36, gingivitis
For as long as I can remember, I had one tiny part of my gum swollen. I remember a hygienist telling me that it was because I brushed too hard, pointing out the traces of the brush bristles left behind…
Now 36, that little area is still swollen. It never improved. And now I have another area that’s also swollen.
I brush twice a day, with what I think is excellent technique. (45 degree, into gum line, rotate). And I was flossing every night until recently, when I increased it to twice a day after noticing this second area of swelling. It never bleeds. No sensitivity. But it’s swollen and darker pink…
With exception of covid times, I went to dentist twice per year my whole life, increasing it to 3 times per year after covid.
A previous hygienist told me I was going to lose my teeth and that I already have bone loss. The dentist told me that that’s not true— the “bone loss” on x-ray is due to previous orthodontics.
Either way, I’ve been so obsessed with my gums now. Gingivitis runs in my family.
I’m just wondering… is it a realistic goal to not have any gingivitis at my age, like none whatsoever?