Hi there,

I have many crowns/veneers etc on my upper teeth, while my bottom are all my own. I have recently been referred to a specialist restorative dentist who is treating me for slight gingivitis. She has told me that using a soft brush is useless and that I should be using a medium bristled brush. She showed me how to brush (angling the brush and brushing on the actual gums massaging them), but it was really painful. I have been doing this for a while but when I went back to her to have a scale and polish, my gums still bled and she almost berated me for still not brushing hard enough. I have been flossing them as well everyday for like 4 years. I feel like I cannot clean them anymore.

Its been two more weeks since then and I am really trying my best to brush like she said, even though it is REALLY painful each time. Also I have noticed some parts of my bottom gums receding slightly with a red line on the gumline. They are not puffy but I feel like I am really damaging them. But I am doing it exactly like she said. Is it possible for gums to recede by brushing too hard? It is a catch 22 because she said brushing like this is really important to cure the gingivitis. Should I switch back to a soft toothbrush or will an electric toothbrush help? I don't want to keep asking my dentist because she doesn't seem to understand, and I don't want to see another dentist - I am sick and tired of it to be honest.

Thanks guys, any advice would be great

Forget the reg toothbrush - get the Sonicare

Im not kidding when I say I have horrible teeth. I have had so much work done, they know be name when I walk in. lol

My gums bled like crazy up unti I got the sonicare.

Sonicare

I have the Essence 5300, but I would suggest at least the Essence 7300. Something with Multiple speeds. SO you can start on the softer one then move up. The 5300 start soft for the first week but then automatically jumps to high speed and there is no turning back. SLOWLY move it along your teeth so the bristles spread and go below the gums. Pressing fairly hard. At first yeah, it not comfortable... but it gets better.

Its SO worth the money.

And FYI, Don't get a different brand. I have tried others. Sonicare is the ONLY one I have had noticeable results.
My last visit, my hygienist was SO Stunned at the improvement she forgot to polish my teeth! Lol.. I had to tell her.

lockie_86,

You are totally right about receding gums being caused from brushing too hard AND with a brush that is too hard. Use a soft toothbrush with the same technique you were shown... Angle the brush at 45degrees at the gumline, apply slight pressure toward the gum so the bristles can slide between the tooth and the gum (your tissues will look slightly blanched(white)), gently wiggle the bristles in place, don't move the brush just the bristles and then sweep the brush down or up the tooth away from the gum. Go over each tooth 3 or 4 times overlapping as you go. Finish your brushing routine with a good 30 second rinse with Crest ProHealth mouthrinse. Ideally you should brush with the Crest ProHealth toothpaste too. Make sure you are brushing twice a day for 2 minutes each time and remember to floss!

A power brush is much more gentle on the gums but they too have to be used properly.

There are only 2 power brushes worth the money, one is the Oral B Triumph (or any Oral B with a 2 minute timer built in) or the Sonicare. Both are designed to ensure that you are not doing any damage to the gums and will warn you if you are using too much pressure.

Recent research proves that the oscillating/pulsating movement of the Oral B brush is much more effective in plaque removal than any other power brush on the market.

I find my clients who use the Oral B remove more plaque than my clients who use the Sonicare but to each their own. Both brushes have a totally different technique to use.

I'd really suggest you go and check both of them out. Don't purchase either until you can hold them in your hand and turn them on. You really need to feel what they will feel like in your hand because if you don't like how the brush feels in your hand, you won't use it.

Thanks flossie and staticFX. I think I will definitely buy an electric toothbrush... the two you mentioned are very expensive but I hope they will be worth the money.

The slight gingivitis is actually only on the top teeth. She did tell me my bottom gums were fine. But it's the two caniney type teeth at the bottom (you know the ones that join the front and side teeth) that are really sensitive now from the hard brushing.

Flossie, can a softer brush still work and make the fibres in my gum strong? That's what the dentist said I needed to do.

Also flossie what kind of brush do you use? It would be nice to know what a professional uses! :)

lockie_86,

Yes, a soft brush can work to make the gums strong. If the roots are sensitive you can brush using Sensodyne. Also, make sure you are getting the recommended daily amount of calcium and if you are not living in a nice, warm, sunny climate Vitamin D. Lacking in these can increase tooth sensitivity.

I have used an Oral B power brush for over 15 yrs and have tried the Sonicare but couldn't stand the vibration in my hand or sound in my mouth.

Oral B has an introductory brush called "Vitality". Here in Canada they retail for under $30.00. They are rechargeable and have a 2 minute timer built in. It may be more affordable for you?

With the money and time you have already invested in your upper teeth a good power brush would be a smart investment.

Please feel free to private message me when you have purchased one and I'll explain how to use it for the best plaque removal.

Thanks flossie for the great advice. Really appreciate it!

Will let u know once I buy one!