3 Signs to See a Periodontist

Your gums are a lot like the canary in the coal mine—when they’re healthy, they’re a bright pink and provide a nice cushion against your teeth. But when they’re unhealthy, they’re a purplish red and feel sensitive when you chew. The best way to stay on top of your oral health is to see your periodontist—the dentist specializing in gums—for periodontics in Marco Island. You can put a stop to gum disease before it gets worse, and your periodontist can help you stave off further problems by cleaning your teeth, scaling your gums, and performing other procedures to keep your mouth healthy.

What Symptoms Should Prompt You to See a Periodontist?

Red, Swollen, and Puffy Gums

In the early stages of gum disease, gums feel red and swollen. Gums may appear to be tender and sensitive when touched with a toothbrush. As gum disease progresses, gums become more inflamed, which causes their surface to swell and puff. Gums may bleed when brushed and appear to be discolored when viewed.  

You should see your periodontist for a thorough checkup if you have any of these symptoms.

Bad Breath

Bacteria in your mouth causes bad breath. The bacteria may come from decaying food and plaque deposits that stick to your teeth, or you may be at risk of gum disease, which causes bacterial infections to form in the gum line and on tooth roots.  

Loose Teeth or Tooth Loss

Teeth are connected to your jaw by the gum. When the gum becomes too infected and inflamed, the protective covering over the teeth loosens. When that happens, the teeth may move around and eventually fall out. If that happens, you may notice loose teeth or missing teeth.  

Don’t hesitate to see your periodontist if you notice loose teeth or missing teeth. You may have a serious infection that needs attention. In addition, your gums might be so inflamed, causing them to pull away from your teeth. In this situation, your periodontist might need to perform a gum graft to help attach them back together.

Looking for Periodontics in Marco Island?

 If you notice these symptoms, you should not delay seeing your periodontist. Call today to schedule an appointment with our dentists at Island Paradise Dental.