First dentist trip in 5 years yesterday :(

[Sammy]

Hi there I am so glad I accidentally came across this site . Unfortunatly I'm writing to all you wonderful people out of sadness... I have gum disease, I am only 23, have always brushed my teeth but never realized how important flossing was until now!!. My last visit was in high school, when I had my wisdom teeth pulled. My teeth still look healthy, it just appears to be behind my front six bottom teeth, however I cannot see the back. I have a scaling appointment on the 8th of November, as my dental kicks in on the 1st. They plan on doing the scaling, then 3 month cleanings after that. I called and asked if I'm able to wait til November or if it needs immediate attention and I have no problem paying out of my pocket, they said it could wait. I also asked if I was going to lose my teeth and they said no. I have also gone through my pregnancy which I hear is hard on teeth.

This is more of venting for myself to people who understand my situation. No one I know has gum disease, nor do I want a lot knowing, people look at gum disease as never doing oral care, it is a lack of oral care but was never completely ignored.

i wish I would have kept up with my maintenance a lot better, but lesson learned, since the dentist appointment I have not only realized how important teeth are but also my body... Found out the ole dusty treadmill actually does work haha

so sorry my post is all over the map, I have a lot running through my mind. Thanks for reading

also what are some things that will help at home, I have already started brushing 3 good brushings a day and small ones anytime I eat, and floss twice, for the time being I have been rinsing with scope as I live in a small town and have to wait to find alcohol free.

And, lol, how do dentists determine sections of teeth?, when I was asking pricing of scaling, my dentist said, $30.00 per section, and my total would be about 95 with taxes added, just want to know exactly how much of my mouth we are talking about... The more I think about this the more I want to cry!!!

 

[saddleshoez]

I have gum disease. Periodontal to be exact. I have not been to a dentist in two years now. I tried to go today but could not go through with the x-rays or exams. I floss two times a day and brush but nothing seems to help. I get discouraged. I do not want gum surgery nor will I get it. There are a lot of home remedies out there I am trying to see if they help. I feel like I am at least doing something if I try. I know I need the scaling done too. I worry it is painful. From what I researched a lot of people have gum disease. It is common. It can be hereditary from what I read as well. My grandmother has it as does my mom. My mothers friend has it and so does my friend, who is 34. You are not alone in that. I know a lot of people that have it. Sometimes it helps to vent. I wish you all the best.

 

[Sammy]

Thank you, I have done research as well and yes a lot of people have it, I find it helpful to discuss with others who understand... I have read that scaling is painful, but at 23 I'm willing to fight through the pain... I wish you the best with your teeth and thank you again

 

[Patti]

My mom had gum disease and had dentures at 18. Me? I neglected my teeth and my gums were fine. My husband had gum disease and had dentures in his 40's. His sister has it too but she sees a periodontist regularly. My dentist told me it is the genes. I must have gotten good ones, thankfully. After 48 years with only ONE dental visit and no cleanings, I wound up needing 12 fillings, one RC (which I had pulled instead), a good cleaning and what was left of my two upper wisdom teeth pulled. A lot of work, yes, but it could have been so so so much worse.

I was always a good brusher but no really big on flossing.

My dentist highly recommended the Philips Sonicare toothbrush WHICH I LOVE and I got the Philps Sonicare airflosser which I also love. They really do work. My dentist also suggested Crest Pro Health toothpaste and Listerine Complete Zero.