Gingivitis

Jwacqui

In the last 6 weeks Ive had two bouts of gingivitis, both pretty severe. The first was treated with antibiotics but it's back again. I have braces on and one more week til they're off so don't really want to go and get another perscripion.

I get my teeth cleaned every 6 months as my gums tend to be quite susceptible to becoming inflamed easily. But ive had the braces on nearly 9months. Is there anything to help reduce the severity of gingivitis without gettin an antibiotic???

I'm using corsodyl, brushing and flossing twice a day as normal. My gums are sore, swollen and bleeding of their own accord even when I'm not near them. The gum also seems white near the teeth and like there are small holes appearing at the base of the teeth where they meet.

Dianthus

Do you smoke? Are you stressed (exams, ect)?
Are you otherwise healthy, fit& well?
Do you eat a balanced diet (fresh fruit, veg, meat, fish, ect)?
Is there a family history of gum disease(parents, siblings)?
Have you tried using plaque disclosing tablets?
Would you consider seeing a periodontist(gum specialist)?
The reality is, you can't treat gum disease solely with antibiotics, and certainly not on a regular basis.
And if things continue, the gums will continue to recede, and teeth may become mobile, or indeed fall out....not good.
Talk to your dentist again, or get a 2nd opinion. Either way, do it fast.

Jwacqui

Thank you so much for your response. It's greatly appreciated. I have answered your questions below

Dianthus wrote: »

Do you smoke? Are you stressed (exams, ect)? No don't smoke or stressed
Are you otherwise healthy, fit& well? Yes, I am a bit run down the last few weeks, sore throat, mouth ulcers etc
Do you eat a balanced diet (fresh fruit, veg, meat, fish, ect)? Yes
Is there a family history of gum disease(parents, siblings)? Yes, both my parents have gum disease, I didn't realise this was hereditary? I'm 23, and do go to the dentist regularly, this is the 3rd time I've ever had Gingivitis
Have you tried using plaque disclosing tablets? No, didn't realise these existed, will they help much?
Would you consider seeing a periodontist(gum specialist)? Definitely, could you PM me a recommendation of somebody please. I am terrified of losing my teeth, one of the reasons I got my braces was so I could floss and clean my teeth better.
The reality is, you can't treat gum disease solely with antibiotics, and certainly not on a regular basis.
And if things continue, the gums will continue to recede, and teeth may become mobile, or indeed fall out....not good.
Talk to your dentist again, or get a 2nd opinion. Either way, do it fast.

Dianthus

Being "run down" can reflect itself in the gums also. Might be worth a chat with your GP- may be an underlying reason as to why you're feeling unwell, or may be nothing at all.
Gum disease isn't hereditary per se, however there is what's called a "genetic susceptibility" to gum disease, so if your parents have suffered from it, then you're more likely to, and you need to be extra-vigilant with your day to day oral hygiene& regular dental visits.
Plaque disclosing tablets help you see if you're missing any areas when you're brushing.
Every periodontist will have specialist training (3 year fulltime postgraduate training in gums!, as well as the 5 year undergraduate dentistry course) , you're in safe hands with whomever you chose, best ask your dentist who he/she refers to locally.

Jwacqui

Dianthus wrote: »

Being "run down" can reflect itself in the gums also. Might be worth a chat with your GP- may be an underlying reason as to why you're feeling unwell, or may be nothing at all.
Gum disease isn't hereditary per se, however there is what's called a "genetic susceptibility" to gum disease, so if your parents have suffered from it, then you're more likely to, and you need to be extra-vigilant with your day to day oral hygiene& regular dental visits.
Plaque disclosing tablets help you see if you're missing any areas when you're brushing.
Every periodontist will have specialist training (3 year fulltime postgraduate training in gums!, as well as the 5 year undergraduate dentistry course) , you're in safe hands with whomever you chose, best ask your dentist who he/she refers to locally.

Great! Thanks so much for your help! The minute I get my braces off next week il definitely get referred to a periodontist!

I'm not one to leave things to the last minute, want to get it sorted ASAP! Really concerning me.

Jwacqui

Just to update went to the dentist today he said its another flare up of gingivitis and I have some plaque build up.
I'm on a course of antibiotics and have booked in with the hygienist wed for a clean then when I get the braces off will have a thorough clean.