My Mom had gum disease. My dentist says I have it. What can I do?

I have had my current dentist for about 12 months. After a thorough 1st examination he found a few level 4 and perhaps 5 gum pockets. Now he has a NEW hygienist and she found 6's and a 7 in a gum pocket that was 'scaled' about 15 months ago by a previous dentist. My flossing habits have improved & my meds haven't changed. I feel I am being taken. This dentist office is only about 15 months old and my area of town is building out like crazy. The dentist office is 1.5 mi. away. Do I need to find another more established dentist who is not counting on me paying for his/her practice. How much bearing does my Mom's previous periodontal problems have w/ my current dental health. I have also reached out to my previous dentist of 20+ years for his help since I moved out of his state 4 yrs ago. I am about ready to have all teeth yanked out or pack up my full mouth x-rays and hit the road. Thanks!

First, you could get a second opinion which would cost you some money, but could confirm or refute what your current dentist/hygienist has said. That being said, if you are having a problem with gingivitis and periodontal disease then you should be having a cleaning every 3 months. The bacteria in your pockets cannot be cleaned out by you completely. You can only reach about 3mm deep on your own, so for that reason you might be getting deeper pockets (more inflammation of the gums) as a result. Your new hygienist may also probe a bit more aggressively than the other. My suggestion is to try to retain your natural teeth since they are so much better than dentures. Dentures are not care free or cost free either. I have many patients that have pocketing that continue to keep their teeth for many many years. Good luck

JAMRDH - a dental hygienist

I notice you didn't mention mouthwash. Try it.

You & I are in the SAME "boat". I have bad teeth too- & my Dentists have all KINDS of "plans" to lift THOUSANDS of Dollars from my wallet- in order to "repair" my mouth. :( MY PLAN is- to sceduale my Dental visits for ONCE a MONTH (to spread out the expense AND pain)- until either my mouth FINALLY gets done- or I die of old age (the latter seems MORE probable). Whatever you decide to do- good luck. Believe me- I really DO- "Feel Your Pain..." Good luck. :)

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