You may have heard of gum disease, the importance of flossing and keeping your teeth healthy.
Gum disease (or periodontal disease) affects millions of people every year, it’s the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. Seeing a periodontist and recognizing the symptoms of gum disease can help your smile healthy.
A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the soft tissues of the mouth and the underlying jawbone which supports the teeth. A dentist must first graduate from an accredited dental school before undertaking an additional three years of study within periodontology residency training program, in order to qualify as a periodontist.
So if your wondering, when you see a periodontist and how a periodontist can help your smile, consider if you have or are experiencing one of the following symptoms.
- Red, swollen or tender gums or other pain in your mouth
- Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating hard food
- Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth, causing the teeth to look longer than before
- Loose or separating teeth
- Pus between your gums and teeth
- Sores in your mouth
- Persistent bad breath
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- A change in the fit of partial dentures
Because gum disease symptoms are silent and go unnoticed until an advanced stage, it can be difficult for people to notice. Millions of people don't know they have this serious infection that can lead to tooth loss if not treated. If you have any questions, or would like to set up a consultation, request an appointment here.
