When are bleeding gums a cause for immediate concern?
“If it’s been more than six months since you visited the dentist and your gums are bleeding, you need to come in,” says Davis. “Pink toothbrush” is sometimes seen in patients taking aspirin for their heart conditions; if that’s the case, the oral antibiotic rinse chlorhexidine kills off irritating bacteria, allowing gums to remain healthy and tight, Davis says. How can you make unexpected time in the dentist’s chair less frightening before you go in? Dress for comfort, keeping in mind that you’ll be lying back in a chair and that ultra-clean dentists’ offices can seem chilly. However, Kammer says, “We’ve really eradicated the fear component these days; there’s no need to worry, because if you wish, you can be given a small dose of a sedative to take right before you come in.” What can you do during your visit to the dentist to keep fear and anxiety at bay? Talk to your dentist and his employees—you’ll gain information on equipment available to beat stress. Many offices have earphones,
