Do I have Gum Disease?

[fenrirkuchiki]

I'm a teenager, you see. I just got braces this summer, but the problem is that I have a lot of honors classes and no time to brush my teeth at all. So a gap has formed between some of my teeth, but that's not my major concern. When I brushed my teeth about a week or two ago, my gums were bleeding.I thought it was just because I hadn't brushed my teeth in a while. I brushed my teeth again a few days ago, and the same thing happened, but this time my bottom left gums felt sore/hurt. I don't know how to describe it...I think my orthodontist last month said that my gums were inflamed? I think they still are, and I did some research on this. I think it may be a gum disease like Gingivitis. I'm really scared...can someone confirm if from what I've said is true to be me having gum disease of a sort?

[Gellia]

Hi,

It sounds like you have the start of gingivitis (swollen, bleeding gums), which can lead to a more serious condition called periodontal disease.  When you have braces, it's IMPERATIVE that you brush your teeth twice and day.  You MUST make time to take care of your oral health.  Honor classes or not, you'll be looking at costly future dental bills if you don't start a regimen of brushing and flossing today.  

Start with gentle brushing of the back bottom teeth.  Remember you are brushing your TEETH, not scrubbing your gums.  You'll only irritate them further and they will recede faster.  It should take you a full two to three minutes to brush.  That is not a long time for your future dental health.

Be sure to floss.  Flossing is the SINGLE most important thing you can do for your teeth.  Take the floss and follow the natural curve of the tooth, up and down the sides.  Again, remember you are cleaning your teeth.  Nor destroying your gums.

Please start to do this.  By my example.....I lost my front four top teeth because of periodontal disease.  Had I taken care of them better earlier it never would have happened.

Now, it has cost me over $16,000 to repair the damage, not to mention the time and pain,  a good dental professional cleaning could have done if I had been smart enough to take care of my teeth sooner.
You have the opportunity RIGHT NOW not to do what I did.

Please, start brushing and flossing.  BUy a water pik and USE it!  The short time it takes out of your busy schedule will make all the difference for your future dental health.  And,. make an appt to get your teeth professionally cleaned.  It's a small price to pay now to avoid a very large bill later.

Best to you,
Gellia

[mammo]

You cannot stop your gingivitis without first going for a thorough cleaning by your dentist. Then proceed with good, thorough oral hygiene.  Always use a mouthwash specifically Listerine, it is excellent for your gums.  You need to make time to care for your teeth, it's a max of 5 min., you can do that.