gums?

hey, this isn't about eating or anything--but i'm having a problem with my gums and i don't know what it is.

the upper and lower gums around the two front teeth are swollen red, and  it looks as though the gums along the few teeth on either side of those four front ones are covered in dead, dry skin. does that make any sense? it looks almost as though the red, swollen parts have spread to the other parts of my gums, killing the skin or something. it might be hard to understand without an actual visual.. but hopefully you get the idea.

admittedly i don't really brush my teeth--sounds gross but people are always really surprised and tell me how good my teeth look, even before i tell them that i barely brush them. but my gums are really sore now and i'm worried.

does anybody know what the problem is? if so do you think that starting to brush regularly can reverse whatever may be going on?

thanks.

My guess without seeing a picture would be gingivitis.

You need to both brush AND floss regularly, and use an antiseptic mouthwash like Listerine.

Your dental hygene is THE most important aspect of your health, as you can't undo the damage once it is done.

Please PLEASE see a dentist, you don't want to neglect your teeth!

hm..

well the soreness just started yesterday, can it be reversed if i start taking proper care of my oral hygiene starting now?

i explained my concerns to my mom, but she blew it off completely. she won't take me to a dentist.

It depends on how bad it really is.  Brushing 2-3x per day, flossing at least once per day, and using a rinse may make a difference if you make it a daily habit -- however it sounds pretty bad...

If your mom won't take you to the dentist, then the least you can do is start brushing, flossing, and rinsing -- now

They are likely currently inflamed because of something you did to irritate them.

Buy some Listerine, and begin an oral health regimen.  Be careful not to aggravate it further (do not brush or floss too "hard", and don't overuse the mouth wash).  A salt water gargle may also help (but don't to this too much as well, as the dryness will also irritate it).

When is your next dental exam?  You should be going a minimum of twice per year.

i have listerine, so that's good. i've already brushed once today; after i'm done with this i'll go use some of that stuff.

i actually don't know about my next appointment. twice a year? whoa, my parents don't even take me ONCE a year. i don't think they've scheduled in an appointment for the last few years.

i do have a regular doctor's appointment coming up though, so i could talk to her.

A regular dental check up and tooth cleaning runs around $130 without insurance.  It's well worth it to do at least once a year.

I've always had sensitive gums, so I didn't floss.  You really can't get away with that for long, and teeth can often look fine on the outside while they are rotting away.  I floss now.  Sounds like classic gingivitis.  If you start taking really good care of your teeth now, you have a chance of reversing it.  Serious cases require more care from a dentist.  You have to see the dentist at least once a year.  Plaque buildup usually is worse on the back teeth because they are closest to the areas with the most saliva.  Get a softer toothbrush if you need to, but you have to brush all the way down onto the gums.  Gently, don't push hard and don't think scrubbing is the answer.  They make this floss for sensitive gums that is a little bit spongy rather than the standard tape.  That really helps mine.  Listerine isn't necessary, but it can be helpful, especially if your brushing habits aren't up to snuff.

If you can make yourself do something for 30 days straight, it's supposed to become a habit.

no matter how good your teeth look you should still be brushing them twice every day, it only takes two minutes and could have probably prevented the situation you are experiencing now. the health of your mouth affects the mouth your entire body so take care of it. if you can't go to the dentist definately bring it up to your doctor when you go