Severe gum disease

[Sara323x]

Hey, so I am 16 yrs old and I have bad gum disease, way past the gingivitis stage (I think I spelt that wrong, I apologise) and I am really worried I will end up loosing my teeth before I am even 20. My gums have receded, mainly my front bottom teeth, which are very tender and the gums are thin. My dentist told me "if you don't start brushing your teeth well and taking good care, you will loose your teeth in a few yrs" and that made me feel very embarrassed, and mostly scared (and I know I am completely responsible for my teeth state but my anxiety of dentists made me neglect the dentists for 7-8 years and I didn't take good care)

But I have started to look after my teeth as good as I can but I am worried I will lose my teeth. Any advice? What can I do to make my gums stronger and stop receding anymore?)

I have inserted a pic below of what my gums look like, but my bottom front teeth are more darker, tender and way thinner gums and more receded

 

[Enarete]

Hi Sara323x ,

you have seen a dentist and started to take care of your teeth and that is the only thing that counts for now. Many people who are scared of the dentist have a history of neglect and that is ok and understandable. You are doing a great job in turning things around and that’s the only thing that counts.
If I got you right, the picture is a random picture from the internet that looks very similar to your teeth, right? One thing I was wondering - did your dentist suggest a plan for you to tackle it and get your gums healthy again, such as a good cleaning.. or was it more about „you got to brush otherwise you will lose your teetH?“ (which would scare me too).

All the best wishes

 

[Sara323x]

Hi Sara323x ,

you have seen a dentist and started to take care of your teeth and that is the only thing that counts for now. Many people who are scared of the dentist have a history of neglect and that is ok and understandable. You are doing a great job in turning things around and that’s the only thing that counts.
If I got you right, the picture is a random picture from the internet that looks very similar to your teeth, right? One thing I was wondering - did your dentist suggest a plan for you to tackle it and get your gums healthy again, such as a good cleaning.. or was it more about „you got to brush otherwise you will lose your teetH?“ (which would scare me too).

All the best wishes

Thank you! Yes, and no, my dentist just said I will end up losing my teeth if I don't brush well enough. I had cleaning done twice, in the last 6 months but my gums are still tender and receding...

 

[letsconnect]

Hi Sara323x ,

First of all, congratulations on managing to see a dentist despite your fear, that is a fantastic achievement !

It doesn't sound as if your dentist is all that helpful (<-- understatement). It would be so much better if you and your dentist were tackling the problem together, rather than him lecturing you and making you feel embarrassed. That must have been a real downer . Perhaps you and your parents could have a look at dentists in your area who are good with nervous patients? (personal recommendations and Google are your friend)

Ideally, your dentist and/or their hygienist should be showing you how to best clean your teeth, rather than some random strangers on the internet . Also, one would hope that your dentist would either give good advice for looking after your gums and monitor you closely, or refer you to a specialist (periodontist) if you're really showing signs of severe periodontitis at a young age.

In the meantime, while dental practices are still closed, you could have a look at this page:

How to prevent gum problems or stop them from getting worse

Take care