dentist probably going to rip me off

[crinkles]

i've been to the dentist once in 10 - 15 years (can't remember). My genes help with good teeth, and my mom forced me to have my teeth sealed as soon as my permanent teeth came through. never had a cavity in my adult teeth.

 

[tgferg67]

I would floss daily - and the correct way, and see what the depths due in 6 months or a year. You may also want to have the hygentist give you the sheet with the depths and note which ones bleed when probed. You can then get a syringe/needle and inject a hydrogen peroxide and saline solution into the problem pockets. I have had success not needing the scaling using the method similar to
http://www.albrite.com/

 

[The_Jeff]

Yeah I've been flossing since this went down and the bleeding pretty much stopped. Who knew? Also using some high-test listerine.

 

[Kiwi_ME]

Having spend around 20 grand getting my own gums sorted out over several years by a top-notch periodontist in San Diego, I'll give you my $.02. I think your dentist has your best interests in mind. You need to nip this problem in the bud before it becomes a much bigger problem and your dentist has to refer you to a specialist. 4mm pockets are not the end of the world but the bone is not going to grow back quickly and anything you can do to help is worth it. The next steps are cutting the gums down and grafting on tissue to the sides to provide support.

I would suggest avoiding the mouth wash as I've been told several times it slows down the healing. Brushing, flossing and gum massage should be all you need to do. I also use a water pic device but I've never been able to get a dentist or periodontist to comment on it's effectiveness - but I think it helps. I would also avoid colas and any soft drinks if possible - stick to water and beer.