You might be surprised to learn that over half of Americans over 30 in the United States suffer from some form of gum disease (periodontal disease). That’s the bad news. The good news is that if you are experiencing gum issues, show signs of gum disease, a periodontist can help you. Here are some ways to know if you need to schedule an appointment with a periodontist in Idaho Falls to improve the look and the health of your smile.

Receding Gums

Over time and with age, our gums begin to naturally recede, but it isn’t very much or even very noticeable. However, when it does become noticeable that your gums are receding (your teeth will begin to look longer than before), the issue could be advanced gum recession. Advanced gum recession is caused by periodontal disease, and if caught early enough by your Idaho Falls dentist, he or she can make an appointment with a trusted periodontist in Idaho Falls. But you don’t have to wait for a recommendation or referral! If you are concerned about your gums, call us today to schedule a consultation. 

Pain In Your Gums

If you notice pain in your gums, not necessarily localized pain around one tooth but pain in or around your gums, you may have a bigger issue, like periodontal disease causing the problem. Once you notice pain (even if it is localized) schedule an appointment with your family dentist in Idaho Falls to see if they can spot the underlying problem. Once they are able to identify the source of the problem, they will be able to guide you through the next steps and help to provide pain relief. 

Bad Breath

What’s that smell? If you notice bad breath, consistently even after you have brushed and flossed your teeth, you are most likely dealing with halitosis. Halitosis is persistent bad breath, and can be caused by a number of things but often is a sure indication that gum disease is present. If bad breath plagues you, it’s critical that you speak with an Idaho Falls periodontist for bad breath treatment. Bad breath is often the first sign of gum disease, so the early you catch it and get treatment for bad breath, the better. 

Loose Teeth

Do your teeth feel looser than normal? If you have noticed loose teeth, it may be due to tooth or gum infections and thinning bone caused by periodontitis. Unlike bad breath, which may be the first sign of gum issues in Idaho Falls, loose teeth are a serious problem that indicates gum disease has been happening for a while in your mouth and it must be dealt with immediately before more damage can happen. 

Changes In Your Bite

Do your teeth feel different when you eat? Does your face shape, especially around your jaw, look slightly different than it used to? Have you noticed changes in your teeth and the spaces (or lack of space) between them when you brush or floss your teeth? Any type of change in your bite pattern is a BIG sign that issues are present that can or already are causing long-term oral problems. Not to worry, our Idaho Falls periodontist, Dr. Moulton has worked with hundreds of patients with these exact issues and understands what type of dental treatment is required to alleviate and fix these and any other problems you may be experiencing. 

Gums Are Red, Swollen, Or Bleeding

Do your gums bleed when you floss or brush your teeth? Do your gums often feel sensitive or swollen? If you answered yes to either of these questions, that is a clear sign of gum disease. You don’t need to wait for a referral from your Idaho Falls dentist at this point, contact Ridge Crest Periodontics & Dental Implants to schedule your consultation today. If you catch these issues at the beginning, gum disease treatment can proactively prevent these issues from becoming major and expensive problems down the road. 

Sensitivity

Have you noticed that you are more sensitive to hot or cold food or drinks or even weather changes? When your gums begin to recede, it won’t be obvious at first. In fact, it might even go unnoticed for several years. When you begin to notice sensitivity to hot or cold food or drink, the roots of your teeth might be exposed. When this happens, your teeth and gums are more vulnerable to infection which can lead to tooth decay and bone loss.  If you have noticed any of these issues, you may be suffering from periodontal disease. To know for sure, we invite you to contact our periodontal and dental implant office in Idaho Falls at your earliest convenience. A proactive approach to your dental health will help to keep your oral health at its best and will help you to avoid major dental overhauls in the future. We can help, call us today for more information or schedule a consultation to learn more about how we can help you.