Treating gum disease is one of the most important aspects of oral health, and a periodontist can help you address your needs. According to the CDC, nearly half of all American adults have gum disease. Periodontist services cover a wide range of issues, including receding gums and loss of bone tissue. Take a look at when you should get in touch with a professional.
Common Warning Signs
Not surprisingly, the gums themselves do provide hints of trouble. These include reddening or swelling, and they may also bleed. In a lot of cases, the gums may become tender. If your teeth appear to visibly get longer, that may also be a sign the gums are pulling back.
Tooth sensitivity is another potential indicator of gum disease. If you have any teeth that feel loose or that seem to be getting more crooked, you should contact a practitioner right away. Pain while chewing, especially if you feel it directly in your teeth or your jaw, may also indicate trouble.
Fillings can present problems, too. In particular, if a filling becomes loose or falls out, it can become a harbor for bacteria in the mouth.
Your breath may indicate issues, also. In some cases, people will have noticeably bad breath due to gum disease. Other folks may experience funny tastes in their mouths, a problem that arises from either bacteria growth or blood coming from the gums.
Identifying Risk Factors
A number of genetic issues, diseases, and lifestyle choices can contribute to gum problems. Smoking is one of the most common sources of trouble, especially if a smoker has poor oral hygiene. Life stress can be a driver of gum disease, too.
Individuals who've been diagnosed with diabetes should be on the lookout for gum problems. The same applies to anyone who has an immunodeficiency disease or is currently take immune system-suppressing medications. Natural female hormonal changes can cause trouble, and folks who are undergoing hormone therapy should also watch out for gum disease.
What to Do?
Improvements in oral hygiene may help, such as improved brushing along the gum line, but some people will have trouble regardless. These folks should take up specific regimens under the guidance of a periodontist. A practitioner can prescribe specific solutions, such as oral rinses, that are aimed at controlling or reversing gum disease. The important thing is to not wait to seek assistance from a periodontist service.
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