Though I am using electronic toothbrush, gum redness is present. Why?

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I went to the dentist before two months. He said that I had good teeth health and gum health. The only thing is for my front teeth on the top and bottom I developed a frayed appearance around the gumline. He said this was from too much gumline and toothbrush contact and that switching to an electric toothbrush would be my best. So, I did, however, change the way I was brushing. Less force, gentle and not as much on the gumline. I recently purchased an electric toothbrush almost a month ago and I do not feel like my problem has changed at all. They still have a frayed appearance and they make me feel self-conscious because I know how pink my gums used to be. When I look at them in the mirror they look red and a little puffy, but not really. It has been almost three months since that dental visit and I am not sure what else I can do to help my problem. If you have any suggestions, then please let me know. I was not told as gingivitis, just a mild irritation due to aggressive brushing. Have I done a permanent damage? It has been present for almost three months. I was taking Chateal birth control pill and stopped it a week before to see if this was a part of the issue. I have attached photos for your reference.

Answered by Dr. Naveen Thomas

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You have an excellent set of healthy teeth. By observing the pictures (attachment removed to protect patient identity), the gums do seem to have puffiness, but only of mild nature.

The brush whether electric or not does not matter, just do not touch the gums and stick to the teeth while brushing.

Puffiness of gums seems to be the result of taking the birth control pills as they are hormones, which alter the physiology of the body and have an effect on the whole body. It will not go away just by a week of stopping those pills but will have to be stopped for a long time to regain the health of gums.

I suggest you use warm salt water gargle three times a day for two weeks. It will give some relief, but it is hard to remove it completely unless you stop the medication for at least two months.