[Koala77]

Hi Bryanna, could I get some advice please?

A close friend has multiple caries and terrible gum disease.

I know her gums bleed when brushing because I've seen it, but I also know there've been a few occassions of spontaneous bleeding from her gums....and not always after meals.

I have spoken to her about seeing a dentist but she hasn't any money so can't afford to go. Dental therapy is rather expensive here and she's on a disability pension, so money is always in short supply.

People on disability have access to free dental care, but there's a waiting list.... and it's years long for routine care. Even severe toothache is treated on a first come basis.

Lately she's been complaining of a terrible taste in her mouth 24/7 and I can only think it's because of bacteria in the hidden caries.

My question is apart from brushing, flossing and mouth washes, what can she do to help herself?

She said she'd probably be better off getting all her teeth removed and waiting in line for dentures. I feel sorry for her as I know how hard it is to find money for things like this because I'm in the same boat. At least I have insurance that covers dental care, but she doesn't.

What do you suggest please? I just don't know what to say to her.

[mrsD]

Hey, Koala...

Please PM me with a drug list your friend uses. (if any).

[Bryanna]

Hi Koala,

You are a good friend to be so concerned

Moderate to severe gum disease in of itself can cause the gums to bleed spontaneously with just the slightest pressure against them, even from the tongue. This is from the accumulation of plaque which causes irritation, inflammation and deep pocketing. The bleeding is the body's way of trying to cleanse or remove the bacteria. However, it is never healthy when gums bleed for no apparent reason. The bad taste she has may be due to the abundant amount of bacteria and pus under the gums. Cavities which are infections in teeth will also cause a bad taste 24/7.

There are several issues that can cause spontaneous bleeding of the gums and or contribute to gum disease. For example some medications such as dilantin and other anti seizure meds.... some blood pressure meds..... the birth control pill....anti-depressants..... antihistamines just to name a few. Any medication that causes a decrease in the flow of saliva will cause cavities to form and contribute to inflammation of the gum tissue because our mouths are meant to be moist 24 hours a day. The constant flow of saliva helps to bathe or cleanse the debris from the teeth in between brushing.

Some health issues that can cause spontaneous bleeding from the gums have to do with blood clotting problems sometimes associated with an enlarged or diseased spleen and/or thrombocytic disorders....... even teh common cardiovascular disease can cause the bleeding.

Frequently, when a person has (uncontrolled) moderate to severe gum disease there are other underlying health factors associated with it. It is not just dental in origin, it is systemic too. If that is the case with your friend, then she not only needs to address her dental issues but her overall health as well.

With all that said........I can recommend some suggestions for her to try dentally but they may be in vein because the number one issue is to find out the extent of the problem and treat the causes, not just the symptoms. IF she does have a clotting problem, she may start to bleed from her gums one day and not be able to stop.

For people who do not have a clotting problem but their meds are contributing to developing cavities and gum disease, there are some things they can do at home.........

1)Brush thoroughly twice a day with a very soft toothbrush (buy a new one every 3 months). Use a non abraisive toothpaste like Tom's of Maine for example OR just warm water with a little bit of baking soda sprinkled on the toothbrush does the job very well.

2)Floss gently once a day, preferably at night before bedtime.

3)NEVER rinse with any mouthwash that contains alcohol. This eliminates Listerine products completely!! Alcohol is a drying agent and will cause a decrease in the flow of saliva and it is also irritating to the gum tissue. Studies have been released from Europe linking alcohol containing mouthwash to oral cancer even in people who have never smoked! That's how damaging alcohol is to the oral tissue.

4)DO rinse with xylitol. This is a healthy sugar derived from either corn or a particular tree and it is not only good for our teeth and gums but for our overall well being as well. It does not cause cavities it prevents them! Xylitol can be purchased online or bought in supermarkets and some drug stores. At vitacost.com you can buy Xylo-sweet in packets which makes it very easy to use. They also sell Xylitol gum and peppermints by a company called Spry. These are excellent products for people who have diminished salivary flow.

Bleeding gums are never a good sign but in people who do not have a clotting disorder, the bleeding should not deter them from brushing or flossing. It is imperative to remove the plaque with proper oral hygiene because it will help toughen up the gums and the bleeding and inflammation will calm down. That is not to say that they should skip seeing the dentist but the best thing anyone can do for their dental health is brush and floss thoroughly every day.

Isn't there anyway your friend can get medical and dental care even though she is on disability??

Bryanna

Originally Posted by Koala77

Hi Bryanna, could I get some advice please?

A close friend has multiple caries and terrible gum disease.

I know her gums bleed when brushing because I've seen it, but I also know there've been a few occassions of spontaneous bleeding from her gums....and not always after meals.

I have spoken to her about seeing a dentist but she hasn't any money so can't afford to go. Dental therapy is rather expensive here and she's on a disability pension, so money is always in short supply.

People on disability have access to free dental care, but there's a waiting list.... and it's years long for routine care. Even severe toothache is treated on a first come basis.

Lately she's been complaining of a terrible taste in her mouth 24/7 and I can only think it's because of bacteria in the hidden caries.

My question is apart from brushing, flossing and mouth washes, what can she do to help herself?

She said she'd probably be better off getting all her teeth removed and waiting in line for dentures. I feel sorry for her as I know how hard it is to find money for things like this because I'm in the same boat. At least I have insurance that covers dental care, but she doesn't.

What do you suggest please? I just don't know what to say to her.

[Koala77]

Thank you both. I'll get back to you.