BLEEDING GUMS

Bleeding gums are a problem for many people, but unfortunately people often respond to bleeding gums with the wrong method of treatment. In most cases, gums that bleed are a symptom of the onset of periodontal disease or gingivitis. Simply put, this is an inflammation of the gum tissue due to a build up of plaque and tartar (can only be removed by a dentist, not by brushing) which forms near the gum line. Consequently, people often begin to stop brushing as frequently or as effectively because it may be painful or make their gums bleed. What is needed, however, is just the opposite approach. When gums begin to get inflamed, brushing often and effectively is imperative. Most importantly, it is important to see your dentist to have a periodontal screening & recording (PSR) in order to determine what, if any, treatment is necessary.

As part of our normal checkup a PSR score is obtained.

  • Your mouth will be examined in six sections.

  • Each section will be coded according to the PSR system.

  • This information will be kept in our file for future reference.

There are various codes (scores) which represent different levels of periodontal disease.

Code 0, for example, means that there is no tartar or rough edges around dental work detected, and that the gums are healthy with no bleeding on probing.

If you are experiencing bleeding gums be sure to contact your dentist as soon as possible.

PAIN OR DISCOMFORT
Chronic dental pain or discomfort are obvious signals for some type of problem. Occasional discomfort may signal the beginning of a problem.

In either case, it is important to seek a dentist's advice as to what measures should be taken to alleviate your pain.

All of the following medications are over-the-counter drugs and may provide some temporary relief, however, these medications will only mask the existence of a problem and should only be taken as directed by manufacturer on a temporary basis.

It is important that you seek professional medical attention!

MEDICATIONS: Acetominephen (Extra Strength Tylenol), Ibuprophen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin), Ketoprophen (Arudis), Naproxin (Aleve), Aspirin (Bayer, Excedrin, Bufferin)