25 Year old with periodontitis

[cyma123]

So I had gum disease when I was like 16 or something. I didn't understand how serious this problem is until I turned 24. It was a nightmare. My teeth had pockets of between 5mm-8mm. Well, that's obviously servere periodontitis.

I have been taking care of my teeth very very much after I realised how bad my condition was. I brush and floss after every meal, use mouthwash, I use salt and baking soda from time to time as well, I apply it on my tooth paste before brushing, I take calcium and Vit C tablets, I also do not bite on hard food anymore. My condition has improved drastically. No more bleeding, gums are pink and no bad breath. I also go for my three month clean up sessions.

My question is do pocket sizes reduce? Also in order for my condition not to worsen, I would have to do this all my life right, but will my condition still worsen even if I did this all my life? I am a bit worried about pregnancy too. Some pregnant women are affected my gum disease, so is there a chance my teeth will fall out during pregnancy? Since my condition is severe, will this diease ever be cured?

Thanks.. I am just slightly paranoid about my condition!

[Gellia]

Yes, so far I have avoided gum surgery.  I work very hard at my oral hygiene now, too.
I REALLY want to avoid that surgery!!

To Lychee -  the pockets form when tarter becomes plaque and pushes below the gum line.  The more tarter that gets down there, the larger and deeper the pockets become and the bacteria starts to attack the ligament and bone.  The tarter will actually separate the gum from the tooth and then the gum shrinks back.
That's the recession you are experiencing.  You can also so this if you brush your teeth too hard and pull the gum away from the tooth surface.

The easiest way to think of it is that the harder you brush, the more enamel you remove.   You have to be gentle with your teeth and gums.  Plaque is sticky.  Using a "jiggling" motion to clean your teeth and the length of time you brush is more important that how hard you brush.  Also, try holding your toothbrush like you would a pen.  This allows for a lighter hand.

It should take at least two to three minutes to brush your teeth.  Most people do the back of the front lower teeth last and they accumulate the most tarter.  They should be started first.  Remember, you're not scrubbing your gums, you're brushing the plaque from the surface of your teeth.  Be gentle.

If you brush, two to three minutes, two or three times a day (plaque accumulates in about 12 hours), use floss (VERY important) and a water pik and those pockets can reduce in size.

Your dental health will improve dramatically, too.

As for eating anything.  Personally, I have found that chocolate makes my teeth "humm" but rinsing with water right after helps.  I simply can't give up chocolate!!
I think if you rinse or brush after you eat, you'll be fine.

My best to you in the battle!  Hang in there.  It's a fightable cause.

Gellia

[lychee8899]

Forgot to ask, you avoided getting gum surgery?

[lychee8899]

Hi,
I just read your comments. I don't know if I periodontal disease yet, as the only bleeding problem I have now is around the root canaled tooth.  But, I know I have receding gum issue because of my past incorrect brushing technique.  Will try out your ideas on rinsing with salt water and waterpik.  I didn't really understand about the pocket size you described about.

[cyma123]

One last question:

What about food, can I eat anything? Should I stop eating anything?

Thanks,
Seema

[Gellia]

I think you'll be happy with the result and if you are diligent in your oral hygiene you should be able to arrest the periodontal disease where it is (won't get worse).

GOOD LUCK!!
My very best to you,
G

[cyma123]

Thanks Gellia:) I shall get hold of the waterpik:)