Gransnet forums

Health

Has anyone had any success in reversing gum disease?

(19 Posts)
Grannyjacq1 Wed 29-Sept-21 19:49:46

Have been using a Waterpik flosser for the past 6 months, and special high-flouride toothpaste, as well as electric toothbrush, interdental brushes, dental 'harp' flossers ..... but the problem still exists according to dental checkup today - 3mm/4mm with peridontal probe, if that means anything to anyone. Have been told that I might have to be referred to a specialist - not sure what this might involve. In my 70th year and still have most of my own teeth, with a few gaps/crowns, but teeth very close together which makes cleaning difficult. I would welcome any advice.

Sara1954 Wed 29-Sept-21 19:59:45

I had some treatment a couple of years ago, my dentist referred me, and I had a couple of sessions, and it has been reversed
It had to be done privately, but wasn’t too expensive, now I just have to go to the hygienist more regularly.

BlueBelle Wed 29-Sept-21 20:06:30

A few years ago I had bleeding gums at the bottom front and puffiness and tenderness I used Cordysl and it all completely reversed I was mindful of cordysl staining teeth so I always just rub it in the gum morning and night instead of swilling it round my mouth
I had a check up a couple of months ago and told my teeth and gums are healthy

lemsip Wed 29-Sept-21 20:45:21

Corsodyl is excellent for improving gum problems........there is the mouthwash and also toothpaste.....google it....good reviews

MayBee70 Wed 29-Sept-21 20:48:45

I use corsodyl toothpaste all the time now. My teeth are awful anyway so I’m not bothered about staining and my dentist says my gums are in good shape.

Callistemon Wed 29-Sept-21 20:50:46

I got told off by the dental hygienist for using Corsydol - it stains the teeth very badly.

Your dentist should refer you for planing which can reverse gum disease, Grannyjacq.

3dognight Wed 29-Sept-21 20:50:53

Another advocate of Corsodyl.
OralB toothpaste. Also a drink of milk every so often seems to soothe.

GagaJo Wed 29-Sept-21 21:16:28

I use Corsodyl toothpaste too. I have one area of gum disease that I just couldn't get rid of. The toothpaste seems to hold it at bay. I DO have staining to my teeth, but easier to get it scraped off than to get rid of gum disease.

MayBee70 Wed 29-Sept-21 21:29:33

Coffee stains my teeth more and I’m not giving that up!

silverlining48 Wed 29-Sept-21 22:17:57

I think the numbers refer to the state of the gums, I usually get 2 and sometimes 3 . Recently more 2s than 3s so had improved a bit.
Always thought 4 was the highest/worst but may be wrong.
My teeth are also close together all present but all filled as child and like you have the special toothpaste. floss and electric brush. Not sure there is anything else you can do.
Maybe speak to your dentist.

Mancjules Wed 29-Sept-21 22:30:48

The numbers are the size of tbe gaps between tooth and gum. I had some fairly invasive deep cleaning done a few years ago on a bad area....wasn't pleasant but it sorted it. Now use inter dental brushes every day.

NotTooOld Wed 29-Sept-21 22:39:51

I could have written your post myself, Grannyjacq1. I use all the things others have mentioned twice a day and I am hoping for the best. Our teeth are not meant to last as long as we do, or so my dentist says.

Callistemon Wed 29-Sept-21 22:44:31

GagaJo

I use Corsodyl toothpaste too. I have one area of gum disease that I just couldn't get rid of. The toothpaste seems to hold it at bay. I DO have staining to my teeth, but easier to get it scraped off than to get rid of gum disease.

The hygienist also said no to the Corsydol toothpaste too because it doesn't contain fluoride.

but easier to get it scraped off than to get rid of gum disease
She said the staining from the mouthwash was near impossible to remove totally but, of course, all scraping was done manually because of Covid restrictions so that could make a difference.

I might, however, go back to using the toothpaste because I liked it.

marymary62 Thu 30-Sept-21 01:32:22

I have had a lifetime of managing gum disease which first appeared in my 20’s. I lost a lot of teeth through it and had an operation on my gums called a gingevectomy which removed a lot of the diseased gum tissue. It is totally reversible and manageable and has nothing to do with your teeth specifically, unless work on your teeth or the shape of your teeth make the gums hard to clean. First of all your dentist should arrange for you to have regular sessions with a hygienist (you may have to pay privately) who will give your gums a deep clean and give you advice on how to manage the disease. I suppose the ‘specialist’ may do this but have you seen a hygienist ? Regular effective flossing and corsdyl type treatments is essential ( there are other less staining options but all corsdyl staining can be removed by a hygienist ) . Fluoride won’t affect your gums. I use floss and tepee brushes in sizes advised by the hygienist. If your pockets are deep you cannot get in there to clean them yourself and do need the deep clean from a hygienist to get you on the right track.
Don’t give up it is totally worth getting on top of as otherwise you will lose your teeth unnecessarily. Paying to see a hygienist if you have to would be very cost effective as paying for any sort of tooth replacement would be costly and unpleasant.
Don’t believe anything about it being age related. Your teeth may not last forever but your gums can be healthy all your life. At 66 mine have been fine for years now but it takes time, commitment and money to keep them that way! Good luck and thanks for diversion as I can’t sleep tonight !

Elspeth45 Thu 30-Sept-21 05:42:56

A friend of mine overdid the flossing! Every night watching tv she'd floss away and did untold damage to her gums.

Humbertbear Thu 30-Sept-21 07:33:37

I had treatment on the NHS at the Eastman Dental Hospital. First I had 6 visits to the hygienists, then I had operations where my gums were cut and the roots of the teeth were cleaned. I use an electric toothbrush and I also use floss and interdens once a day. So far so good.

Grannyjacq1 Thu 30-Sept-21 10:46:54

Thank you for all your comments - you have made me feel a bit more positive about the situation. I actually saw an NHS dentist (lucky me - a locum who had qualified a year ago which bodes well for the future possibly) and a hygienist (paid privately) and have appointments with both again for 3 months time. Conflicting advice - the dentist said to use Corsodyl gel, the hygienist said she never prescribes it because of staining - but I think I'll give it a go. I think it's mainly as a result of very poor dentistry/advice over the years and no treatment in lockdown, but I'm desperate to keep my teeth!

Septimia Thu 30-Sept-21 12:53:54

My hygienist told me to use Corsodyl mouthwash to clear up a gum problem - obviously some difference of opinion there!

I used it for while and it helped. I keep some to hand, but only use it if I find my gums are sore.

It makes my tongue tingle and everything taste peculiar, so I tend to only use it at night so that the effect has time to wear off. Even so, my breakfast can taste odd if I've used it the night before.

MayBee70 Thu 30-Sept-21 13:30:09

I use an aniseed flavoured Corsodyl mouthwash and quite like the taste. Reminds me of Pernod! Even if I’ve brushed my teeth really well it’s amazing how much cleaner they feel after rinsing with it.