to your dentist. As I’m sure you’ve read from google, periodontitis is characterised by loss of attachment of fibres from your bone to your tooth. This leaves a pocket around your tooth. When you go to your dentist, he will measure the depth of your pockets, if there is any loss of attachment and if the teeth is moving. This will be done only if he suspects you have periodontitis. If there is any calculus (calcified or hardened plaque), he will remove that by either a hand or ultrasonic scaler. He may also scale below the gum line and onto the root surface. Calculus collects plaque as does fillings which overhang the natural contours of the tooth, so it is likely that he will fix these too.

      In the meantime, address your oral hygiene. You should be using a medium textured brush in an ordered was around your mouth ie left to right inside and out, so as you don’t miss any areas. You should brush your teeth with the brush held at a 45 degree angle to the gum and move from the gum line to the end of the tooth in short gentle strokes. You should always brush the gums and not brush anymore than two teeth at a time. Your gums will bleed due to the swelling. Plaque also gathers between the teeth so it’s essential that you remove it. If you don’t like flossing, you can buy “interdental brushes” which look like little bottle brushes that fit in the spaces between teeth. You insert then in the space and do between 20 and 30 strokes of a backwards and forwards motion.

      If you do indeed have periodontitis and your oral hygiene improves there is no reason why your oral status shouldn’t improve. Unfortunately, without having a look in your mouth, it’s difficult to give a prognosis. However, stop worrying, up your oral hygiene, and book an appointment with your dentist asap, as the sooner its diagnosed, the better the outlook. Best of luck.

46. QUESTION:
    Could it be gingivitis?
    My jaw has been popping, my teeth are sensitive and I have a new cut in my mouth about every 4 days. My dad is a dentist so it is easy to figure it out, but I’m in college and don’t get to see him often. Plus I dont want him to be upset with me for not taking care of my mouth. What are some treatments? Anything I can do before showing him?

    • ANSWER:
      actually idon’t think that there are any easy treatments on gingivitis other than seeing a dentist.

      But for preventive measures:
      1. Buy a special kind of toothpaste for gum care (mine is Pyodontyl-promotes healthy growth of gums) although its more expensive compare to ordinary toothpastes but its affordable.
      2. brush moderately 3 times a day (dont exert too much force-primarily a reason why gums bleed and have cuts)
      3. Floss regularly

47. QUESTION:
    Gum coming away from tooth, advice plzzzz?
    Hi, I been to the dentist four time in the last six months, each time he says I have mild gingivitis, but since having treatment (scale and polish) my top gum is looking much better, But my bottom gum is hurting like crazy, the gum has come away from one of my teeth and my gum are red and swollen? plaque has built up really fast on the back of my teeth too, evan though I brush them well. Also sometimes when I eat my tooth seems to move and I get a clicking sensation, but its not lose!! Some days my gum look pink and don’t hurt the next red and they hurt like crazy, what is going on? Im scared, cant sleep for worry and I cant afford to keep going to the dentist, any ideas???? it’s taking over my life!

    • ANSWER:
      BEST ANSWER

      Hi, I believe you seem to be eating food that makes your gingiva sensitive more and more after each time you eat anything you chew on. Rough foods will alter the sensitivity, you also should let your gingiva heal. Try eating soft foods sphagetti’s, yogurt’s, etc. Try to stay away from acidic drinks, soda’s, all that carb. sodium will irritate your tooth and decay your teeth causing plaque. You should defenitely see another dentist that is my reccomendation to you personally . Every dentist is different and you will be able to get a different opinion, depending on the Dentist experience aswell. Your dentist must have cut into your gums causing an irritation or internal bacteria which keeps causing you to red and bleed. Make sure you call in to get a a view of your dental report, sometimes dental places could not inform you. But if so you could be entitled to a lawyer you deserve justice.

48. QUESTION:
    I am a kidney patient for past 7 yrs, 31 yrs old. Due to high dose of medicine and restricted diet suffering?
    with severe gum bleeding and gum swelling. Teeth are becoming loose and drifting apart. Tried all dental treatments but no cure. Any suggestion to overcome this problem unable to eat or chew any hard food too. Suffering with Gingivitis and pyria gum disease. Pls help.

