Patient Question: Avoiding the dentist can be dangerous

I bleed from my gums every time I brush my teeth. I have seen ads on TV that talk about pink in the sink. What should I do? - Victor M.

Any bleeding of the gums is an early warning sign of something that could be potentially serious, such as gum disease or even infection.

The American Dental Association recommends that all adults have an examination every 6 months. This is about how long it might take for symptoms of any issue to start to show. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In the case of teeth, it can be the difference between hundreds of dollars for a check up, xrays and professional cleaning, and thousands of dollars in dental expenses due to you neglecting your mouth for years. Get to a dentist ASAP. That pink in the sink could be a sign of early gum disease and potential tooth loss. Severe dental infections can also be fatal.

We know that money has been tight in many US households, but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to your teeth. A little problem does not need to turn into a major expense if you get regular check ups every 6 months.

Thank you for your question!

Dr. Romano