Anything I can do while waiting for periodontist appointment?

[briannan]

27 year old female, no history of dental problems.  Always been very lucky.  However, I recently started having symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder related to contamination, and I didn't brush my teeth for a few weeks.  When I did start brushing them again, the gum area above one of my teeth started bleeding more than just a little. I noticed that the gum area had receded also - way more than that same tooth on the other side. Since then, I have been flossing and brushing diligently, but the area is still sore. The bleeding when I brush has lessened slightly.

I made an appointment with a local periodontist, but I cannot get in until the 27th of this month.  Is there anything I can do to help my situation while I am waiting for the appointment?

Thanks so much!

[Jerome Bogin, D.D.S.]

I wish you good luck in defeating the obsessive disorder. I also think it was a great idea to see the periodontist. At this point I think you should rinse with warm to hot(not too hot) saline and use a very soft brush to keep it clean and  massaged. Don't be too aggressive with the area until the inflammation diminishes.

[briannan]

Thanks, Doc!  I feel slightly ashamed that I let this happen, but I am working on the cause.  I will do whatever I need to maintain the health of my mouth.