Why Should I Visit a Periodontist?

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Why Should I Visit a Periodontist?

The truth is over 50% of Americans over the age of 35 have periodontal (gum) disease. If you have never had a periodontal evaluation, you should make an appointment today – not just due to the problems periodontal disease may cause in your mouth – but how the disease can increase your risk of developing a range of full-body diseases including giving birth to low-weight and premature babies, heart diseases and diabetes.

What’s the Connection Between My Mouth and the Rest of My Body?

Just like bacteria that invade the body through a cut, germs can gain access to the bloodstream when they get far enough under the gums. Periodontal disease causes gaps or “pockets” between the teeth and the gums, which are ideal breeding grounds for nasty bacteria.

Periodontal bacteria are silent invaders from within, traveling from the mouth to all the crucial organs of the body undetected until they cause or contribute to a number of deadly diseases. There may be few symptoms and no pain, until your gums start to bleed when you brush and become swollen; or when your teeth loosen and actually fall out.

What Else Have Periodontists Been Trained To Do?

Periodontists receive extensive training during their three additional years beyond dental school. They are trained in performing cosmetic periodontal procedures, and the accurate placement of dental implants. Your periodontist may also correct gum recession, and cover up exposed tooth root surfaces, which can be unsightly and cause oral sensitivity to hot and cold.

 Along with your general dentist and medical physician, your periodontist is an integral part of your overall health care team, as he or she will provide comprehensive planning for preventative care and treatment to help keep your natural teeth for life.

Are There Any Consequences of Missing Teeth?

Missing one or several teeth affect the esthetics and strength of your jaw and face, making you appear older as your jaw sinks inward. Missing teeth can also make it difficult for you to chew your food properly and may even affect your speech. Having gaps and spaces between healthy teeth will compromise their roots and cause them to become unstable, loosen and eventually fall out.

Big Gums and Short Teeth – Can a Periodontist Help MeHave a Less Gummy Smile?

Yes, visiting a periodontist is the first-step to discovering how easy it is to enhance your natural features. For example, “crown lengthening” is a procedure where excess gum tissue is removed and the gum line is reshaped to create the proper proportion between your gum tissue and tooth surface to create a more natural and open smile.

What Are the Typical Signs of Periodontal Disease?

Bleeding when you brush your teeth, swollen gums, loose teeth, and bad breath are the usual signs of periodontal disease. When the condition is suspected or diagnosed, it is important to consult with a periodontist and this is especially important if you:

• Have a high risk for periodontal diseases.

• Have heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, osteoporosis, or are thinking of becoming pregnant.

• Have a family member with periodontal disease. Research suggests that the bacteria that cause periodontal disease can pass through saliva. This means the common contact of saliva in families puts children and couples at risk for contracting the periodontal disease of another family member.

• Have a sore or irritation in your mouth that does not get better within two weeks.

Take control of your preventative dental health. Make an appointment for a periodontal evaluation with an experienced periodontist today.

Taking care of your teeth and gums will not only help enhance your smile, but will help you maintain your overall health.