California Oral health care, Red and sore gums

I recently noticed that my gums have been hurting slightly and seem redder than usual. I brush twice a day and floss almost every day. They do not bleed when I am doing that but they just kind of hurt when I do. Could I have gum disease?

Reply: Some of the start signs of gingivitis (gum disease) would include but are not limited to, Swollen or puffy gums, Dusky red or dark red gums, and tender gums. I suggest visiting your dentist as soon as possible, so if you have the start of gingivitis, your dentist can treat it before it becomes a more significant issue. Consider buying dental insurance if you do not have any current, as it will help to keep your dental care cost more affordable.

If you have Gum Disease and no dental insurance currently, you may want to look into buying a dental HMO insurance plan. Dental HMOs are typically a lower-cost insurance plan option. More importantly, however, they generally do not have waiting periods. Having no waiting periods is essential for gum disease, as you will want to treat it as soon as possible before it becomes an even more significant dental care issue.

A growing body of evidence suggests gum disease could also play a role in a surprising range of seemingly unrelated health problems. 

Heart Disease: Although not everyone with heart disease has gum disease, and not everyone with gum disease has heart disease, there does appear to be a correlation. Whether gum disease is an independent risk factor for heart disease is still being discussed, and there are some theories on how the two might be related. 

Cancer: Gum disease and cancer do not, on the surface, appear to have much in common. According to a study published in 2008 which investigated tooth loss and cancer in 48,375 men, the authors concluded that there was a link between gum disease and cancer. Another study involving more than 68,000 adults found a strong association between gum disease and cancer risk. The link was also significant between gum disease and pancreatic cancer.

Bacteria cause inflammation of the gums that is called “gingivitis.” In gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen and can bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. Treatment will normally include a professional cleaning of the pockets around teeth to prevent damage to surrounding bone.

My gums have been bleeding when I brush my teeth.  I brush two to three times a day depending on what I eat.  Lately I have notice that my gums look a litte redder then they use to and they bleeding when I brush.  Not a lot but enough for me to notice.  Should I see a dentist about this?  I worried that something is up.

I need to see a Periodontist since it seems I have very bad gums.  I been going to the dentist for my teeth an although I do not have any cavities my gums would hurt.  He  did do a deep cleaning but my gums still bleed and they are still very red.

If I do not have insurance will I need to have a referal to see a Periodontist?  Or can I just go to one on my own.  I have the money I just never bother getting dental insurance because to me dental insurance never insured what I wanted or had really long term waiting period.