dentist advise please (thank you!)

shandyclover

I've just been to the dentist after 6 years absence. Yes, I know very negligent, but we lived abroad where we paid 50 euro's just for a check up, let alone any actual work done so generally if we had the money my hubby or 4 kids went. Anyways I seem to have gotten away with just one filling. The dentist also said I had the first stage of gum disease - yikes! :eek: Dentist asked if I use a hard tooth brush, sometimes when I get a new toothbrush it does seem to hurt my gums, some even give me little cuts on my gums, now I wonder if its worth buying better quality toothbrushes rather than supermarket own? He also asked if I grind my teeth (how do you know, I don't conciously grind!)

I am in early 40's, don't smoke and brush twice a day. I floss using one of those wisdom floss-on-a-handle sort of thingys. Only way I can manage flossing as my mouth is quite small. The dentist said I should use mouthwash last thing at night, and that this would probably sort the gum disease, though on here some dentists seem to indicate mouthwash is a waste of time. Should I also be using those tepee brushy things, my teeth are quite close together. I am an NHS patient, the dentist did do a scale of my teeth but didn't mention anything about a hygenist - does that mean he doesn't think it's necessary or should I make my own arrangements anyways? Any advice you can give would be greatly received and acted upon, I'm very keen to be rid of this gum disease if I can. My mum had lovely teeth till a few years ago and it seemed like all of a sudden gum disease claimed half of her teeth.

brook2jack

Most people don't floss effectively, it needs to wrap around the tooth and go under the gum on each tooth. If your teeth are tight together you may not have room to get tepe brushes through but pink are a good small size to start.

Toothbrushes need to be small to get around the back teeth properly , to give you an idea of size a sensitive 3.5 is around the right size but I'm not fussed on brand.

Try using disclosing tablets to see where you are missing cleaning you can get these at the supermarket or boots etc.

I dislike mouthwash because it's plaque on the gums causing inflammation that causes problems and that proper cleaning stops the plaque forming. However if the dentist has prescribed a mouthwash for you to use you should do as they have actually seen you.

Most people are not aware they grind but it can cause characteristic damage on teeth sometimes at the gum level which combined with over vigorous brushing or use of a hard toothbrush can make little v shaped "dings" out at the point where tooth meets gum. If it is a continuing problem the dentist may suggest a gum shield type appliance to wear at night.

The "cuts" onyour gums may be a toothbrush that's too hard or may be inflamed gums bleeding when they are brushed properly with a new brush. You have to make sure you brush gums as well as teeth and gums will bleed at first.

As to whether you need to see a hygienist only your dentist or someone who can see your mouth can say. Why not ask next time you are in.