    • ANSWER:
      Your problems need to be treated medically because the problem is with your bones themselves, not your teeth per se. I too am a kidney dialysis patient and my nephrologist has prescribed several medications for my bones. I’m on Zemplar and Sensipar and my doctor has just added Fosamax for my bones because I now have more problems with my bones and teeth caused by my kidney failure.

      See your nephrologist as soon as possible. Before I was diagnosed, I had all of the symptoms with my teeth that you have described, but now all of that has abated with treatment.

49. QUESTION:
    My cat had rotten teeth and has a bad disease. PLEASE READ. What would you do?
    I have been fostering a 3 year old cat and when I took her she just had her back teeth extracted because of gingivitis. So I took her on Thursday for a check up…..they are keeping her now until next Friday. I cried like a baby when they called to tell me this. I am so attached to her but I am also trying to think of what I’m really doing. They said she had a disease bertenella (i might of spelled it wrong)….so they didnt have to do laser treatment but gave her a high dosage of antibiotics. And the reason they want to keep her is because they want to keep a close eye on her. Now does anyone out there have any experience dealing with a cat with this disease. Is she going to be costing me more money at the vet then a healthy cat? I am suppose to find out details this week coming up. I miss her so much but I am starting to wonder if I should go ahead and adopt her. Will all of this cure her? Or am I going to have a really sick cat all the time.

    • ANSWER:
      the disease is Bordedellia and its unfortunate she got this disease, ther is a vaccine that your kitty should have gotten which would have prevented her from getting this. However It is not life threatning if treated in time which is being done, so you can go right ahead and get this kitty, she/he needs you more than ever now so dont abandon it.

50. QUESTION:
    My 13 yr old has been having pain in his mouth (top & bottom jaws in the back). NONE of the OTC pills help.?
    I took him to the dentist, who is a new one for us, and she just said it was gingivitis and ordered 0 in treatments. Unfortunately we don’t have that kind of money (we don’t qualify for medicaid or anything) I just feel like it’s something else and I don’t want to spent that kind of money for something that isn’t the root cause of the whole problem. Yes, his gums are inflamed, but it just doesn’t explain the severe pain he’s having in the back of his jaw.

    On his xray it was showing that one of his wisdom teeth was crooked and pushing on his molar. Maybe that’s it? If his wisdom teeth are coming in early maybe that’s the pain? Has anyone had this kind of pain? His vibrating tooth brush causes alot of pain in his jaw, so he turns the vibration off and brushes.

    Like I said OTC meds don’t work and he often has to take Vicodin for his pain. And I can’t keep calling him off from school (the school system tends to get very pissy when your kid doesn’t show up every day here and threaten to turn it over to Juvenile Court) but I can’t send him to school with Vicodin.

    HELP!
    I will be an RN in May so believe me, I’ve pulled on my training so far to help ease his pain. I’ve tried Tylenol, Advil, Aleve, Listerine, Crest Pro-Health, Peroxide, Orajel, mouth/throat lozenges with benzocaine. The Vicodin was prescribed by his dentist. I give him half a pill and I’ve only given him 2 up until now.

    I’ve also wondered if it’s TMJ. I’ve heard of it, but I don’t know the specific details of it. I’ll definitely bring it up to the dentist. I also agree it could be the wisdom teeth. I hope it’s not infected. Too bad that dentist didn’t even talk about infection or antibiotics. I asked her what to do for pain and she said Tylenol and walked out. I spoke with her for 3 minutes tops and it was all a sales pitch about their 0 state of the art toothbrush.

    I am waiting for a real good pediatric dentist to open so I can try talking to them about having him seen for a second opinion and hopefully a good pmt plan.

    I still encourage people to post answers. Thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      You Absolutely need to take him to a different dentist. From what you are describing that pain is definitely coming from his wisdom teeth. I did have a similar problem in my youth. My wisdom teeth caused pain but never broke thru the gums. They ended up getting abscessed and I had to have them cut out. Sounds like the dentist you took him to just wants to drag it out and take your money.