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.

Gum disease is common among patients in the US. However, not many people know that if left untreated, periodontitis can cause a variety of severe oral and general health issues. The good news is that it can also be prevented with proper at-home and professional periodontics care. Please read this article to learn how to protect against periodontal disease.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a bacterial infection that can affect the soft tissue around teeth and, in more severe cases, the jaw bone tissue and other organs in the body.