Gingivitis with baking soda?
Added: June 16, 2006 - 5:51 PM
By: Patient Email Withheld, Fremont, CA
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Case Summary
Exam & Consultation
Teeth:
Last Full Mouth X-Ray: 2 months ago
Last Cleaning: 2 months ago
Case Description
My dentist told me I have a slight gingivitis problem in my gums, but it isn't bad enough to need deep cleaning (till my next visit). She said all I need is a rinse of baking soda and warm water.
Will this really help cure the problem? My gum has been hurting and sore under one tooth for a while now, are there any other medications for gingivitis?
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Reply: Gingivitis with baking soda?
added: June 16, 2006 - 9:07 PM
Dear Patient,Gingivitis is very common, and does not normally hurt, unless it has been a long time since your last dental cleaning, at which case getting a good dental cleaning done alleviates the pain (takes about 2 wks, with daily flossing). I would look further into the cause of the pain, for example, the bite, occlusal trauma, unintentional clenching ( for example if done while sitting in front of the computer for a while), or a canker sore, or maybe just a tiny piece of hard food got stuck under the gum ( e.g. popcorn kernel)Rinsing with baking soda is for disinfection, you can also apply tea tree oil, or rinse with warm salt/ water. you can apply oil of cloves for pain relief. But it needs to be looked at further and determine a more specific cause for such a specific area.Hope all goes well.
Reply: Gingivitis with baking soda?
added: June 16, 2006 - 9:30 PM
Baking soda and water is a palliative treatment. In my experience the most effective treatment for gingivitis is regular cleanings at the dentist and using floss, brush and a water pik at home. Use a capful of Closys 2 rinse or Therabreath rinse in the water pik. Closys 2 is available at Walgreens and Therabreath is available at Albertsons.
Reply: Gingivitis with baking soda?
added: June 17, 2006 - 12:16 AM
If the diagnosis is gingivitis, then bushing, flossing and a rinse such as Crest Pro-Health might be helpful. I would, however, be concerned about the tooth that has been hurting under the gum. Generally, gingivitis will have signs of bleeding and red gums, but will not usually hurt. I would be looking for another possible problem going on with that tooth. More tests on that tooth to rule out possible infection along with examination of an xray, if not already done, would be a good idea.I hope this helps. Good luck.
Reply: Gingivitis with baking soda?
added: June 17, 2006 - 5:05 PM
Dear patient,I do not know where your dentist or others who replied to you on this forum got their information, but baking soda and warm water rinsing will do NOTHING to help with gingivitis.I am a periodontist, and gum disease is the definition of my specialty. What really works for gingivitis is good home care using electirc rather tham manual toothbrush (Sonicare or Oral B Sonic Complete will do fine), flossing twice daily, and possibly using a proxy-brush to clean in-between the teeth if it fits into the space at leas half way through. in addition, I recommmend to shorten your interval between professional cleanings to one every 3-4 months. No rinse penetrates deeper than 1 mm below the gums, and there are no medications for gingivitis, other than good mechanical cleaning as I described above. If you have a toothace, I bet it is not related to gingivitis, but is caused by something else. Have you told your dentist about it? Did anyone evaluate it, take any x-rays if needed? You need to address the toothache as soon as possible.Sincerely,Dr. B.Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology
Reply: Gingivitis with baking soda?
added: June 18, 2006 - 6:48 PM
Hello ! Without looking at your gums, it would not be right to judge your dentist's opinion.If gums are hurting and too sore, you could be given some medication for some temporary relief till you get deep cleaning done. There could be some infection and antibiotic could be needed too. But we can not advise for sure without examining your teeth and gums.It is OK to go for second opinion and insurance co.s allow that. If you want to schedule an appt. please call our office at 510-79-Smile. ( 797-6453 ). We are open Tues-Sat.You can also go to our website http://www.serenedental.com to learn more about us.Thank you,Dr. Sapana
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