According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, around 47.2% of adults under the age of 30 years have some form of periodontitis. Although almost half of the Americans suffer from periodontitis, not all of them visit a periodontist.

Gum diseases are more severe and need to be treated immediately. If left untreated, this may lead to the loss of teeth altogether. Hence, paying attention to your oral health, especially your gums is crucial to safeguard your teeth.

If you are wondering if you need to see a periodontist, this article is for you.

Signs that You Need to See a Periodontist

You need to see a periodontist if you have:

1. Red, Swollen, or Bleeding Gums

Periodontal abscess or infection may be a reason behind a change in your gum texture, size, and color. If left untreated, this can result in a reduction in your overall oral health and even tooth loss.

Red and swollen gums also indicate plaque accumulation. Prolonged accumulation of plaque over a long time leads to irritation and inflammation in the gum tissues. Most bleeding gums can be treated. If, however, your gums are still bleeding after the treatment, it may indicate gum disease.

Moreover, if you also notice bleeding during flossing or brushing, it is also a sign to visit a periodontist Rochester mn. Consulting a periodontist in this case can help you in addressing issues before they are severe and cause your budget.

In the initial stages of gingivitis, flossing causes bleeding gums. Red, swollen, and bleeding gums are a sign of periodontal disease. If, however, you notice bleeding even during eating or brushing, you may have advanced periodontitis.

2. Persistent Halitosis

Halitosis or bad breath is usually common. If, however, you have persistent bad breath, you may have gum disease.

Long-lasting bad breath and taste indicate a breeding ground of bacteria in your mouth, especially around the gums. Almost everyone experiences bad breath after eating pungent or sour foods, hence, you may not even consider it an illness. A gum disease, however, causes persistent bad breath despite brushing and warrants you to see a periodontist.

3. Teeth Sensitivity

Advanced periodontitis can increase tooth sensitivity to heat and cold by exposing tooth roots and causing gum recession. If your tooth enamel is decayed, it may make your teeth more sensitive to temperature changes. You may experience pain while eating or drinking anything hot or cold if you have gum disease.

4. Gum Recession

Gum diseases also cause gum recession. This condition can make your teeth appear longer than they are. Along with this, you may also notice loosening or shifting of teeth. This condition is extremely harmful as it can cause bacteria to grow in the recesses causing the bone around your gums and teeth to separate.

Since this is harmful, you need to visit a periodontist at the earliest.

5. Extreme Pain and Discomfort

Gum diseases are caused due to bacterial infection and inflammation. Inflammation is caused by gingivitis bacteria. If this is not treated at the right time, pockets start developing around your teeth. Deep periodontal pockets increase your chances of bacterial infection and consequently tooth loss. This is one of the main reasons why you should never ignore bleeding and aching gums.

Another sign of inflamed gums is redness. Visit a periodontist immediately if you have sore, swollen gums, that are prone to bleeding.

6. Genetics

Gum diseases are also caused by certain genes. If you or someone in your family has had a history of gum disease, you should get yourself checked by a periodontist.

To Sum It Up

If you have noticed a sudden change in your bite, this may be a sign of gum disease. In this case, consult a periodontist at the earliest before you start losing your teeth. If you wish to consult a seasoned periodontist, schedule an appointment with us here.