My mouth is falling apart and I don't know why

hacked

I am 28 year old female with a lot of dental issues. I have a relatively good diet, I don't drink soda often, I don't smoke etc.

I am very prone to cavities. Recently I was diagnosed with gum disease and it won't go away. I brush, I floss I use mouthwash...my gums are receding.

I am going back to the dentist tomorrow, but I am so worried. I don't know why this keeps happening despite my good oral hygiene.

I have been to multiple dentists and they have all said I take great care of my teeth, so why is this happening?

BlinkingLights

Get some advice from a dentist asap.

You might also mentioned it to your GP and get everything checked out too just to be sure it's nothing else.

Also make sure you're being gentle with your mouth too - very harsh hygiene regimes can be problematic - ask your dentist.

loconnor1001

hacked wrote: »

I am 28 year old female with a lot of dental issues. I have a relatively good diet, I don't drink soda often, I don't smoke etc.

I am very prone to cavities. Recently I was diagnosed with gum disease and it won't go away. I brush, I floss I use mouthwash...my gums are receding.

I am going back to the dentist tomorrow, but I am so worried. I don't know why this keeps happening despite my good oral hygiene.

I have been to multiple dentists and they have all said I take great care of my teeth, so why is this happening?

Could it be that you are brushing too hard/using too hard bristles? My gums started receding a few years ago, and although I don't have gum disease, my dentist figured I was brushing too hard, switched to a soft toothbrush since and they have not receded further.

BlinkingLights

I've personally found using a higher end electric toothbrush with a soft head makes a massive difference. Apply almost no pressure and the plaque will literally fall off without any real abrasion to your gums.

Mouthwash can also be very harsh on some people who are sensitive to alcohol. Try the sensitive ones.

I know for example in my own case if I use alcohol mouthwashes the entire inner surface of my mouth peels! I have to stick to pretty mild products and avoid any changes to toothpastes etc ... Just found one that works and I stick with it.

hacked

Thanks for the replies!

I am seeing my GP but have not mentioned my dental issues yet. I just went through blood tests for a pancreatic issue/malabsorption issue recently but apparently the bloodwork came back fine. I don't seem to be absorbing nutrients properly though and 7 or 8 years ago had severe illness with gallbladder disease and pancreatitis that didn't go properly diagnosed for a few years. Back then the blood work came back fine for 2 years until suddenly it was critical and this seems to happen to me a lot with bloodwork, so I am anxious.

I take *better* care of my mouth at some points than others ... by this I mean hypervigilance. I can have a pretty strict regimen for my mouth because I am known to have problems. I usually use soft toothbrushes, lately I have been using a soft one as a opposed to the super soft one I had been using. I just can't seem to win, no matter what I do it causes problems.

As a 28 year old you can imagine my fear, embarassment and anxiety at this problem. I am too young to have these problems and I'm too young to need to think about dentures/implants but I fear this will be an issue I need to look at in my 30s or 40s.

I know I can't ask for medical advice on a forum such as this, but what should I mention to my dentist and GP when I go speak to them? I'm starting to get desperate. I am going to be seeing both this week.

BlinkingLights

Mention everything you've mentioned here basically.
They'll be able to advise.

A general check up with your GP definitely isn't a bad thing though. This is exactly the kind of thing primary care is about, so feel free to ask them to check things out for you.

Likewise your dentist will be able to diagnose a lot.

Fishorsealant

Dental decay affects all age groups.
It is the most common chronic disease of childhood, it's not just a disease of older people.

Anyway the problems you mentioned are all multifactorial and you will need to be examined by a dentist.

dimples54

recession is largely influenced by brushing technique and the type of brush you use. if using a electric brush then let it do all the work for you- you should not scrub the teeth, just rest the brush half on the tooth and half on the gum, leave for a few seconds and move to the next tooth. if using a manual brush- use a soft brush and use small gentle circular movements. no hard scrubbing is necessary. gum tissue is soft and plaque is soft so there is no need to go hell for leather on your poor gums.

is there family history of gum disease? any underlying medical condition like chrons, diabetes, heart condition etc? anything that makes your immune system compromised ? if your a non smoker and your oral hygiene is good then there is another reason for it. stress can effect gum health too. you can tell a lot by the mouth.
have you had braces? many people develop recession after having braces

with regards to fillings- sugar intake is obviously very important but its more about the frequency rather than the amount so limit any sugar/acid intakes to 4 times(i.e. 3 meals and 1 snack) a day and this will decrease the risk of tooth decay.
my mum bought non fluoridated toothpaste for us as kids- she didn't realise it at the time. make sure you use a fluoride toothpaste.