Better oral hygiene for me-help!

bagginslover

I am very bad with my oral hygiene, I often forget to brush, when I do it's only once a day, and I rarely floss.

This must change!!

Remembering to brush at all is a matter of, well, remembering! That's fine, flossing I have problems with though.

I flossed religiously when I fell pregnant 4 years ago-I knew pregnancy was a high risk time for teeth, so I wanted to be careful. After 3 months I had to give up as I was in constant pain! I'd been assured that the pain and bleeding would only last a week or so on taking it up, but it just got worse (the bleeding stopped to be fair). I have seen dentists since this, and they've not mentioned any gum disease or anything (which always surprises me given my lack of care!) so why does it hurt so much for so long?
Because of this pain (talking proper keep you up all night crying pain!), I've been reluctant to try again.
I was using floss picks where my teeth are crowded, and interdental brushes for the rest. I occasionally poked my gums with the brush wires accidentally, but the pain was over my whole mouth, not just the poked parts.

Anyone have any ideas why it was so painful? And any tips to pain free flossing?

Mrs_Arcanum

If you can stretch to the expense of a Braun electric toothbrush with timer this will help a great deal. Even one without a timer is better than a manual brush. Try and get one with the Triumph brush head as this is good for getting between the teeth.

If it is painful to brush then you need to brush more and particularly brush the gums as much as the teeth as this will hep to strengthen them. Avoid hard brush heads, soft ones are enough provided you brush for long enough. Tee Pees may be better for you than flossing but ask a hygienist to check you have the right sizes.

Corsodil (or own brand version) mouthwash might help too.

bagginslover

I did wonder about a proper electric brush-I currently use one that looks like a manual brush, but has electric 'sweepers' between the bristles. I have brushed with it turned off, and it definatly does a better job turned on (and so better than a standard manual)

It's not brushing that hurts, it's flossing, and doing it more just makes it worse (or did last time-I want some pointers before I attempt it again) I was shown how to do it by my dentist, and even had my technique checked when it hurt, but it STILL hurt

brook2jack

Prolonged use of corsodyl will stain your teeth. I don't particularly advise mouthwash because for many people it is a substitute for proper cleaning.

Take your brush and floss with you next time you go to the dentist and ask them to check your technique... 80% of people don't brush and floss properly.

If you don't floss everyday it will hurt... the gums are constantly inflammed and don't get a chance to settle down. Miss a couple of days and you are back to square one. Try using waxed floss (easier to get between teeth) and aviod tape may be too wide. It will get better.

ali-t

I use a waterpic waterjet thing (can't remember the real name) and it is great at getting that clean feeling. I have dodgy teeth from childhood that are held together with fillings so struggle to get floss between them but the waterjet scooshes through and feels fab. I think it was around £30.

bagginslover

brook2jack wrote: »

If you don't floss everyday it will hurt... the gums are constantly inflammed and don't get a chance to settle down. Miss a couple of days and you are back to square one. Try using waxed floss (easier to get between teeth) and aviod tape may be too wide. It will get better.

Surely not after 3 months though? Getting continually worse?! I flossed from the day I stopped taking the pill through til just after my 12 week scan, I fell the first month so I know I have the dates right.
I've not got any flossing 'supplies' at the moment, so cannot start right away, I just want to make sure I'm not going to be in agony again:(

Mrs_Arcanum

bagginslover wrote: »

Surely not after 3 months though? Getting continually worse?! I flossed from the day I stopped taking the pill through til just after my 12 week scan, I fell the first month so I know I have the dates right.
I've not got any flossing 'supplies' at the moment, so cannot start right away, I just want to make sure I'm not going to be in agony again:(

Definitely see your dentist/hygienist for advice. If the problem is getting worse they should be your first contact.

LittleLauz

I'm sure I read somewhere that pregnancy hormones can make your gums more sensitive?
I'd really try again with the flossing as soon as possible. I've been told I have excellent oral hygeine now but a few years ago I had inflamed gums despite religious twice daily brushing and mouthwash. So it really is essential.
My gums were really sore when i first Started To floss and it took a good few weeks for it to be comfortable to do it.
As for remembering to brush, it will become second nature after a while. Why not try setting an alarm on yor phone for a convenient time morning and night until you get used to the routine.

sianlee

Hi,
I had a similar problem with flossing until my dentist recommended Oral B Satin tape. It doesn't make my gums bleed and I try to use it daily .

londoner1998

LittleLauz wrote: »

I'm sure I read somewhere that pregnancy hormones can make your gums more sensitive?
I'd really try again with the flossing as soon as possible. I've been told I have excellent oral hygeine now but a few years ago I had inflamed gums despite religious twice daily brushing and mouthwash. So it really is essential.
My gums were really sore when i first Started To floss and it took a good few weeks for it to be comfortable to do it.
As for remembering to brush, it will become second nature after a while. Why not try setting an alarm on yor phone for a convenient time morning and night until you get used to the routine.

That's probably true- my sister in law told me that her hygienist said that the hormones affect all tissues in the body and gums are no exception- hence you get more bleeding is you suffer fluid retention before you period as well (I do and I tend to be more sensitive to pain and my gums tend to bleed more during those days).
But as far as my experience goes, floss every day and you will see a change for the better very soon... I did and my dentist noticed too...

bagginslover

I've ordered myself some soft tepe brushes (went for the smallest size, I figure I can wiggle them about to get all the bits if they are too small, then order the next size next time if I need to) and some floss picks for my crowded front teeth.
I'll let you know how it goes.