Dental Hygienists

lollpop

Hi,

I've had issues with my gums previously. I had root planing done around 5 or 6 years ago by a hygienist in the practice I was attending at the time. For the last 4 years I've been attending a different dentist (due to a change in my location rather than issues with the previous one). He has an old school type practice, no x-rays, hygienist or anything like that. I get my teeth cleaned once a year and that's it. My gums bleed regularly, they always have. They don't bleed every day but when they do it can be quite a lot. My current dentist seems to be of the opinion that as long as I go and get my teeth cleaned every year (and floss in between visits) that there is no more to be done even though my gums would still bleed the day after i get my teeth cleaned. I'm worried that the yearly clean isn't enough and I'm wondering if I need to be seeing a hygienist. I suppose I'm just looking for opinions, obviously I don't want to waste the money if it's not really necessary but I would prefer to be getting it checked rather than leave it until it's too late. Thoughts appreciated!

Dianthus

I would agree that it's better not to take any chances. It's not normal for your gums to bleed on a regular basis, whatever about the day after a cleaning.
Also, if you have a history of / predisposition to gum disease, it is prudent to have periodic X-rays to monitor the condition.
A hygienist is not qualified to diagnose gum disease,& must work on the referral/instruction of a dentist.
First step- get a second opinion from another dentist, for reassurance if nothing else.

Oral Surgeon

lollpop wrote: »

Hi,

I've had issues with my gums previously. I had root planing done around 5 or 6 years ago by a hygienist in the practice I was attending at the time. For the last 4 years I've been attending a different dentist (due to a change in my location rather than issues with the previous one). He has an old school type practice, no x-rays, hygienist or anything like that. I get my teeth cleaned once a year and that's it. My gums bleed regularly, they always have. They don't bleed every day but when they do it can be quite a lot. My current dentist seems to be of the opinion that as long as I go and get my teeth cleaned every year (and floss in between visits) that there is no more to be done even though my gums would still bleed the day after i get my teeth cleaned. I'm worried that the yearly clean isn't enough and I'm wondering if I need to be seeing a hygienist. I suppose I'm just looking for opinions, obviously I don't want to waste the money if it's not really necessary but I would prefer to be getting it checked rather than leave it until it's too late. Thoughts appreciated!

Sorry to be blunt op but a 6 monthly clean with a hygienist is no better than an annual clean with your dentist if you don't keep your own teeth clean in between visits. If your gums bleed regularly then most likely it is because you are not brushing and flossing effectively. You need to work at this.....

Good luck,
OS

Nickindublin

lollpop wrote: »

Hi,

I've had issues with my gums previously. I had root planing done around 5 or 6 years ago by a hygienist in the practice I was attending at the time. For the last 4 years I've been attending a different dentist (due to a change in my location rather than issues with the previous one). He has an old school type practice, no x-rays, hygienist or anything like that. I get my teeth cleaned once a year and that's it. My gums bleed regularly, they always have. They don't bleed every day but when they do it can be quite a lot. My current dentist seems to be of the opinion that as long as I go and get my teeth cleaned every year (and floss in between visits) that there is no more to be done even though my gums would still bleed the day after i get my teeth cleaned. I'm worried that the yearly clean isn't enough and I'm wondering if I need to be seeing a hygienist. I suppose I'm just looking for opinions, obviously I don't want to waste the money if it's not really necessary but I would prefer to be getting it checked rather than leave it until it's too late. Thoughts appreciated!

I have same issues as you with some bleeding of the gums due to denture though. I was looking at dental implants and have been advised to go to a Dental Hygienist to get my gums right before i consider implants. So i have booked in for a few appointments. I will let you know how i get on.

lollpop

Apologies for the delay, i didn't get the updates for some reason.

Thanks for the responses -
Dianthus, I thought I could just book an appt with a hygienist, so thanks for that info.
Oral Surgeon - You are probably right. I do brush and floss every day though and it doesn't seem to make the slightest bit of difference. I'm very concious of the issue as it's quite uncomfortable but I just don't seem to be able to do anything any better.
NickinDublin - I'd be interested to hear how you get on!

If anyone has any recommendations for a dentist in Dublin, a PM would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

Nickindublin

lollpop wrote: »

Apologies for the delay, i didn't get the updates for some reason.

Thanks for the responses -
Dianthus, I thought I could just book an appt with a hygienist, so thanks for that info.
Oral Surgeon - You are probably right. I do brush and floss every day though and it doesn't seem to make the slightest bit of difference. I'm very concious of the issue as it's quite uncomfortable but I just don't seem to be able to do anything any better.
NickinDublin - I'd be interested to hear how you get on!

If anyone has any recommendations for a dentist in Dublin, a PM would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

I will not see hygienist till end of feb so will give you an update then lollpop. I have also PM you dentist.

lollpop

Thanks Nick!