Is it possible to strengthen gums?

This is for the Resident Dentist.

I have not been much of a flosser; maybe two, three times a week.

This has not been enough. Recently, I have started using those "gum" brushes that go between your teeth. My guns bleed occasionally, and I wish to strengthen them.

Is this possible? If so, how do I do this possible thing?

Repeat this question in the Red Room.

I think that if they're otherwise healthy your gums will get used to flossing, and so they won't bleed when you floss regularly. Unless you're really bashing them up with that gum brush.

Brushing, flossing, and mouthwash all help keep your gums strong. Not smoking also helps. And visit your dentist/hygienist for a cleaning every six months.

If you don't like flossing you can try those floss threaders which make the job much easier. I don't use 'em... I like the waxy floss that doesn't shred easily.

Just floss everyday and it will become a habit you don't even think about. If you're new to flossing or even brushing, you're gums will bleed. That's a sign that bacteria have already invaded the tissue and are causing inflammation. Keep those areas clean every day and the bleeding will usually stop.

Another thing to keep in mind when brushing: angle your brush towards the gumline... that's where most of the plaque tends to build-up and brush it off using a circular pattern. The SonicCare brushes are nice but there really not necessary if you keep at it with a regular ol' brush and paste. It's recommended that you brush after every meal but that might not be realistic. At least try to brush before you go to bed and when you wake up. Plaque builds up faster while you're sleeping because of the reduced salivary flow.

It's interesting you bring this up because I saw a patient today who had disgusting plaque build-up everywhere and teeth that were all blown out. She swore to me that she brushes twice a day but I had trouble believing her.

Obviously you're gonna have trouble brushing during the day, but I saw at Walgreens these little mini-brushes that had a bead of what's suppose to pass for toothpaste in the middle. They're a little stiff and the bead is hard to get to dissolve but it'd still be better than nothing. What say the board dentist? I think Colgate makes the little brushes.

Edit: Here's a link to take a look at them.
http://www.colgatewisp.com/wisp/HomePage?cid=ppc_gg_nb_stan_G_Misspelling_Exact_colgate whisp

Those wisp things just look a bit silly, especially when you can just get a traveltoothbrush and one of those mini travel toothpastes for less.

One thing that I always see at reststops on the motorway are Fuzzy Brushes, do you know if they're any good?
http://www.fuzzybrush.com/

Well, I've gotten concerned about it because my dad is getting close to 60, and he's having some problems with Periodontal disease. I want to avoid that.

It's interesting that you mention the Sonicare brush - they told him to use that. He's also on a prescription mouth wash.

• Do you think a sonicare brush would be worth the cost to me?
• I use Crest Pro Health mouth wash. Is there anything that I could use that would be more beneficial to me?
• Like I said, I'm cleaning out my gums as best I can every day with the "Gum" Brushes (link). Do I need to floss even if I use those?

Thanks for sharing, Herr Dentist!

I've never tried those gum brushes, but I swear by those sonic care brushes. I don't have an expensive one. Just a $15 one that I've used for a year or two. The heads are replaceable. I will never go back to a regular toothbrush, and I even bring the electric toothbrush with me on trips.

My wrists already get enough action, so why would I waste more when using a toothbrush?

As for flossing, yeah, if you do it enough, your gums will not bleed.