Do you need to see a periodontist? Check these signs!

We often take our oral health for granted. For the unversed, a periodontist is a dentist with specialized training in treating gum disease. More often than not, people don’t think of gum disease, only to end up with serious concerns later. If you are visiting a family dentist in Avon, IN, you should ask them whether you have any immediate periodontic concerns and how you can prevent gum diseases. In this post, we are sharing key signs that you must see a periodontist. 

1. You have halitosis. Also commonly known as chronic bad breath, halitosis can be a source of embarrassment, but more than that, it could eventually lead to an infection or even tooth loss. If you are doing everything to counter bad breath but with no success, make sure to check with your family dentist, who may recommend you to a periodontist. 
2. Your gums are bleeding. If you have plaque buildup in your teeth, you may experience bleeding from your gums. Bacteria can cause inflammation of the gum tissues, and light bleeding is usually the start of periodontal disease. Thankfully, with early intervention and treatment, you can expect to reverse the same. 
3. You have receding gums. It could be a sign of concern if your gums appear to be pulled back, especially around certain teeth. A receding gum line can eventually expose the tooth, leading to serious infections. You may need to go for periodontal cleaning, which is done in the clinic. 
4. You have sensitivity in your teeth. In some cases, sensitivity could be a result of a deep cavity, but at times, it could be related to receding gums. If the gums have receded around certain teeth to the extent that the roots are exposed, you may experience sensitivity. 
5. Your teeth are loose. By the time you feel that one or more of your teeth are loose, you should be worried about severe gum disease. This is a sign of advanced infection or periodontic disease, which must be treated immediately. 

Should you just go to a periodontist right away? Typically, your family dentist will take a call on whether an expert is required to fix your periodontic concern. If it is just about plaque buildup, your dentist can do a scaling procedure to counter the gum infection. Make sure you discuss the treatment options and costs with your dentist before moving with the procedure.