My gums have been bleeding almost every time I brush my teeth for the past 2 years. I also feel that my sliva taste has changed into soming very salty. Is this normal? What should I do about it?Separately, do you recommend professional teeth whitening by Dentists? If yes, which type?
Optional Information: Person's Gender: Male Person's Age: 49 Already Tried: Nothing. I just use normal toothpaste (Crest or Signal)
Hi,Thanks for using ' Just Answer ' and i would be glad to assist you.I am sorry to hear regarding the trouble.Be advised that as i do not have to examine your condition over the internet, i would not be able to provide any legitimate 2nd opinion, however would be able to provide the details on the question you have posted.One of the earliest symptoms of gum disease or gum inflammation is bleeding. Gingival bleeding varies in severity, duration and ease with which it is provoked. The bleeding appears earlier than a change in color or other signs of gingival disease.In case of chronic inflammation, bleeding is recurrent and is usually provoked by mechanical trauma's, for example - tooth brushing or food impaction or by biting into solid food such as apple. The site that bleed have a greater area of inflamed connective tissue.In cases of advance or moderate periodontitis, presence of bleeding is a sign of active tissue destruction.Spontaneous bleeding or after irritation which is excessive and difficult to control is a matter of serious concern as it could be attributed to vascular abnormalities, coagulation defects, platelets disorder, administration of excessive amount of drugs such salicylates, anti coagulants and many more.Moreover, salty taste could be due to many reasons viz medications or an illness,oral infections like gingivitis or periodontitis,lack o hydration and many other factors. A proper oral examination would be required to arrive at any conclusion.I would suggest you to visit a dentist at the earliest as it may be a prodomal sign of future gingival disease.Though deep cleaning ( scaling and root planing ) is the best recommended solution for gum disease, however there are certain home care techniques that you could use as an adjunct and would be helpful in controlling the disease.You need to invest in an electric toothbrush and waterpik.Sonicare flexcare electric toothbrush is one of the top line brushes in the market.You could also like you to use Listerine twice daily or even crest pro health mouthrinse.Keep good oral hygiene and continue flossing twice daily.You could use hydrogen peroxide which is helpful in controlling this disease. You could rinse with 3% hydrogen peroxide diluted with 50% water in a small cap. Be advised that higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide would increase the risk of chemical burn and could cause changes in enamel as well.If you follow all these above recommendations along with deep cleaning, you would see vast improvement in your condition.Avoid smoking as it interferes with the circulation of blood in the gingiva making it more susceptible to gingival diseases.******************************************************************
When it comes to whiten your teeth, you have few choices.The first thing i usually recommend my patient is crest white strips. Those are really less expensive, and if used properly would show good results.
The next step would be custom bleaching tray.The most effective way to whiten the teeth would be with the custom bleaching trays made by your dental office.You could wear the tray anywhere between 1 - 2 hours a day, everyday, for upwards of 21 days.If you are a regular coffee and /or wine, the best option is brightsmile or zoom in-office whitening methods.
One other effective solution which is mentioned by one of the dental experts here is to use 3% hydrogen peroxide, dilute it in 50% water and you could use it twice daily. I have tried this option on a couple of my patients and it brings good result. Peroxide is the same ingredient which is used in professional whitening gels.
The effects of these could vary from person to person.
Experience: B.D.S with 4 years of experience