5 Ways to Tell if You Need a Periodontist

Are your gums starting to feel inflamed? Bleeding, tender, or swollen gums could indicate you have gum disease (gingivitis). It’s more common than you might think.

In fact, about 47% of adults over the age of 30 have some form of periodontitis. Without treatment, gum disease could progress into its more advanced stage and your risk of losing a tooth could increase.

It’s important to visit a periodontist in Queens, NY right away. With their help, you can treat the initial symptoms before your dental health deteriorates further. 

The risk of developing periodontal disease can increase as you age, too. In fact, over 70% of adults over the age of 65 have periodontal disease. 

Not sure if it’s time to visit a periodontist? Here are five signs to tell you if you should schedule an appointment right away.

After reading this guide, you can make a more informed decision with your dental health in mind.

Read on to discover if you need dental care from a gum specialist today. 

1. Bleeding Gums

About 7.8% of adults over the age of 30 have severe periodontitis and 34.4% have non-severe periodontitis. 

The prevalence of total periodontitis is highest among adults who don’t floss regularly (53.1%). Prevalence increases if you neglect to visit a dentist regularly, too. 

If you’re neglecting your dental care, you might notice your gums bleed when you do take time to brush and floss. Your gums might also feel tender or appear red and swollen. If these symptoms sound familiar, visit your periodontist in Queens, NY right away.

Bleeding gums is one of the most obvious signs you need to schedule an appointment.

A qualified professional can pinpoint the root cause of your bleeding gums, whether it’s gingivitis or periodontal disease.

In the meantime, make sure to visit your dentist every six months. Routine checkups will help you spot the signs of gum disease before it progresses. You can start treatment before it develops into periodontal disease.

Otherwise, your pain and dental health issues will only persist. You might require more extensive, expensive treatments, too. 

2. Loose Teeth

Loose teeth could indicate your bones are thinning. It might also indicate a serious infection, including periodontitis.

If your teeth feel loose, make sure to schedule an appointment right away.

You might think it’s only your imagination. Schedule an examination just in case. Otherwise, loose teeth could indicate serious gum disease and underlying bone damage.

You might begin to notice your gum line is receding as well. It’s normal for your gum line to recede naturally as you age. However, it shouldn’t appear noticeable.

If your teeth look longer when you glance into the mirror, it might indicate you have advanced gum recession. Periodontal disease can cause your gum line to recede. Make sure to schedule an appointment before the problem gets worse.

Consider talking to a professional about LANAP® laser gum surgery, too. 

Otherwise, a receding gum line could increase your risk of losing teeth. 

If you do lose a tooth, talk to a professional about dental implants. Implants will allow you to replace a lost tooth. Filling the gap left behind by a lost tooth will help you avoid problems down the line. 

3. Bad Breath

Does your breath stink, even after you thoroughly brush and floss? Bad breath, or halitosis, is a sign you need to visit a periodontist right away. Otherwise, your chronic bad breath will only persist.

Bad breath is one of the initial signs of gum disease. 

4. Changes in Your Bite 

You might notice your teeth feel a little different when you talk, chew, or brush your teeth. You might notice your alignment has changed when you bite down, too. In some cases, you might notice new gaps between your teeth as well.

If your bite pattern has changed, consider visiting a periodontist right away. A dental health professional can assess your medical history. They’ll determine if the change in your bite pattern indicates you have gum disease.

Otherwise, an ever-changing bite pattern could indicate a problem that might cause long-term issues in the future.

Your Queens, NY periodontist will assess your oral health. They’ll pinpoint the reason for your bite change. Then, they can determine the best course of treatment moving forward.

With their help, you can develop a customized treatment plan to improve the appearance of your smile. Consider talking to a professional about LANAP® laser gum surgery, too.

For example, you might consider pairing treatment with orthodontics. Traditional metal braces or Invisalign could improve your alignment.

Before starting orthodontic treatment, however, it’s essential to pinpoint what caused the change in your bite. Otherwise, the problem might only persist. 

5. Pain and Discomfort

If you’re experiencing oral pain, try to determine when you experience pain and discomfort. Consider whether or not the pain is limited to a specific tooth, too. You might experience pain underneath, within, or around your gums.

If you’re experiencing regular pain and discomfort, visit your periodontist in Queens, NY.

They’ll complete a comprehensive exam to determine the root of the problem. With their experience and expertise, you can determine the best next steps. 

Let them know if you’ve started experiencing temperature sensitivity as well. You could notice sensitivity when consuming hot or cold foods or beverages. 

Sensitivity could indicate the roots of your teeth are exposed. Leaving the roots exposed could leave them vulnerable to decay.

Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment before your risk of dental health issues increases. 

Bye, Gum Disease: 5 Signs That You Need a Periodontist in Queens, NY 

Do these five issues sound familiar? Make sure to visit a periodontist in Queens, NY right away. With their help, you can determine if you have gingivitis or periodontal disease.

Then, you can begin treatment right away before your problems persist further.

Beginning treatment can help you avoid other dental health issues down the line. 

Ready to schedule your next appointment with your local gum disease specialist? We can’t wait to see you.Contact us today to get started.