[Miracle1986]

I think I have gum disease. Most likely due to, well not brushing my teeth like I know I should, because when I get really really depressed,
I can go weeks without brushing (or longer), because well I just get in a "f--- it... I don't care" state of mind. It's disgusting, I know. Sorry.

But now, My gums are all red and puffy and bleeding when I attepmt to and barely brush a toothbrush over them. And they hurt like hell.

Does anyone know how I can help my gums stop bleeding?

[Beholden]

Brief answer- floss and brush, and see your dentist. I don't mean to scare you, but gum disease can cause you to lose your teeth. You could also have badly infected gums.

It can be "fixed" if you start to take care of them. It would be a terrible thing to lose your teeth. It is part of your self caring and recovery to take responsibility.

If you want the bleeding to stop, then you need to push yourself to doing something about it. Sorry if this seems harsh, but your teeth aren't going to take care of themselves.

go to the store and at least get some mouthwash and start with that...it will begin to knock down some of the problem...maybe try mixing together some baking soda and peroxide and if nothing else use your finger to smooth it over your teeth and gums twice a day.

trust me...as someone who has lost a few teeth due to dental phobia and poor dental care you don't want to go there.

[Capp]

Originally Posted by Manda86

I think I have gum disease. Most likely due to, well not brushing my teeth like I know I should, because when I get really really depressed,
I can go weeks without brushing (or longer), because well I just get in a "f--- it... I don't care" state of mind. It's disgusting, I know. Sorry.

But now, My gums are all red and puffy and bleeding when I attepmt to and barely brush a toothbrush over them. And they hurt like hell.
Does anyone know how I can help my gums stop bleeding?

Manda,
The reasons for the gum problems can be addressed later.

Please call your dentist asap. This is nothing to put on hold.
Speaking from my own experience, and in no way do I imply this is true of you, but I had the same symptoms and it was an infection...two weeks of antibiotics cleared it up.
Inflammation and infection in your gums can allow bacteria to travel into other parts of your body.

After my infection was gone, I had a deep cleaning down. It rid my mouth of the plaque, but also the bits of decomposing food trapped in the pockets around the teeth.
I was surprised at how much better I felt in general...

I'm truly not trying to scare you, but I would be remiss if I didn't share what happened to me.

Listerine is also helpful, but at this point warm saltwater may help draw out more debris in your mouth.
1 teaspoon to 8 oz of water...

If you don't have a dentist, please contact your physician and see if he will prescribe antibiotics until you find a dentist.

Best wishes,
Cap

[Beholden]

Here is a link that may help you also. I have gum disease so I know what I'm trying to help you with. It hurts, but it isn't just a gum problem, it is an all over health issue if left untreated. Please take care and let us know how you are doing - I don't know where you live but there may be a clinical trial or a dental school that you can check with if you don't have funding.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4842378_incr...tion-gums.html

[lynn P.]

Hi Manda,
my daughter's name is Amanda and the smaller kids at school call her Manda. I agree with the last post, that they now know that gum desease affects overall health. I read that it can cause premature delivery/ heart desease/and some cancers, else where in the body - surprising isn't it. Make it a daily habit to brush and floss -I know flossing isn't fun, but you have to get the food from in between the teeth. You should also go to the dentist. Even if they're bleeding you still need to floss. You don't want to deal with dentures. Take care and keep smiling

[Monty_girl]

Hey Manda

I have problems with Gingivitis, it makes your gums really red and swollen. And your gums will bleed just by the slightest brushing. My gums hurt and bleed so bad it makes me just not want to brush. Ya need to see your dentist. I get a prescription mouth rinse that I think has an antibiotic in it. It taste really bad !! But it does work. It gets the reddness and swelling down and then it will stop bleeding. When it doesn't hurt you don't mind brushing again. I hope this helped ya.

http://www.perio.org/consumer/gingivitis.htm