how can i protect my gums from worsening gingivitis?
i haven't been taking the best care of my teeth recently. though i still have no cavities, my gums are extremely sensitive and bleed any time i brush vigorously or floss or even poke them with a hint of pressure. my dentist says that i'm showing early signs of gingivitis but doesn't seem very concerned about it. they just tell me "make sure you're brushing and flossing everyday!" and i want to do that because i want to change this but every time i try to go gangbusters on my mouth, there's so much blood. what can i do to be more gentle on my mouth but see the results i need to keep my gums healthy?
I'm pretty sure I have gingivitis. How can I help treat it at home before seeing a dentist?
I have experienced signs of gingivitis, if not the more serious form (starts with a "P" I forgot the word) and it's really starting to make me paranoid. I thought I was taking pretty good care of my teeth. I absolutely can not see a dentist at this time due to my current insurance situation, but hopefully I can within the next month/month in a half. I bought Listerine because it says it helps fight it and I've been brushing and flossing even more, but what else can I do to stop the situation from getting worse until I see a dentist?
Would it be possible to get a gap closed in my bottom front teeth even if I have signs of gingivitis?
Going to the dentist soon and I want the gap between my two bottom front teeth closed, but I have some signs of gingivitis that I intend to get treated. Would it be possible for him to close the gap (using whatever method available) if I have that?
How Do I Get My 15 yr old to Floss?
I want my daughter to floss - she brushes but doesn't take care of her gums. She is showing signs of gingivitis and both the dentist and myself nag at her about flossing. We've shown her pictures of the results of no flossing, but nothing seems to get through. I've explained that dental treatment is very expensive and in a few years when she's too old to be on my insurance plan she'll regret it. She'll be very, very poor or very, very toothless.
Her teeth are a bit crooked and could use braces, but the dentist won't put them on her until her gums clear up and she flosses on a regular basis. I'm at my wits end.
Suggestions?
Do I need to get fluoride?
I'm 23 and my dentist said I needed fluoride. My insurance doesn't cover fluoride over the age of 15. The cost would be .
My teeth are not amazing but they are not terrible. I do not floss (out of laziness) and was told I have minor signs of gingivitis. I have never had a cavity and never needed other dental work.
Should I get fluoride or is it pretty much worthless at my age?
Gingivitis?
The last time I went to the dentist, they told me that I was beginning to have signs of gingivitis. I always brush twice a day and use mouthwash usually once a day. They told me not flossing was the problem. I'm a little worried because I'm going back to see the dentist on Thursday and I don't want to go in there and get yelled at again. I've been flossing whenever I remember (it's hard to remember when you haven't been brought up with that habit), but I'd kind of like to be prepared for an angry lecture or not. My gums don't bleed when I floss anymore. The only symptoms I had last time was bleeding when flossing. Can anyone give any other symptoms or suggestions for making sure I don't have gingivitis? I've looked at pictures, but all I've really been able to find is very badly onset gingivitis, which doesn't help except to terrify me. The area where the gums cover my teeth is a lighter shade of pink than the area that surrounds that area... is that bad?
I think I saw the dentist six months ago... should the gingivitis have gone away since then?
...and the dentist didn't "yell" yell at me...it was mainly the dental assistant... and she acted as though I didn't deserve to have teeth.