According to the American Dental Association, more than 47% of people over the age of 30 are likely to suffer from some form of gum disease*. Gums that are swollen or bleeding can begin to recess and may even lead to tooth loss. While a family dentist can help with some symptoms of gum disease, you may also need to consult a periodontist.
A Periodontist specializes in diagnosing and treating specific oral health issues related to the structure of your teeth and related health conditions. Dr. Bret Dyer and his team at Fort Bend Periodontics and Implantology love helping their clients feel great about their smiles. They understand the importance of healthy gums, and the need for an attractive smile.
Here are five signs you should speak with a Periodontist:
Swollen, Tender, or Bleeding Gums
This is one of the most obvious signs that you should see a periodontist. Bacteria can form plaque on your teeth which may lead to your gums becoming inflamed. This could be gingivitis, or something more serious. If your gums bleed while flossing or brushing you should seek input from a periodontist. It’s ideal to address these relatively minor issues before they become something far worse and more expensive to fix. If caught early Dr Dyer and his team can use non-invasive treatment.
Gums Are Receding
While gums slowly start to recede as we get older you can experience damaging or even painful recession related to gum disease. Gum recession is caused when the tissue around your teeth wears down exposing more of your tooth. Receding gum tissue then allows bacteria to build up which can also cause gum disease. If you think your teeth look different or noticeably longer it could be a sign of advanced gum recession. The team at Fort Bend Periodontics can use laser surgery to remove infected areas and encourage new gum growth.
Pain or Discomfort
Oral pain or discomfort might come from a cavity or related to gum disease. If you notice discomfort around or underneath your gums it could be a sign of a serious issue. Often, the pain can be traced back to a specific tooth. Pay close attention to your gums when brushing and flossing and schedule a consultation to see to see if a periodontist can help. Dr. Dyer has several treatment options including minimally invasive procedures.
Change in Bite
A few things can cause your bite to become offset, such as grinding or arthritis.
If you notice a difference when chewing or brushing, you should consult a periodontist. Different types of bite patterns can point toward different causes. Without proper treatment a mis-aligned jaw may lead to long-term problems. A periodontist will determine the reasons and suggest a treatment that can solve the problem. The team at Fort Bend Periodontics can customize a treatment for your specific needs.
Teeth Feel Loose
Loose teeth in adults can sometimes be harmless. Other times it may require the care of a periodontist to save, remove, or even replace the tooth with an implant. If you notice that a tooth feels loose you should consult a periodontist as this could be a very early signs of gum disease. Dr. Dyer has several treatment options including permanent replacement with dental implants.
If you are experiencing any of these signs contact Dr. Bret Dyer and the team at Fort Bend Periodontics and Implantology for a consultation.
Serving Sugar Land, Pearland, Missouri City, Richmond and the surrounding communities.
*Source:
