When To Seek Care

 

 

When To Seek Care

 

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. Periodontists are experts in the treatment of all forms of periodontal disease, including gingivitis, periodontitis, and gingival recession.

 

Our general dentist or a hygienist may recommend a consultation with a periodontist if they find signs of periodontal disease through the course of a checkup or other dental care appointment.

 

In fact, if you experience any of these symptoms, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at our office without a delay:

-Bleeding while brushing or eating normal foods. Unexplained bleeding while performing regular cleaning or consuming food is the most common sign of a periodontal infection.

-Bad breath. Ongoing halitosis (bad breath), which continues despite rigorous oral cleaning, can point to periodontitis, gingivitis or the beginnings of a gum infection.

-Loose teeth and gum recession. Longer-looking and loose-feeling teeth can indicate recession of the gums and or/ bone loss as a result of periodontal disease.

-Related health concerns. Patients with heart disease, diabetes, osteopenia or osteoporosis are often diagnosed with correlating periodontal infections. The bacterial Infection can spread through the blood stream, affecting other areas of the body. 

The inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special type of skin (mucosa) that is smooth and coral pink in color. Any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign of pathological process. The most serious of these is oral cancer. The following are common signs of pathological process or cancerous growth:

-Reddish patches (erythroplasia) or whitish patches (leukoplakia) in the mouth.

-A sore that fails to heal, and bleeds easily.

-A lump or thickening on the skin lining the inside of the mouth.

-Chronic sore throat or hoarseness

-Difficulty chewing or swallowing.

 

These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, and gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face, and/or neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology and curiously, is not often associated with oral cancer. However, any patient with facial and or pain without an obvious cause or reason may also be at risk for oral cancer. We recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly.

 

Remember that your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores. Please contact us so we may help.