Constantly sore, swollen gums!

[Jooby59]

According to my dentist I have healthy gums and teeth and I have regular check ups. However, I suffer badly from sore, swollen gums at the immediate base of various teeth - particularly lower jaw. It seems as if my gums react really easily to anything that may "bruise" them. It really pulls me down as my mouth never feels quite right. I am on a waiting list for further investigation at the hospital. In meantime, just wonderd if anyone else had same thing and had any advice.

[Evaristo]

And how is your dental hygiene? Are you sure it isn't an effect of insufficient hygiene?

[Jooby59 in reply to Evaristo]

Definitely not!

[AnotherDentist]

Do you have anaemia? enquire at your GP

Do you have other health conditions, such as Crohns? just one example of many conditions that can affect the mouth/gums

Do you take medication? medication can affect the gums, without causing disease

[Jooby59 in reply to AnotherDentist]

Thanks for response. Definitely not got anaemia (had blood tests weeks ago) - they tested for loads of other things too and all came back negative. Not on medication.

[Yatzy in reply to Jooby59]

You’ve said your dental hygiene is good, and I don’t want to offend, but do you sterilise your toothbrush from time to time?....I was recommended to stand the brush end in a cup of Milton and water, electric toothbrushes included, this seemed to help me with sore gums and occasional infections, along with interdental brushes and floss of course. The Milton trick seems to curtail cold viruses sometimes too....when I remember to do it!

[Jooby59 in reply to Yatzy]

I will try that. Thanks.

[Hidden]

I rarely brush my teeth and my dentist said twice each day so now I listened and I brush my teeth every day twice sometimes three I have a whitening toothbrush and pen which works rather well you all should buy one of these so cheap only £1.50 instead of £20.00

[ShootingStars in reply to Hidden]

That's great! Good dental hygiene can be preventative medicine for other health conditions because bacteria lodged in your gums and on your teeth can get into your blood stream and cause all sorts of health issues. Brush twice a day, floss once a day...helps to keep the dentist away!

[ShootingStars]

Hi Jooby59. Sore and swollen gums can be a product of brushing technique, What kind of toothbrush do you use and can you describe your brushing technique? Do you have any gum recession? Can you see any exposed dentin (located at gum level where your enamel meets your gums)? Do you floss? If so, how often?

[peterfromlondon]

I have very sensitive gums too ! Often my teeth go on edge too !dentists say u over react !not true ! Hate going ! I'm good with cleaning my teeth ! They say oh age related im 64_!Maybe

[Ajh66]

With respect people think they clean their teeth well when in fact they don't.

A dental hygienist can work out the correct oral hygiene regime for you. Also do you have any underlying health conditions eg diabetes. If a poorly controlled diabetic this with inadequate oral hygiene can exacerbate gum disease.

[Jooby59 in reply to Ajh66]

Hi. Finally, earlier this year, I was diagnosed with leukaemia and gum problems, like mine, are a symptom. Thanks.

[Ajh66]

Yes it can, health conditions can indeed affect your gums. Wishing you well with your treatment.

[Jooby59 in reply to Ajh66]

Thank you. Have just started treatment. X