Possible gum disease... what should I do?

[anthony267]

I am 15 years old- kind of young to have gum disease, but i display the following symptoms: red, inflamed gums; occasional bleeding when I brush; gums peeling off my teeth. What should I do? What treatments are there for gum disease?

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

Its treatable.  It may be curable too depending on the extent of the infection.  If its just gingivitis, its completely reversible.

[anthony267]

And gum disease is treatable, isn't it?

[anthony267]

My parents DO take me for annual cleanings, that's why I find this strange

[patriciat]

You need to start proper oral hygiene until you are seen by a Dentist. This includes brushing after each meal, flossing DAILY and using an antiseptic mouthwash. You need to see your dentist ASAP.

Why haven't your parents taken you for annual dental checkups before you got to this point?  

The peeling of the gums can also be a reaction to certain toothpastes. I am seeing it more with Crest Pro Health.

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

Ok.  I was afraid it may have been pemphigus or pemphigoid.  You can google that but its a pretty extreme disease where the skin falls off.  You may have gingivitis/gum disease.  The peeling may be due to dry mouth or an allergic reaction.  Again, best to get it evaluated by a dentist

[anthony267]

Slight discomfort, but not painful, no

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

You should go to the dentist and get it checked out.  You may have some gingivitis although I'm worried about the gums peeling off.  Is it extremely painful?