Cause of Gingivitis?

by Gina
(South Africa )

Hi Shelly I have battled with gingivitis for 3 years now and cannot get rid of it.

I have a pocket in my lower jaw between the last and second last back teeth which never gets better no matter what I do.

I have tried all kinds of mouthwashes including Listerine at one time or another but the pocket never heals --even though I brush and floss twice a day
I floss after meals as food always gets stuck in this pocket.
this pocket is sore and bleeds when I floss or brush
and then I often notice my gums in all my mouth bleed when I floss - I don't have any swollen gums in front of my mouth though --

what should I do?

Is it true that Gingivitis might indicate a pre- diabetic state -or some type of suger problem?

Is it possible that medication can cause bleeding gingivitis -- I have been taking ZOLOFT , RIVITROL , AND EFFEXOR for many years now could this medicine be affecting my gums?

Thanks
Gina




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Cause of Gingivitis?

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by: Shelly

Hi Gina, Great questions and great job on your daily flossing...that's impressive!

Sometimes a simple change in technique can make all the difference. How you brush and floss is just as important as how often....Here are some flossing instructions.

It would be nice if you saw some results from your good habits! Don't give up, flossing is not easy, but worth the effort.

Also, be sure you are up to date with your cleanings. It's impossible to keep your gums healthy if you need a professional cleaning. Once your hygienist removes the calculus, you will have a much easier time flossing.

Your pocket where food gets stuck sounds annoying! That space between your teeth is called an open contact. Many times those can be fixed by your dentist. It is really difficult to keep your gums healthy where there is an open contact and food is always getting stuck. Next time you have a dental appointment, ask your dentist if it can be improved.

Gums that bleed are inflamed and we know that chronic inflammation is bad for our general health. Here is an article on chronic inflammation.

Does gingivitis cause diabetes? I don't think any of the experts would say that gingivitis alone causes diabetes, it's much more complicated than that. But, it is one risk factor that is easily fixed. We can't change our family history but we can keep our gums from bleeding.

Are medications to blame? Most medications tend to dry your mouth and a dry mouth is more prone to gingivitis. However, many people take medications and have very healthy gums. Your medicines are probably not the main cause. Medications help keep you healthy and if you need them....you need them, dry mouth or not:)

Specific medicines and their side effects are best discussed with the physician who prescribed them.

Here is more info about dry mouth.

What should you do?

  • Review your flossing and brushing technique

  • Have your teeth cleaned by your hygienist

  • Talk to your dentist about fixing your open contact

  • If your gum still bleed, get some advice from your dentist or hygienist. some cases of gingivitis are more complicated but there are some good products and treatments if you need them.


Your great habits combined with some help from your dentist and hygienist will get those gums in shape:)

~Shelly~







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