Question:
I have had what I think is gingivitis for a week now, despite
getting my teeth cleaned every six months. In one area I have
sore gums and bleeding when I clean my teeth. Listerine helps a
lot but doesn't finish it off. I have some peridontal disease
prescription mouthwash I've been using for years (Peridex) but
it doesn't seem to help at all.
Any suggestions - other than go to a dentist? (Dentists cost a
lot of money and I have little.)
I looked on the web briefly earlier but haven't found any home-
treatment suggestions yet.
Answer:
I went to the dentist recently and I was told I had a small case of
gingivitis. I said impossible, because I too use listerine. But I don't
floss. Let me tell ya...I have been flossing for 3 weeks now and a big
improvement in the looks of my gum line.
People who floss live 7 years longer than people who do not because of the
bacteria in the gums and in the mouth can go into your organs including your
heart.
If you bleed when you brush your teeth there must be something going on
there that is NOT gingivitis related.
Good idea. But I don't think so; I've been taking 1G+ of C daily
for years - I also eat a lot of fruit, etc.
BTW, the Listerine clone, after a week of using it several times
a day, has helped a lot. No cure - but much better. No blood
this AM when I brushed my teeth, for a change.
Glad it's improving. Just an anecdote: I had a family member on 500 mg
of vit c w/ bioflavonoids daily and she still had bleeding gums. Could
be a poor quality C? (It was Soloray - expensive stuff!) Switched to
Standard Process Cataplex ACP - 3 tablets 2 x a day - 15 mg!!!! And the
problem stopped. I was amazed.
I bought a water pic because I hate flossing -- it cured my gum
problems, cost about $75.00 but well worth it.
Could be. This is from a vit discount house and not a brand-
name. But anyhow, this morning the ging seems over. I tried the
Water Pick and no pain, no bleeding. Everything like normal.
Maybe I had something else. But I'll stay with the Listerine
clone for a week or so just in case.
