Tag Archives: bleeding gums

Affordable Dentistry

My gums are bleeding and I have dental anxiety

My gums bleed when I brush my teeth. I have dental anxiety and am afraid that I know I have gum disease because of canceling dental appointments for the past three years. Things are probably worse than they would usually be because I am diabetic. Now I will need sedation and deep cleanings. The thought of it is increasing my anxiety because I already have too many medical bills. How long can I expect treatment for gum disease to last? Ramón from TN

Ramón,

Thank you for your question. Dr. Lacy would need to examine your teeth and gums and take x-rays to determine the extent of your gum disease.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, people with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease than people without diabetes for these reasons:

  • High glucose levels can contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, and gingivitis.
  •  Saliva flow in your mouth decreases when you have diabetes, causing bacteria-producing acid to linger in your mouth.
  • Germs in your mouth will travel into your bloodstream. And your body’s immune response can unleash molecules that can increase blood sugar levels.

How Gum Disease Progresses

Gingivitis, or the beginning stage of gum disease, can cause your gums to swell and bleed. It can lead to periodontitis, or advanced gum disease and cause your teeth to loosen. It can even spread to the jawbone.

  • Your dentist can check your teeth and gums more frequently.
  • Your hygienist can perform regular deep cleanings to remove plaque from your gum pockets.
  • Your dentist may prescribe fluoride rinse or prescription toothpaste that contains fluoride.
  • You may need advanced care from a periodontist (gum specialist).

How Long Will Gum Disease Treatment Take?

How long gum disease treatment takes depends on its severity and how your dentist or periodontist must treat it. You may need only a few weeks of treatment, or treatment can be spread out over a few months. After an examination, your dentist will develop a personalized treatment plan for you.

Getting Gum Disease Treatment If You Have Dental Anxiety

If you have dental anxiety, your dentist can use sedation to help you relax during gum disease treatment. Depending on your anxiety level and the care you need, your dentist will explain the options. You can ask our dentist about financing options to help you pay for dental care over time.

This post is sponsored by Plano, Texas, female dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Sedation Dentistry

How Can I Treat Gum Disease at Home?

Although I have not seen a dentist yet, I am sure that I have gum disease. All the signs point to gum disease. I have bleeding and swollen gums and two loose teeth where the gums shrank back a little. I do not have dental insurance right now but am looking for a job that offers it. I also have dental anxiety, so I know they need to give me nitrous or something to calm me down. I’m afraid of not having enough money to meet my home expenses if I must pay for it on my own. Meanwhile, is there anything that I can do at home to slow down the damage to my gums and teeth? Thank you.  Jan from Iowa

Jan,

The signs and symptoms you described reflect advanced gum disease. When your teeth begin to loosen, you can do nothing at home to save them. And if two teeth are loose, more will probably follow.

What Happens If You Don’t Treat Gum Disease?

Untreated gum disease can threaten your long-term oral and overall health. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, as gum disease gets worse, the following issues result:

  • Chronic inflammation
  • Diseased bone that supports your teeth
  • Deep pockets between your gums and teeth
  • Teeth fall out

Preventing gum disease is not expensive. But the longer you delay, the more costly treatment will become. Your dentist will recommend deep cleanings to remove the buildup of plaque and tartar between your teeth. You may need a specialist to stop the disease from getting worse?

What If You Have Gum Disease But No Dental Insurance?

Photo of female patient sitting and relaxing in a dental chair, for information on sedation dentistry from Plano female dentist, Dr. Miranda Lacy.
Ask a dentist about making gum disease treatment and sedation affordable for you

If you have gum disease but no dental insurance, see a dentist anyway. Even if you need sedation during the treatment you need, it is worth it. Call a few dental offices in your area and ask about payment plans and how the practice can make treatment affordable for you.

Plano Texas dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy sponsors this post.

Affordable Dentistry

How to stop gums from bleeding when I can’t afford a dentist

My gums bleed every time I brush my teeth. I haven’t been to a dentist since I lost my dental insurance in 2012. If there something natural I can use to stop my gums from bleeding. Thanks KE

KE – Unfortunately, there isn’t anything you can do to stop your gums from bleeding. Your gums are inflamed from infection that will only get worse if a dentist doesn’t intervene.

Gingivitis, or inflammation of your gums, leads to periodontal (gum) disease. Progressive gum disease causes tooth roots to weaken, and teeth become loose.

Although you don’t have dental insurance, schedule an appointment with a dentist. Explain your financial situation and ask about payment plans or other arrangements that will make treatment affordable for you.

Treatment involves several deep cleanings to remove the bacteria between your teeth and gums. Your gums and teeth can be restored back to health. From that point, regularly flossing and brushing your teeth will prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth that lead to gum disease. Schedule an appointment right away.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.