Periodontal disease is one of the main causes of tooth loss in the adult population with millions impacted by it ever year. The issue is that many people develop this condition and have no idea they are experiencing a problem. Most of the signs are missed completely until it is too late and the damage has already been done. That’s why in this article we’re going to look at some of the signs that you should watch out for which you need to see a periodontist as soon as possible.
Red, Bleeding Or Swollen Gums
One of the most common signs of an issue is gums that are inflamed. You can tell this by the color and feel of the gums. Normal gums will be soft, subdued and a light pinkish in color. If they are a deep red, this suggests that there is an issue and you may notice this around particular teeth in your mouth. You may also spot bleeding when you brush your teeth or floss. Any issues like this should be investigated before they become more painful and problematic.
Another issue to watch out for is gums that are receding. While this can occur with age, it shouldn’t be too severe. You might look in the mirror and think that your teeth look longer than usual or previously. If that’s the case, it’s best to get things checked out sooner rather than later.
Loose Teeth
It is possible that you think your teeth feel loose. This can be your imagination and it’s even quite a common nightmare that haunts some people which might be seen as a subconscious warning or fear. However, if you press on your teeth and you actually think they are wobbling ever so slightly, make sure you see a periodontist like Dr. Silberg. He will be able to explore whether this is an early sign of bone damage.
Bite Changes
You might have noticed a change in your bite while chewing, talking or brushing. This can relate to specific issues which can cause long term problems if they are left untreated. A periodontist will investigate the reasons for these changes and suggest potential treatment options. The treatment provided here will always be relevant to the unique situation of the individual patient.
Bad Breath
You might find that you are suffering from an issue with bad breath. While this is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of underlying factors, it’s possible that it is due to a build up of bacteria. The toxins produced here then trigger the bad breath as well as an unpleasant bitter taste in your mouth. This can be specific to one section of your teeth or gums and it will not disappear by brushing. If you have this issue, make sure that you speak to a periodontist to find out what’s going wrong. This is an early sign and can usually be reversed with the right treatment plan.
We hope this helps you recognize the signs that you might need to see a periodontist. If you are having any of these issues, contact us for expert advice and professional care.
