Periodontal care is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the prevention and treatment of periodontitis (gum disease), a chronic infection that affects the gums and jawbone. Below, we discuss nine reasons to visit a periodontal specialist.
9 Reasons To Visit A Periodontal Specialist
Receding Gums
Gums that “pull away” from your teeth, exposing more of their surfaces, are called receding gums. Receding gums can jeopardize the health of your teeth because the top part of their roots becomes exposed to bacteria, acid, and plaque buildup. Roots are more vulnerable to these risk factors because they are not covered with enamel like the rest of the tooth but by a softer material called cementum. Thus, cavities and tooth decay appear faster on the exposed roots than on the crowns of the teeth.
Inflamed or Infected Periodontal Pockets
Spaces that surround the teeth underneath the gum line are called periodontal pockets. The size of the periodontal pockets might increase with receding gums. When bacteria, plaque, and food residue accumulate in the pockets, inflammation and infection might occur. Enlarged, inflamed, infected, and filled with pus periodontal pockets often indicate gum disease or a severe oral infection. This is a dangerous condition because the infection can spread deeper into the gum tissue and eventually affect the jawbone.
Mobile Teeth
In most cases, mobile and loose teeth are a sign of progressed gum disease that has penetrated the jawbone, undermining the teeth’ support. Once teeth become loose due to periodontal disease, it is improbable that they will get back to normal on their own. In most cases, untreated gum disease, which causes teeth to be mobile, eventually leads to tooth loss.
Pain and Discomfort in the Gums
Pain or discomfort that is not located in one tooth but spreads throughout the jaw can be an indicator of gum disease. Other symptoms might include pain located under or within the gums.
Changes in Bite Alignment
Gum disease makes teeth more mobile, and as a result, they might shift their position in the gums. A sign that your teeth might have altered their position, even if they do not feel loose to the touch, changes in the way your teeth alignment feels when you bite down, chew, or talk.
Swollen, Red, or Bleeding Gums
The initial stages of gum disease might manifest in swelling, redness, and bleeding gums. Occasional minor bleeding when flossing might not indicate serious issues, but if bleeding occurs every time you brush and floss, it is most likely a sign of a more serious issue.
Sensitivity
In some cases, mild sensitivity to changes in temperature might be the only symptom of gum disease. Look out for sensitivity that occurs throughout the gums rather than in one spot, which most likely indicates tooth decay and not gum disease. However, sensitivity, even in one tooth, is still a cause for a dental visit.
Gum Abscess
A gum abscess (also called a periodontal abscess) is a condition in which pus develops in the gums. It can be accompanied by pus discharge from the gums, pain in the gums, and fever.
Bad Breath and Bad Taste in the Mouth
Bad breath and a bad taste in the mouth that does not go away after brushing and flossing are most likely indicators of severe infection: bacteria that lingers on teeth or in inflamed gums releases poorly smelling toxins.
How Can a Periodontist Help?
A periodontist can diagnose and treat gum disease, potentially preventing teeth and jaw bone density loss. There are several tools and methods of treatment available in periodontal care. Some of the options include:
- A professional deep dental cleaning is usually the first step in treating gum disease. Deep cleaning is aimed at removing tartar and bacteria from beneath the gum line rather than from the surface of your teeth.
- Gum grafts and bone grafting can help reverse receding gums and jaw bone density loss by prompting their regeneration.
- Scaling and root planing procedures might help to minimize and prevent the formation of large and deep periodontal pockets. This procedure cleans the pockets and smooths the rough surfaces of the teeth along the roots, prompting the gums to reattach to clean and smooth teeth.
Make an Appointment Today
If you have any symptoms that you might require periodontal care, do not hesitate to call our dental office today and make an appointment with a periodontal specialist in Downtown Los Angeles. We are looking forward to welcoming you to our office and helping you restore your oral health.
