Bleeding gums

[Mary C]

Anyway having trouble with gums bleeding?.I take supplements only via peg and orally take water, tonic water.
Struggle to brush teeth as it makes me gag but do try twice a day.Noticed bleeding on gum line.Due dentist in February as I go every 6 months.Wondered if to do with MND or not?
Trouble Is I blame MND for everything..
Mary

[Ellie]

Mary C If you had your gums checked and teeth cleaned5-6 months ago, chances are it's not caused by plaque build up, but it's good that you're going to the dentist soon to rule some culprits in or out.

Could you be brushing too hard, or maybe the toothbrush is slipping off your teeth onto the gums - can you see little ulcers? It can be a sign of vitamin deficiency too.

If you're worried, you could bring forward the appointment with the dentist. xx

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[Mary C]

Thanks Ellie, thanks for advice.
Do you find it difficult accessing your dentists surgery.I can get in using the wheelchair but no longer can transfer on to recliner coach he uses.
Could I get vitamin deficiency by using fortisips only via the RIG.I drink water and squash etc orally?
I will wait for dental appointment as had to change the last one as had another appointment.
Best wishes
Mary x

[Ellie]

Do you find it difficult accessing your dentists surgery.I can get in using the wheelchair but no longer can transfer on to recliner coach he uses.

Pre Covid, my dentist did home visits but now I go to the surgery, which is accessible, and my husband transfers me on to the exam chair using a transfer turntable, then there might be a 'hoosh' required to slide me up the chair.

How does the dentist examine your teeth - does your manual wheelchair recline?

Could I get vitamin deficiency by using fortisips only via the RIG.

I guess it depends on how many you take and how your body metabolises vitamins - only a blood test will tell you. I take extra Vitamin B12, C and D3, that's not saying you should too xx

[Heather R]

Do people use those mouthwash liquids to help keep their mouths healthy? I have never tried one, but teeth and gums don’t seem to be doing that well

[Ellie]

Do people use those mouthwash liquids to help keep their mouths healthy?

I do Heather, but I've to be careful which one I use or I have a mega coughing fit. I avoid ones with alcohol and the very minty ones - their fumes make me inhale them in a shock reflex action 🙄

I sometimes use mouthwash for kids, find it more gentle, though I don't know how much benefit I get from using any mouthwash as I can't swish, half of it dribbles out as my lips don't seal, which is no harm as I can't spit anyway 😏

Can you chew gum safely? I find it helpful to keep my mouth fresh, I chew a piece for about 10mins during the day. xx

[Heather R]

Ellie Thanks Ellie, chewing gum sounds helpful but I always imagined these contained sugar and were bad for your teeth.x

[keno]

My problem is getting a toothbrush into my mouth as my arms and hands don't work well

[Ellie]

chewing gum sounds helpful but I always imagined these contained sugar and were bad for your teeth.

Choose sugar free gums - I use the Wrigley's Extra because they're small. xx

[Bowler]

I don’t know if this will help. We used it successfully. It’s none foaming and you don’t rinse off

[Mary C]

Thanks Bowler..that’s the toothpaste my dentist recommended and I have been using it on my electric toothbrush.
Ellie…I was able to transfer but can’t now.My daughter uses same dentist so will ask him for advise.I use the manual wheelchair and no it doesn’t tilt.It’s a small surgery too.
I can do without teeth dropping out🙁
Best wishes
Mary x

[Heather R]

Thanks Ellie and Bowler x

[Ellie]

My daughter uses same dentist so will ask him for advise.I use the manual wheelchair and no it doesn’t tilt.It’s a small surgery too.

If the armrest of the dentist's chair went up and your wheelchair, with armrest up, were alongside, do you think Steve could slide you across if somebody swung your legs? Maybe using a slide sheet?

The good thing about dentist chairs is they tend to be height adjustable and made of slippery material.

Definitely get advice from the surgery in advance so you're not too stressed when you go. xx

[Ellie]

My problem is getting a toothbrush into my mouth as my arms and hands don't work well

Ken, have you had an assessment for Social Care? xx

[keno]

Ken, have you had an assessment for Social Care? xx

No i don't want anyone coming in