Bleeding Gums and Swollen Gums are a Sign that You Need Professional Help Right Away
Some people don’t like going to the dentist. For others, it’s just a routine that’s part of your oral health and maintenance. Regardless of which category you fall into, if you begin to notice receding gums, they are swollen and bleed either when you brush, floss or you aren’t doing anything, it’s a sign you need to see a qualified dental practitioner right away.
Plaque and tartar build up slowly, and millions don’t know it’s forming at and below the gum line. This leads to gingivitis, and even periodontal disease. If your teeth begin to look longer, it means your gums are receding due to either the beginning of these oral disease or advanced stages of oral deterioration.
There have been many studies that periodontitis can cause bacteria to go to your heart valves and cause heart disease. For more advanced stages, and before periodontal disease treatment, antibiotics are given to patients to ensure the bacteria does not affect the heart valves.
What to Do if You Have Bleeding and Swollen Gums that are Receding
Don’t wait. If you had a medical emergency, would you put it off? Hopefully your answer is no. That’s the same answer you should reply to when it comes to your oral health and these specific symptoms.
Periodontal Disease Statistics in the United States
47.2% of American adults are suffering from gum disease and don’t even know it
30% of the US Population has Moderate Periodontitis
8.5% Have Severe Periodontitis
8.7% Have Mild Periodontitis
64.7 Million American Adults (30 Years and Older) have Gum Disease
Given these staggering statistics, it only makes sense to see a qualified dentist and registered dental hygienist. Dr. Derek B. Hauser, DDS, and the expert staff at Lakefront Family Dentistry have successfully treated thousands of patients with periodontal disease over the last 20 years.
Gender Demographic Statistics of Gum Disease
56.4 percent are Male
38.4 percent are Female
When you come in for your first appointment, we will take digital x-rays of your teeth, since almost 70 percent of your teeth are below the gum line. This helps us determine the extent, if any, receding gums and/or gum disease you might have. The sooner you come in, the sooner we can stop any current or future bone and tooth loss, decay, and we can save the teeth you have today. This means you save money down the road, which is important in our economy today, especially if you have a large family.
Steps to Take Right Away and Improve Your Oral Health
Of course, seeing Dr. Hauser, DDS, or Dr. Mark Phillipe, DDS, for a professional evaluation is recommended. In addition, we like our patients to become well-educated in their oral health routine. WebMD had set up an Oral Health Evaluator, which asks you confidential questions, such as:
- Gender
- Age
- What is Your Goal for Improving Your Oral Health
- Which Restorative Procedures Have You Had
- How Many Times Do You Brush Per Day
- How Many Times Do You Floss Each Day
- How Often Do You Replace Your Toothbrush
- How Often Do You Use Mouthwash, and Which Type
- What Kind of Foods and Beverages Do You Drink
- Do You Have any Medical Conditions
- Where Do You Get Your Fluoride
- When Was the Last Time You Had a Cavity
- Are You Happy with the Appearance of Your Teeth
- When Was Your Last Dental Visit and Digital x-rays
There are more questions, but when you’ve completed the confidential oral questionnaire, you get an immediate analysis of your oral health based on your honest answers with recommendations to improve your care right away. Some include simple steps you can take right way, such as not brushing with hard toothbrush bristles and replace them as soon as they become frayed.
Brushing too hard means you should ask your dentist about professional fluoride toothpaste that tastes great and reduces tooth sensitivity for enamel erosion. Enamel loss also leads to tooth decay, and sometimes the bacteria in your mouth will just continue to cause cavities. Genetics may play a role in this, but chances are if you’ve had a cavity then you will most likely get more. Each oral health report is catered to your specific answers.
At the end of the day, if you have receding gums or bleeding gums, it’s always best to contact Lakefront Family Dentistry and schedule an appointment to meet with Dr. Derek B. Hauser or Dr. Mark Phillipe. We care about your oral health and future. Give us a call at (951) 244-9495 or Request an Appointment Online Today.
