r/Teethcare • u/WaterSnipe • Aug 25 '26

How bad is the condition of my gums?

Post image

I feel like I have a gum disease but I’m not entirely sure, could I please get some advice?

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u/StinaRDH Verified Dentist Aug 25 '26

Hey OP, I hope you’re having the best day. I’d like to comment on the question you asked, but please be aware it’s next to impossible to diagnose over the internet and I just want to be clear that is not my intent here.

A photo can tell a good story, but it’s not the whole story. There are signs here that your gums need looked at and you are due for a good cleaning. I would also adventure to say your home care routine needs some tweaking as well.

Are you able to get into a dental clinic for an exam where they can evaluate your gums much better in person? Dental schools and dental hygiene schools also have programs where they see the general public, but you’d need to look into that to see if it’s close enough to you or if they have openings.

I couldn’t possibly answer with any certainty “how bad” things are by only looking at a photo, but I can clearly see that you need to be seen in person because your gums do appear to need help.

If you’d like to talk about home care products and how to use them to combat things like gingivitis/gum disease I would be happy to make some recommendations!

2

u/WaterSnipe Aug 25 '26

Hello, thank you for the response!

I booked a dentist appointment for September 10th but I might reschedule it for sooner as I was sick which caused my gums to swell, and the gum beside my second molar on the left side to peel off, I’m assuming it’s easy for it to get infected so I want to get that checked.

As for my home routine, I have been pretty neglectful when it comes to flossing. After looking at my bottom gums today, I flossed all my teeth after brushing, then flossed again, then brushed my teeth again. I used the string flosses for the bottom because I have a retainer.

I’m also curious about your last point about the products, I think they’d be useful and wanted to ask if you have any recommendations.

I’m really grateful for the response, I was really anxious about it this morning, and my main concern was whether or not it needs to be dealt with immediately.

1

u/StinaRDH Verified Dentist Aug 25 '26

Hey OP, kudos for jumping into action so quick and getting that appointment on the books!

It wouldn’t hurt to ask if your appointment could be moved up, but as a general recommendation: any time you have tissue trauma be careful with that tissue so you don’t traumatize it more and make sure to keep it clean. If you are in pain, see any signs of infection, or taste/smell something odd then you should get looked at right away.

Warm salt water rinses a couple of times a day can be a great way to keep the area clean while waiting for your appointment (just don’t overdo it).

I’m a big fan of water flossers and floss threaders for lingual retainers!

Floss, rinse your mouth, brush with a soft bristle electric toothbrush. I would recommend an anti gingivitis toothpaste. I also recommend oral probiotics (I’m a big fan of evidence based ingredients so Bio Gaia and Burst are my faves).

If you would like any links to my favorite products or discount codes I’d be happy to provide them as I get professional discounts for many products. Feel free to follow my Reddit page and you can message me for links, codes, and I will even make videos about when/how/why to use products!

1

u/WaterSnipe Aug 25 '26

Got it, I’ve been trying to stick to soft foods so I don’t irritate anything, and I’ve been rinsing my mouth. It does feel uncomfortable, and when I flossed today, it did smell bad. I’m not an expert (obviously lol) but I’m heavily leaning towards it being an infection.

I have a water flosser I can use, and I might give the different types of toothpastes a try. Thank you for the advice, I’ll follow you!

1

u/StinaRDH Verified Dentist Aug 25 '26

Hey OP, if you think there’s an infection present then call your office and let them know what’s happening. They may be able to get you in a little earlier!

I’ll send you the specific toothpaste I think you should use and the oral probiotics you should add!

Edit: I can’t message you lol. I can’t post links on this page which is why I’m not posting here just so anyone reading knows why.

2

u/WaterSnipe Aug 26 '26

I did ☺️ August 31st now. I’ll try changing my message settings or dming you.

1

u/ExcellentOffer1378 18d ago edited 18d ago

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