Symptoms of Gingivitis?

sherbie28
sherbie28 Posts: 660 Forumite
Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Combo Breaker
in Health & beauty MoneySaving
I had two fillings done in October (two back teeth at bottom) and went back a week later because my gums were very sore and I had a sharp pain when my top and bottom teeth made contact. The dentist adjusted the bite and mentioned that I had slight gum disease. The discomfort in my gums still hasn't gone and I still get a slight pain when I bite down. The dentist said it wasn't a deep filling so I don't know if the pain and aching in my gums is caused by the filling or gum disease.

Comments

  • Toothsmith
    Toothsmith Posts: 10,101 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Gingivitis usually only has gums bleeding on brushing, or sometimes eating as it's only symptom. Soreness is rare, but possible.

    If in doubt, get back to your dentist.
    How to find a dentist.
    1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
    2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
    3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
    4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.
  • sportbeth
    sportbeth Posts: 621 Forumite
    I had this a few years back. Symptoms are bleeding (not just when brushing your teeth) No or little swelling (as that would be a sign of an abcess) and the key one is a really bad taste in your mouth all the time and rotten breath.

    The test is to lick the back of your hand, blow on it to dry and then smell it (graphic I know but easiest way to tell) if it smells worse than any breath you'd want near you then go to your GP. A GP would be cheaper than your dentist and if they can diagnose you they will just write you a prescription for antibiotics.

    Be aware that it's very contageous so no snogging and be careful about washing up cups and mugs
  • sportbeth
    sportbeth Posts: 621 Forumite
    Sorry- should mention as well, if dentist thought you had slight gum disease they should have told you how to treat it so if there is a chance its not gingivitus then go back and insist on a recommendation for treatment
  • Toothsmith
    Toothsmith Posts: 10,101 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    sportbeth wrote: »
    A GP would be cheaper than your dentist and if they can diagnose you they will just write you a prescription for antibiotics.

    Be aware that it's very contageous so no snogging and be careful about washing up cups and mugs

    GPs get sick of dealing with minor dental problems, and are pretty useless with anything in the mouth anyway.

    Antibiotics are not necessary for gingivitis, generally it just requires better toothbrushing to get rid of the problem.

    It's not contagious at all. Stories of people contracting gum disease from chipped cups etc are complete rubbish.
    How to find a dentist.
    1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
    2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
    3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
    4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.
  • suki1964
    suki1964 Posts: 14,313 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    sportbeth wrote: »

    Be aware that it's very contageous so no snogging and be careful about washing up cups and mugs

    Blimey - I must have infected the world and his wife over the years cos Ive had gingervitis on and off all my adult life and Ive certainly snogged a few fellas and and even drunk from cups and glassed others have used.


    I think this info is ever so slighty wrong
  • Toothsmith
    Toothsmith Posts: 10,101 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    suki1964 wrote: »
    cos Ive had gingervitis on and off all my adult life

    I thought gingervitis was having red hair!!
    How to find a dentist.
    1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
    2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
    3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
    4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.
  • Teerah
    Teerah Posts: 1,794 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    sportbeth wrote: »
    Sorry- should mention as well, if dentist thought you had slight gum disease they should have told you how to treat it so if there is a chance its not gingivitus then go back and insist on a recommendation for treatment

    I hope you didnt get your (completely wrong) info from your dentist when they were explaining to you about your gum problems ;)
  • suki1964
    suki1964 Posts: 14,313 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Toothsmith wrote: »
    I thought gingervitis was having red hair!!
    Doh !!!:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:
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