Why are my Gums Bleeding and Other Questions to Ask Us



Why are my Gums Bleeding and Other Questions to Ask Us

“Why are my Gums Bleeding?” and Other Questions to Ask Us

As a general dentist to Scarsdale, Westchest, East Chester, and all the surrounding area, we get a lot of people coming through our office. Many patients come through with similar questions and we love educating people on their oral health. Here are some great questions we hear along with their answers.

Q: Why are my Gums Bleeding?
A: Bleeding gums is one of the early signs of gum disease. Nearly 60 % of people in the United States have experienced bleeding gums and 1 in 3 think it’s normal. This is a bad sign that you are headed on a path to Gingivitis. There are three things you can do to prevent or stop bleeding gums:

  1. Brush at least twice a day and make sure you are brushing your gums as part of the process.
  2. Floss every day. Make sure you do it properly.
  3. Come in twice a year for cleanings. Our hygienist will scrape off the plaque and tartar along your gum line to help limit bleeding and sensitive areas.

Q: What are sealants and who should get them?
A: Sealants are a thin coating made from plastic that we apply to the molars on children. This is an extra layer of protection on the teeth that are so prone to decay. During dental check-ups, we make sure they are still in place and not damaged. Adults can benefit from sealants too if they don’t have any fillings or decay in their molars.

Q: Is all sugar bad for my teeth?
A: Sugar is found in many of our favorite foods, including milk, fruit, and pasta sauce. When most people ask about eating sugary food though, they are referring to candy and sweets. Too much sugar weakens the enamel on your teeth, which is how it creates cavities. By brushing and flossing your teeth multiple times a day, you keep your teeth clean. It is still a good idea to limit the number of sugary snacks you eat and drink.

Q: Are electric toothbrushes better than manual?
A: Electric toothbrushes are great for getting teeth clean easier. If you are brushing and flossing your teeth properly and for a long enough amount of time, you are just fine to use your manual brush. Spin brushes are effective for people who don’t want to put a lot of effort into their routine.

Q: Why doesn’t my cavity hurt?
A: Most cavities don’t hurt until there is a large amount of decay. Waiting to come in for an exam or delaying a filling until it is painful is a bad idea. Not only is it less invasive to get a smaller cavity fixed, but it is also less expensive.

Q: What should I do in an emergency?
A: Dental emergencies happen all the time. Some of the most common injuries are

  • Getting a tooth knocked out
  • Experiencing a large amount of pain
  • Cracked or fractured teeth
  • Lost filling or crown
  • Swollen face or jaw

We offer emergency services to our patients. Call the office and explain the problem. We will get you in as soon as we can, even the same day if necessary. 

We value our patients and want them to feel comfortable in our care. It is important to us that you feel comfortable asking any question with hygiene, treatments, or anything else we can help with while you are under our care.

 



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