Cuándo ver a un periodoncista

Periodontal treatment may be sought in several ways. Your general dentist or a hygienist may recommend a consultation with a periodontist if they find signs of periodontal disease through the course of a checkup or other dental care appointment. You may also decide to see a periodontist on your own, as a referral is not necessary to be seen at our office.

De hecho, if you experience any of these symptoms, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at our office without delay:

• Bleeding while brushing or eating normal foods. Unexplained bleeding while performing regular cleaning or consuming food is the most common sign of a periodontal infection.
• El mal aliento. Ongoing halitosis (bad breath), which continues despite rigorous oral cleaning, can point to periodontitis, gingivitis or the beginnings of a gum infection.
• Loose teeth and gum recession. Longer-looking and loose-feeling teeth can indicate recession of the gums and/or bone loss as a result of periodontal disease.
• Related health concerns. Patients with heart disease, diabetes, osteopenia or osteoporosis are often diagnosed with correlating periodontal infections. The bacterial infection can spread through the blood stream, affecting other areas of the body.

The inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special type of skin (mucosa) that is smooth and coral pink in color. Cualquier alteración en este aspecto podría ser una señal de advertencia para un proceso patológico. The most serious of these is oral cancer.

The following are common signs of a pathologic process or cancerous growth:

• manchas rojizas (eritroplasia) o blanquecino parches (leucoplasia) en la boca.
• A sore that fails to heal, and bleeds easily.
• Un bulto o engrosamiento en la piel que recubre el interior de la boca.
• dolor de garganta o ronquera crónica.
• dificultad para masticar o tragar.

Estos cambios pueden ser detectados en los labios, las mejillas, paladar, y tejido de la encía alrededor de los dientes, tongue, face, y / o el cuello. Pain does not always occur with pathology and, curiously, no se asocia frecuentemente con el cáncer oral. Sin embargo, any patient with facial and/or oral pain without an obvious cause or reason may also be at risk for oral cancer. We recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly.

Remember that your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores. Please contact us so we may help.