Bleeding sore gums

[Kleine Hexe]

My gums have been very sore and bleed for the past several weeks. I'm trying to figure out why. One reason I thought could cause it is that maybe I'm deficient in certain vitamins and/or minerals. What should I take vitamin wise to see if it helps?

[JBaxter]

Few random questions......Have you been brushing 2x and day and flossing?
When was the last time you had your teeth cleaned? Are you pregnant or experiencing hormonal issues?
If you arent taking vitamins I would start. Some extra C always helped me ( I had issues when I was pregnant).

[Kleine Hexe]

I brush 2x a day but I only get around to flossing about once a week. (I know bad bad) Last cleaning was 7 months ago. I had to postpone my next appt because of being sick and they had to reschedule me months ahead. I was supposed to go in Feb (and cancelled) and they can't get me back in until May.

I'm not pg although I always had bleeding gums during pg. I did have a mirena inserted a couple months ago. However, I've also been sick lately. I had a cough for about 4 or 5 weeks and then got a cold right after. So either it's related to hormones or to me being sick for some time.

[JBaxter]

Try this. Start flossing daily for at least the next 2 weeks. Start taking some extra vit C + a mulit vitamin. If you can stand it rinse a full 30sec after brushing and flossing with Listerine ( its nasty but works). Make your cleaning appt!!! See how they are after 2 weeks.
** are you taking any allergy medications or breathing through your mouth due to allergies. When I was working as a hygienist I did see more inflamation in peak allergy season.

[JaneS]

Flossing is key... also gargling with sodium ascorbate version of vitamin C helped me (it is a neutral ph, acidic ph of ascorbic acid can be harmful)

[Kleine Hexe]

Originally Posted by JaneS

sodium ascorbate version of vitamin C

There's a mouthful. I guess I can find that at a health food store?

I know where to find Listerine.

[JaneS]

actually it's hard to find, mostly online ... search for the "Sodium Ascorbate" thread that MT started for lots of info. I use Source Naturals brand which is not carried in my Whole Foods but they can order it for me.

[Kathryn]

My gums have always been sore and bled since I can remember. However, I just bought the Rotadent toothbrush off ebay and NO MORE!! I sound like a freaking infomercial. Seriously though, look into the the toothbrush. It's amazing. My teeth have gotten so white, my gums don't hurt anymore, they are swollen anymore, they don't bleed anymore, it doesn't hurt to brush, etc.. It's great.

[Kleine Hexe]

I've never heard of that toothbrush. Off to browse ebay....as if I need an excuse.

[JBaxter]

I like the sonic care better than the rotadent. ( ok so I have had ALL electric tooth brushes KNOWN TO MAN). I like the "sonic" motion better than the spinning one. We sold OralB, SonicCare and the rotadent in the office I worked at last.

[Kathryn]

See, I didn't like the Sonic one because the bristles were just simply too rough for my tender gums. The rotadent almost tickles cause it's so soft.

[JBaxter]

We used the rotadent in conjunction with perio therapy ( root scaling). It is great for deeper pockets and especially people who have just had perio surgery. The tapered brush works AWSOME for kids with braces. I collect some stain from tea/coffee and the sonic care is great for that too.