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We know how daunting dental treatment can be. Our Dental Phobia certified experts are here to help ease your mind before treatment by answering your questions.

I’ve neglected my oral hygiene and now I think I have gum disease. What can I do?

i cannot stand going to the dentist but i think i may have gum disease, my gums are reddened and bleed when I catch them with a toothbrush. I have been away a lot over summer- a lot not going anywhere imp articular just various places around England for like a week/two weeks a time, pretty much every time the only thing I forget is my toothbrush! as a result id say there’s a good few weeks- potentially months where my teeth were not brushed, I was first wondering if that’s even enough time to contract gum disease? that brings me to my second question, if I could possibly have contracted it how do I get rid of it without going to the dentist I cannot stand them, I once bit the dentist finger! could I get prescription tablets or whatever? thank you very much

well your fantasy is that your teeth will remain healthy without having to clean them regularly, and then you can get a pill to put it right !!!!
The very first thing you need to do is to make an effort and use your tooth brush , if you are away then buy another one , there is no excuse here !
The build up ,gum diseaseof plaque which is full of bacteria will inflame the gums and make them bleed .gum disease isn’t something you contract .
After that
You will probably have hard tartare baked onto the teeth and under the gum line which only a dental professional can remove and diagnose .
lots of stuff left behind smells pretty unpleasant and can make people not nice o be near .
I really empathise with your fear of the dentist , but
you really do have to help yourself , and improving your home care is a first step .After that pluck up courage to see a dentist at least for a consultation to find out whats going on ,that doesn’t commit you to anything .

Answer provided by: Dr Jennifer Pinder Retired
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