Why Are My Gums Tender?

I’ve just completed your survey.  I’ve never used a water pik or anything like the Hydro Floss Oral Irrigator. I’ve recently scored a 5 on three teeth. I’ve never had bleeding of my gum. Regardless, a periodontist recommended that I should come in for a scaling. I am 67 years old, and yes, I have some receding of my gums only around my four bottom teeth. I do not plan on having the scaling done. However, I plan to continue to use the Hydro Floss Oral Irrigator for the next 6 months when I go in for my cleaning. I have a question. Is it normal or common for my gums to feel a bit sore after using the Hydro Floss Oral Irrigator? I use the #1 setting. 

I would appreciate your comments and thank you for your time and efforts regarding the answering of my question. 

No, it is not normal to have that feeling.  Healthy tissue does not feel tender when using the hydrofloss oral irrigator. 

Tenderness and soreness is most likely a sign of unhealthy gum tissue.  

If you want to give yourself the best chance to get your gums healthy again,  be sure to use 4 full reservoirs per day.    Use 2 in the morning and 2 before you go to bed. 

On the number one setting, it is going to take some time.  However, you will likely find that after some time goes by, the gums will no longer be tender.   Then, you will be able to turn the dial up further.  But don't go further until you are no longer tender.  

The loss of that tender feelling shows that the tissue is getting less inflamed and moving towards a healthier state.  

 Eventually, you will get up to using the number 9 setting.   Then you will be able to do those two reservoirs in the morning in under 5 minutes and the two in the evening in under 5 minutes.  

 You want to see those pockets shrink to 3mm or less.    After that, your dentist or periodontist will probably no longer suggest the scaling or deep cleaning treatment.   

Then you just need to maintain by continuing to do the 4 reservoirs per day. 

Does it work for everyone?  No.  But it works for most people that I have talked to and I don't see any special reason why it wouldn't work for you. 

 You can read more about the HydroFloss here.  

Of course, always be under the care of a dental professional - plus they can measure those pockets for you and you will know if you made it to the 3mm or less stage or not.  

you can call me if you have more questions