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I'm noticing a tad bit of irritation and some minor bleeding along where my gums meet my teeth. Its freaking me out. this has never happened to me before...I don't think I'm brushing harder than I've brushed my whole life. Also, I don't have a dentist or dental insurance :-/..either way, my guess is gingivitis..so what do I do?
That would be my guess too, from what you said. If the toothbrush that you use now doesn't have soft bristles, I'd go out and get one that does. A soft toothbrush will be easier on your gums. Don't stop brushing 2x/day, though, just because your gums are hurting. You might want to also get an antiseptic mouthwash such as Listerine to help control bacteria and tartar around your gums. You can also massage your gums with one of your fingers (gently) in between brushing.
If it continues, though, I would recommend you see a dentist. I don't have any dental insurance either, but there are dental discount plans such as http://www.dentalsave.com and http://www.careington.com that for a small monthly fee will offer you reduced rates on dental services from participating dentists. It might be worth looking into.
manyroads had very good advice regarding dental discount plans. We could have dental insurance through work, but frankly, it's very expensive and they come up with a lot of reasons to not pay. So we use a dental discount plan.
A little advice - it will cost more in the long run if you have gum disease - trust me on this. I had a horrible fear of the dentist and didn't go for years. I had gum disease and now have to go in every three months for perio check ups - much more expensive than just regular cleanings. Wish I had not put it off.
I had to have my roots planed down to get rid of gunk, very expensive and painful. Find a way to get a checkup. Flossing religiously after every meal is a must!
Had a friend tell me about her discount dental and I asked her to get me the info for it so I'm waiting on that.
Other than that, thanks for the advice..I guess I'll go out and get a soft toothbrush and mouthwash today. Hoping all that helps till I can make it to a dentist.
Don't brush hard and use a soft bristle tooth brush and floss!!! after every meal and see your dentist at least once a year for cleaning and examination.
And floss correctly ... stay on the side of each tooth ... not up the middle into the gum if you know what i mean.
Your gums are tender and you may have some more bleeding with flossing but that will pass.
I could have saved myself a lot of painful and costly dental work had i flossed for all of the years that i didn't!
Don't brush hard and use a soft bristle tooth brush and floss!!! after every meal and see your dentist at least once a year for cleaning and examination.
And floss correctly ... stay on the side of each tooth ... not up the middle into the gum if you know what i mean.
Your gums are tender and you may have some more bleeding with flossing but that will pass.
I could have saved myself a lot of painful and costly dental work had i flossed for all of the years that i didn't!
Thanks. I don't have a dentist but a friend of mine is hooking me up with cheap dental insurance so I hope I can see one soon! I was never raised to floss, just to brush my teeth twice a day :-/. Looks like I better add other thing to my regimen.
Thanks. I don't have a dentist but a friend of mine is hooking me up with cheap dental insurance so I hope I can see one soon! I was never raised to floss, just to brush my teeth twice a day :-/. Looks like I better add other thing to my regimen.
You really need to floss for healthy teeth and gums.
It's soooooooo important.
But do see a good dentist at least once a year. I don't know how old you are but if you haven't seen one in quite some time, i suggest making an appointment soon. See an experienced dentist who has been recommended to you by someone you trust.
You really need to floss for healthy teeth and gums.
It's soooooooo important.
But do see a good dentist at least once a year. I don't know how old you are but if you haven't seen one in quite some time, i suggest making an appointment soon. See an experienced dentist who has been recommended to you by someone you trust.
I'm 25 (about to be 26). ya I didn't realize how important flossing is. I haven't gone to the dentist in like 3 years cause I don't have any kind of isnurance or discount plan. I Just have general healthcare. but my friend suggested a great place for me so I'm gonna use her dentist once I get my dental insurance set up.
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