Why You May Need to See a Periodontist for Your Gum Disease

Gum disease is a more common condition than most people realize, referring to when the gums become sore, swollen or infected.

The vast majority of people will experience some form of gum disease during their lifetime, particularly when it comes to adults. Healthy gums are generally firm and pink, holding your teeth firmly in place when they are working correctly.

Early Stage Symptoms

Gum disease in its early stages is known as gingivitis, with one of the common symptoms of this being a constant bad breath being present. Along with this, bleeding gums are another of the key signs of the disease, while you should also be on the lookout for red or swollen gums.

If your gums are bleeding after flossing or brushing your teeth, this should not be considered as normal and healthy. Instead, this is likely to point toward an early stage of gum disease, so is well worth getting checked out.

Advanced Stages Of Gum Disease

If gingivitis is not treated early, further complications can quickly develop, which can lead to periodontitis. This is a more serious condition, in that your teeth may become loose and can potentially fall out.

Periodontitis should be treated as soon as possible, to preserve the health of your teeth, gums and jaw bone, or you are likely to start losing your teeth.

Advanced Stage Symptoms

To avoid periodontitis developing, there are several symptoms to watch out for. Along with the early stage symptoms mentioned above, such as bad breath and swollen gums, there are new ones to look out for.

Along with loose teeth starting to occur, abscesses may also start appearing on the gums. These are a collection of pus that can form under your teeth or gums, and are particularly unpleasant for the individual. If you are experiencing any of these conditions, it is important to book a check-up straight away, as this is certainly a situation where you will need to see a periodontist for your gum disease.

Maintain Regular Check-Ups

Lastly, one of the best ways to avoid gum disease is to maintain regular check-ups with your local periodontist and dentist, ensuring they can effectively monitor the health of your teeth and gums.