Gum disease - hold onto my teeth or not

www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/news/gum-disease-linked-with-dementia-risk/

Samsara1

I agree with Monica and have also had the same problem on and off over the years - still got most of my teeth just that my regime is quite long and cant be hurried. As for talking about Dementia and Parkinson's not sure frightening patients is quite ethical or correct.

I think everyone should be aware that poor dental health can lead to other diseases, particularly heart disease.

If the infection is persistent, Betty65, ask your dentist to refer you to a dental hospital. It really should be treated but he/she seems unable or unwilling to get to the root cause (not meant as a pun!).
Don't delay.

With the lack of NHS dentists, there could be an epidemic of problems in the future as people cannot afford a private dentist and there are no NHS dentists in many areas.

It is a scandal that many children's teeth are being so neglected in this country.

Keep your teeth. Dentists don't tell you to keep your teeth just to make money. It's their job. And natural teeth are obviously much better than dentures.

I had gum disease as a result of cardiac medication I was taking at the time. After lengthy sessions with my dentist and a specialist and keeping Corsodyl in business it was decided to remove all my teeth.
Try to keep them by all means but ask your dental professionals for their honest opinion.
Natural teeth are best but if you have to lose them then invest in a private dental technician for well fitting dentures, if you can.

I agree with Monica and have also had the same problem on and off over the years - still got most of my teeth just that my regime is quite long and cant be hurried. As for talking about Dementia and Parkinson's not sure frightening patients is quite ethical or correct.

Sparklefizz

Dentists will always recommend holding onto your teeth because otherwise they would be out of a job.

What a ridiculous statement. Losing teeth is to be avoided for health and wellbeing. Who do you go to see when you have no teeth then? You’ll need dentures- ah yes, the dentist!

I am hanging onto mine Betty65 with my dentist and hygienist’s agreement, although I will lose some more eventually.
Despite a rigorous routine, including teepee stix after every morsel of food for the last ten years, after I was made aware I had it, my gum disease is still very active. I also have the hygienist regularly, at £70 a go, but both professionals have said it’s probably genetic to a degree and will never be totally eradicated.
Tricky decision for you, good luck.

Dentists will always recommend holding onto your teeth because otherwise they would be out of a job.

Why are you getting gum disease? It normally responds to meticulous dental hygiene.

My dentist's recommended regime of careful cleaning with a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste followed by using dental brushes and floss has virtually eliminated any gum disease in my mouth. It only starts to re-occur if my routine slips for any reason.

If you are doing all the above and you still have severe gum disease this suggests some underlying problem that needs to be treated, probably by a doctor. Possibly a course of antibiotics or similar.

Your dentists treatment sounds like getting bigger and bigger buckets to bale out a flooded kitchen when the first thing that you should be doing is turning the tap off so the kitchen stops flooding.

I’ve also had dental trauma beginning this year- leaving me with a just a stump of tooth on upper right - had to have both back molars removed and next month, dentist will prepare dentures,,,
Can appreciate you need alternative advice…all dentists say to preserve teeth as long as possible but if you’re in pain with gum disease, there is no way I could put up with this..
Hope you make decisions soon… I’m not looking forward to many more appointments re denture and the costs are horrendous