Often patients are baffled by the question, when is the right time to see a periodontist? At the first sign of bleeding gums? When my general dentist tells me to? When my teeth get loose? When my gums start to recede? When my mouth starts to hurt?
<img src="http://blog.drnemeth.com/Portals/35943/images/dental equipment.jpeg” border=”0″ alt=”dental chair” class=”alignRight” style=”float: right;” />This is a tough question and not necessarily a clear cut answer. Each general dentist has his own criteria for when he/she deems it necessary to refer his/her patient to the periodontist. And if you don’t see a general dentist on a regular basis the question becomes even more difficult to answer because gum disease (periodontitis) is a very quiet disease. By the time symptoms begin to show up and your mouth starts to hurt, your gum disease may have progressed to a very advanced stage.
The American Academy of Periodontology tells us:
- Tobacco Use
- Diabetes
- Heart Disease
- Family History
- Genetic Predisposition
- Pregnancy
These are just a few of the many risks factors associated with gum disease. To determine if you’re at risk for gum disease, take the AAP’s Risk Assessment Test which can be found at http://www.perio.org
If you’re not ready to see a gum disease specialist, it’s very important to remember to brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day and see your general dentist every 6 months for a professional cleaning and check up. Your dental professional is your best resource for knowing when is the right time to see a periodontist, so don’t skip those regular checkups.
Don’t wait until it hurts! Taking care of your oral health is a good step toward your overall health and well being. For more information on gum disease detection, prevention and treatment, visit http://www.drnemeth.com or call 248.357.3100 to schedule an appointment for a periodontal evaluation. You can also request an appointment online.
