Why You Should See a Periodontist

As a periodontist, we know that there are all kinds of misconceptions out there about gum disease and periodontitis. Most people do not take the time to educate themselves on just how dangerous these diseases can be to one’s overall health. One of the most common myths out there is that periodontitis can be prevented with just excellent oral hygiene. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. While it is true that you need to brush and floss daily, poor oral hygiene is not the only factor that can lead you needing to visit our office.  There are often are the significant factors that can play a critical role in you getting a periodontal disease.

Some of the key factors that can influence periodontitis are stress, genetics, diabetes, tobacco use, and even poor diet. It is, therefore, critical that you visit our office to see a periodontist if you feel you have gum disease, are exhibiting any of the signs of periodontitis, or simply have been told by a dentist that you need a gum disease treatment. Periodontitis is easier to treat if it is caught in the early stages.

As a periodontist, we will tell you that one of the most dangerous, and also one of the most common, misconceptions about gum disease is that it does not happen on a regular basis; this misconception is not true. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, half of adults aged 30 and older suffer from some  form of gum disease. While not all of these adults have periodontal disease, it is important to note that at 50 percent of the population, we are dealing with significant numbers.

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It occurs because of the buildup of plaque,  in those hard-to-reach places, which eventually hardens into calculus and leads to gum disease. It is important to understand why and how gum disease occurs so that you understand how common it is. If you are having a significant buildup of plaque that you cannot remove with a brush or floss, and you are starting to see it harden into calculus, then you need to make an appointment with our office immediately.

We can treat any condition if two things happen. First, you have to be willing to identify that you have a condition, this includes periodontitis or gum disease. Second, you need to be willing to contract the correct health care provider who can then deal with the issue.  In the case of having a gum disease or periodontitis, you will  want to get in touch with our office so that we can start scheduling your treatments. If you have heard other rumors about gum disease, have questions, have concerns, or simply want to learn more about what a periodontist can do for you, give us a call and schedule an appointment today.