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Dentistry/my gums hurt

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Expert: - 8/3/2006


Question
I have really bad gums and it kinda feels like (and looks like) my gums are growing into my teeth. So much that I have a small gap between my two front teeth that I didn't have a few years ago and I think it's because I haven't been brushing my teeth a lot.  Also, when I do brush my teeth my gums hurt and bleed a lot.  I really really really don't want to have to go back to my periodontist because I don't like him. And I have anxiety disorder and get really uncomfortable at Dr's offices.  Here is what I am wondering: Last time I was there my periodontist told me that if my gums bleed when I brush it's a GOOD thing and I should do it more.  Is that normal advice?  Also, he said it's ok if I brush without toothpaste, which I like, but I am also not sure if this is accurate. I figured I would get some Colgate Total (they say it's good for bad gums) and just try brushing (and flossing) as much as I can.  Do you think that will help my problem?  My gums hurt and it makes eating hard to do, especially ice-cream. Thanks.

Answer
Hi,
Your periodontist is not wrong, if you see bleeding when you brush, you SHOULD brush it harder and get rid of the inflammation and the plaque that is causing the bleeding.  i recommend using toothpaste, but it is really the mechanical removal of plaque that helps more than the toothpaste. It sounds like you have serious periodontal problems and should be under the care of a periodontist. if you don't like your periodontist, go find one that you do like. Let me know if you'd like me to recommend someone.

Best of Luck,
Joseph Zelig, DDs

Dentistry

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Joseph Zelig, DDS, D.ABP www.smileinthecity.com

Expertise

Dr. Zelig is a board-certified Periodontist and an expert on dental implants. Dr. Zelig can answer any and all questions you have about complex dental problems, dental implants, gum disease, treatment of gum recession, and treatment of a "gummy smile".

Experience

Dr. Zelig has personally placed over a thousand implants with excellent success and has worked with many dental specialists and educated them on full mouth reconstruction, esthetic dentistry, and dental implantology.

Organizations
American Dental Associateion, American Academy of Periodontology, American Board of Periodontology, North-Eastern Society of Periodontitis, New York State Dental Association, New York County Dental Society

Education/Credentials
I received both my dental degree (DDS) and my certificate in the specialty of Periodontics from New York University College of Dentistry. Dr. Zelig graduated among the top 10% of the graduating class. As a result of outstanding academic achievements, Dr. Z was elected into the membership of Omicron Kappa Upsilon- the national dental honor society. In addition, Dr. Zelig has lectured to general dentists and specialists on periodontal treatment and dental implants. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology which recognizes periodontists who have made significant achievements beyond the educational requirements of the specialty. Board-certified periodontists have been examined by a panel of internationally respected peers and has been awarded Diplomate status. By successfully completing this challenge, Dr. Zelig has demonstrated a robust knowledge of periodontics, Continued professional development, Critical review of results of therapy, and interest in providing the best, most up-to-date care.

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