Periodontitis is a common but serious gum infection that can have serious complications, including damaging your gums, degrading your jawbone, or worsening systemic health problems like diabetes and heart disease. Fortunately, a periodontist in Rochester can address periodontitis and restore your oral health.
According to the ADA, 50% of Americans over 30 have chronic periodontitis.[1] So, if you think you need to see a periodontist, you probably do. Here are six signs you should see a periodontist sooner rather than later!
1. Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums are a clear sign of periodontal disease. If you experience bleeding when brushing or flossing, it could be a sign of early-stage gingivitis. Left untreated, that can progress to periodontitis, which has more severe complications.
2. Red or Tender Gums
The bacteria that cause gingivitis causes inflammation in your gums. If you don’t seek periodontal treatment, this inflammation can worsen and create pockets around your teeth. Over time, food and bacteria build in the pockets, worsening the infection. Healthy gums are a pink color, whereas inflamed gums are redder and may be sore or tender.
3. Hot or Cold Sensitivity
As gum disease progresses, the gums recede and expose more of the tooth roots. These areas are more sensitive, increasing sensitivity with hot or cold food or beverages. This could also be caused by eroding enamel, which protects the inner parts of the tooth, like the nerves. Some people just have more sensitive teeth than others, but excessive sensitivity to hot or cold could be caused by gum disease.
4. Loose Teeth
Your adult teeth are designed to last your lifetime. When periodontitis is left untreated, the jawbone that holds the tooth roots is weakened, and the affected teeth may become loose or shift. Loose teeth are also a warning sign of bone loss, so it’s important to treat the condition quickly.
5. Gum Recession
If you feel like your teeth look a little “long,” it could be because of receding gums. This happens when the gums pulls back or begins to creep away from the crown of the tooth, exposing more of the root and creating a “long tooth” appearance. Receding gums can be caused by a few things, but it’s usually a sign of advanced periodontal disease.
6. Bad Breath
Everyone has bad breath sometimes, like after eating stinky foods or in the morning. But chronic bad breath, or halitosis, is a warning sign of persistent infection or decay in your mouth. If your bad breath isn’t resolved by good oral hygiene, it could signify that you have periodontal disease.
Symptoms of Periodontitis vs. Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. Many people have gingivitis, which can be reversed with proper care and oral hygiene.
If it’s left untreated, however, it can advance to periodontal disease. Advanced periodontal disease will require more extensive treatment, so that’s why it’s so important to address gum disease before it becomes advanced periodontitis.
Here are some symptoms of gingivitis:
- Red, swollen gums
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing
Gingivitis typically doesn’t have pain, so people may not realize they have it. Regular dental appointments can diagnose and treat gum disease, however, which is why it’s so important to keep up with dental exams and cleanings at least twice a year.
Here are some symptoms of periodontitis:
- Red, swollen gums that don’t get better after a few days of regular brushing and flossing
- Sensitive teeth
- Bleeding gums
- Soreness
- Bad breath
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Pain while chewing or biting down
- Gum recession
Periodontitis is a progressive disease. Left untreated, it will only get worse and create bigger problems.
Schedule an Appointment with a Periodontist in Rochester
If you’re concerned about periodontitis or your general dentist recommended you see a periodontist, Dental Implants & Periodontal Health of Rochester can help. Dr. Zahavi is a board-certified periodontist who offers a range of treatment options for periodontitis and its complications. We focus on individualized care, health, comfort, and aesthetics. Schedule an appointment today! 585-685-2005
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