I don’t brush every day, do I have gum disease?

Q.
I don’t brush my teeth daily (stupid I realise) and recently my gums have become sore and bled when I brush my teeth, is there a risk i have gum disease? If I do have gum disease is it reversible? If you can reverse it then what can I do to stop my gums from bleeding and protect against gum disease?
A.
Bleeding is a sign of inflammation and that things are not right. It is possible that you have the destructive form of gum disease called periodontitis but you will need a dentist to diagnose this using X-rays and a thorough clinical examination.

It is also possible that you have the non-destructive form of gum disease called Gingivitis. This is reversible inflammation and will resolve within around 7 days if you start brushing your teeth twice daily. You can expect your gums to bleed when you brush them for the first few days, but this just shows that you are cleaning the right areas.

You say they are painful? If they are very painful then you may have an acute condition called AUG, Acute Ulcerative Gingivitis. We often treat this with antibiotics and improved oral hygiene.

My advice is that you start cleaning properly and consult a dentist for appropriate advice and diagnosis.

Dr Ian Dunn

Dr Ian Dunn

PurelyPerio Clinic 334, PO Box 334, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 0AG Web: www.purelyperio.co.uk Tel: 01625 419700

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