A healthy and dazzling smile is critical for your self-esteem and overall wellness. Maintaining your bright smile, especially considering the gums and jaws that keep teeth in place, is not always easy. You may need to see The Woodlands periodontist either following your general dentist’s recommendation or after noticing some worrying symptoms. Periodontists are specialists in diagnosing, treating, and preventing concerns that affect your gingiva (gum), soft tissues, and bone structures that anchor your teeth. Among the signs you should see a periodontist include:
Bleeding gum
Bleeding after brushing, flossing, or when eating is among the common gum disease symptoms. Bleeding after brushing/flossing is usually a sign of gingivitis, an early indicator of gum disease. If you start bleeding during or after eating, the condition has advanced further and warrants immediate periodontist attention.
Unexplained gum bleeding should not be overlooked, although it is a common gum disease symptom. A visit to the periodontist helps you narrow down the causes, ensuring you implement practical interventions and treatments and avoid significant problems down the line.
Teeth appearing longer
If your teeth seem to be getting longer, especially accompanied by increased sensitivity to hot/cold items, it indicates receding gum. This is caused by an infection in the gum pockets destroying bone tissue around the teeth. The damage results in your gums pulling away from the teeth, exposing them more hence the appearance.
Besides the appearance and increased sensitivity, gum recession exposes your tooth roots, leaving them vulnerable to infections. Your teeth appearing longer impacts your smile and signifies an underlying periodontal disease. You should visit a periodontist for prompt treatment and avoid its escalation, which could result in tooth infection and loss.
Red, tender, and swollen gums
The bacteria responsible for gingivitis causes inflammation. The inflammation can cause deep pockets around the teeth. Moreover, the infection irritates the sensitive gum tissue, which prompts your blood vessels to widen and send more red blood cells to fight the bacteria. This causes a red and swollen appearance. The gums also become tender to the touch, and sensitivity may increase, accompanied by bleeding. An immediate periodontist visit is critical to ensure the infection does not spread, causing more damage that could result in tooth loss and other dental health problems.
Bad breath
Bad breath may not seem serious enough. However, if it is persistent and does not subside following good oral hygiene, it should raise the alarm. Chronic bad breath is a sign of periodontal infection, especially when accompanied by bad taste. The condition is called halitosis, indicating plaque and bacteria presence, mainly trapped in the gums.
Loose teeth
You should see a periodontist when you notice your teeth becoming loose, shifting, and creating new spaces, which affects how they align together. This could indicate deepened pocket around your teeth, mainly caused by periodontitis.
Gum disease happens in stages, and when caught and managed early, you can avoid serious concerns. Once you spot the above problems, you should promptly see a periodontist for timely treatment and guidance to keep your gum, jaw, and other tissues supporting your teeth in better shape. Contact Scott Young, DDS, for all your dental care needs.