Receding/bleeding gums

Arfenhouse

The last month or so, I've had extremely bad bleeding comes. I mean, the slightest pressure while brushing, and half my teeth would be bleeding (er, gums, yeah). I'm an avid brusher/flosser/Listerine-er, at least twice daily after meals.

Then today, I've all of a sudden noticed that the gum separating my two front teeth has receded a bit, creating a noticeable gap between the upper portion of the teeth. I used to not be able to suck in air between them, now all of a sudden (like, today), I can.

I have a dentist's appointment scheduled for tomorrow morning to see what's wrong, but I have a feeling he's going to say gingivitis or some other peridontal something, which can't be because I take damn good care of my teeth. My diet hasn't changed, eating healthy. Only thing I can think of is I brush with too hard of a brush or I brush too vigorously?

None of my teeth are loose, just bleeding gums and that gap.

Fats

That doesn't really rule out a gum disease of some sort. People's mouths are different, some folks can neglect the hell out of their teeth and be fine, while others will have problems despite their meticulous hygene. See what your dentist has to say.

I would ask him about the Listerine, my dentist was saying that the super high alcohol concentration can be detrimental to your gums. I switched to ACT flouride stuff.

Grid System

You might be flossing too much, and if your technique is a bit on the rough side that can do a number on your gums. Twice a day may not hurt most people, but if you're doing it more often than that, the potential for injury goes up.

Space Pickle

If you aren't brushing and flossing properly it can be really hard on your gums.

LavaKnight

My gums are somewhat receding, and my dentist recommended brushing gently, with small circular motions. If you hold it with your hand somewhat backwards (as in knuckles away from your face), it's harder to press really hard while brushing. The alternative is further recession, and god forbid, possible grafts if necessary. I'm really scared of that, so I brush pretty gently these days.

You might consider using a soft bristle brush, if you're not already. If they bleed while you're brushing and flossing regularly, with little pressure, that seems out of the norm. I'd ask your dentist for advice, as it is possible that it's something worse than just sensitive gums.

SkyCaptain

Fats wrote: »

That doesn't really rule out a gum disease of some sort. People's mouths are different, some folks can neglect the hell out of their teeth and be fine, while others will have problems despite their meticulous hygene.

That's how my mom's side of the family is. I've had to have all kinds of dental work done despite brushing twice a day, using a mouthwash, and flossing. It's damned frustrating and so very not fair.

Thundyrkatz

I don't know what your cash flow situation looks like. but about a year ago my dentist told me that i was brushing way to hard and recommended a sonic toothbrush. I went with the Phillips Sonicare and it works great.

it times how long you brush for (2 min, 30 sec per quadrant) and you don't have to apply much pressure at all. Also, my next visit to the dentist was the most problem free visit i have ever had. On the down side, it is a little expensive at $150 for the unit and new heads are like $10 bucks each. However I loath the dentist, so getting positive visits is worth it to me.

Apogee

Aside from brushing/flossing way too much (you'd feel it for sure), all I can think of disease. You didn't give yourself scurvy, did you :P?

fightinfilipino

Thundyrkatz wrote: »

I don't know what your cash flow situation looks like. but about a year ago my dentist told me that i was brushing way to hard and recommended a sonic toothbrush. I went with the Phillips Sonicare and it works great.

it times how long you brush for (2 min, 30 sec per quadrant) and you don't have to apply much pressure at all. Also, my next visit to the dentist was the most problem free visit i have ever had. On the down side, it is a little expensive at $150 for the unit and new heads are like $10 bucks each. However I loath the dentist, so getting positive visits is worth it to me.

i just got a Sonicare for Christmas, and it is pretty awesome. my dentist recently told me i also had gum receding problems, and actually recommended the Sonicare.

i thought she was just trying to sell me on the product, but the brush is actually pretty good. there usually are good deals on fatwallet or slickdeals if you keep your eye out.

still, go to your dentist for a professional diagnosis, OP.

EggyToast

Almost every electronic toothbrush is better than a basic brush because it's easier to get stuff off your teeth without using as much pressure, so your teeth feel (and are) cleaner. Even the cheapy $10 one.

When I switched, I noticed that I was able to focus much more on my actual teeth, and didn't have to press as hard, so my gums became much healthier (as they were more "massaged" rather than "brushed")

As said above that doesn't mean it will fix your problem, but if the dentist recommends it you should follow through. The $100 fancy ones work well but you can "test the waters" with the cheap ones as well.

phoxphyre

Apogee wrote: »

You didn't give yourself scurvy, did you :P?

I wondered the same thing, tbh.

Following the dentists advice, I clean my teeth using small circular motions with the brush at a 45% angle towards where my inner-lip meets the bottom of my gum. Using a softer toothbrush, this essentially massages the gums. The circular motions are good for getting teeth clean, the bristles have a greater range of motion over the ol' horizontal method.

Also, when you floss -- try to slide the floss down next to a tooth. You'll end up doing a little extra work, because the other side of the adjacent tooth will need to be flossed, but it's much gentler on the gums!

Good luck with your dentist appointment!