I currently experience some gum bleeding almost every time I brush. I normally brush twice a day, but I have increased the amount/duration of brushing in an effort to keep my mouth clean and kill the gingivitis. I usually use listerine immediately after brushing. I also have a bottle of Chlorhexidine (not sure of the spelling) which was prescribed to me about a year and a half ago when my wisdom teeth were breaking through. The expiration date has passed, so I am reluctant to use it. Is the expiration date on Chlorhexidine important? My bottle says to discard after 4/11/06, but I was hoping that it would last longer.
Other things to consider:
- I currently have no dental insurance, but I expect to be insured when I graduate law school in 5/07, so I'd like to avoid having to go for now
- I have ordered a Sonicare e9000 electric brush, hopefully this will help matters
- I read some favorable reviews of the Oral-B Hummingbird electric flosser. Is it any good?
2006-08-23 12:13:16 · 8 answers · asked by sjauletta 1 in Health ➔ Dental
Listerine doesn't kill the gingivitis, but it does kill the germs that cause the gingivitis (just like the bottle says). Continue using the Listerine, and do not used expired products, as there are chemicals that, after a certain period, do not perform as they are supposed to perform (like chemical breakdown).
If you are having a large amount of bleeding from brushing, try the following:
1: Get a soft-bristled toothbrush, and replace it every 3-4 months.
2: Be sure to brush your gums while you brush your teeth, as this may break loose some build-up under the gumline.
3: Try the brush-floss-brush again method. It worked for me once.
4: Don't overbrush. Usually 2-3 minutes is a good time for brushing, and brushing for long periods may tear your gums more than they can heal in between brushings.
5: Brush and floss after every meal until you get to the dentist and get that dental work (may require quadrant detail cleaning such as scaling, where they clean under the gums, and planing, where they surgically move the gum from the tooth, clean the tooth quadrant, then surgically stitch the gums back around the areas to help promote gum growth, it's not painful, don't be scared of the dentist's office). Food that sits in between your teeth from lunch until you're ready to go to bed is allowed to wedge into the affected bleed areas, and may cause more buildup under the gumline.
2006-08-23 12:43:38 · answer #1 · answered by Another Guy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The expiration date doesn't mean that it is dangerous to use, it just may not be as effective as it was a couple of years ago. This is a great product but it does stain the teeth. Floss at least once a day.
If you have tartar buildup under the gums, you will not be able to get this off at home. Unfortunatly, this has to be scraped off with metal instuments.
Sonicares are great. We sell those in our office. I am not a fan of electric flossers though. Just use manual method.
2006-08-23 12:59:55 · answer #2 · answered by LittleMermaid 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could be brushing your teeth too often and too vigorously, this would exacerbate the bleeding gums. Brush more gently, the electric toothbrush will help if used properly. Also try Corsodyl which contains the active ingredient you mentioned, warm salty mouth rinses might also help. Never tried the Hummingbird but have thought of doing so, it could possibly cause more gum bleeds. Good luck!
2006-08-23 15:45:28 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Number one technique: floss every day!! It will really help with bleeding gums.
Also try a mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide, my dentist says they work better than alcohol based ones like Listerine.
I wouldn't use the Chlorhexidine, it's way too drying for extended use, plus it can discolor your teeth.
2006-08-23 12:18:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO, not to wake up with a mouthful of blood-pain, yes, blood no. Call the dentist-or, call another dentist and explain what happened. Either way, make sure you are brushing and flossing-your gums will bleed until you clear it up.
2016-03-17 01:37:07 · answer #5 · answered by Aline 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Floss daily and use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Replace your toothbrush every 3 months or so.
2006-08-23 12:21:25 · answer #6 · answered by just me 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Floss daily, use a dental irrigator, and rinse with salt water.
2006-08-23 12:18:56 · answer #7 · answered by Larry 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try vitamin C, and review your diet. Bad gums are often a sign of poor nutrition. Take care of yourself.
2006-08-23 12:16:20 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Use a soft toothbrush and brush with baking soda and peroxide.
2006-08-23 12:20:08 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