When to See a Periodontist

You can obtain periodontal treatment in several ways.

1. Your general dentist or hygienist may recommend a consultation with a periodontist if they find signs of periodontal disease during a checkup or other dental care appointment.
2. You may also decide to see a periodontist on your own since Dr. Noraian can see you at his office without a referral.

In fact, if you experience any of these symptoms, Dr. Noraian encourages you to schedule an appointment at his office without delay:

• Bleeding while brushing or eating normal foods. Unexplained bleeding caused by regular cleaning or eating food is the most common sign of a periodontal infection.
• Bad breath. Ongoing halitosis (bad breath) despite rigorous oral cleaning can be a sign of periodontitis, gingivitis, or the beginnings of a gum infection.
• Loose teeth and gum recession. Longer-looking and loose-feeling teeth can indicate the 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 bloodstream, 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. Any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign of a pathological process. The most serious of these is oral cancer. The following are common signs of a pathologic process or cancerous growth:

• Reddish patches (erythroplasia) or whitish patches (leukoplakia) in the mouth.
• A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily.
• A lump or thickening on the skin lining inside of the mouth.
• Chronic sore throat or hoarseness.
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing.

You might detect these changes on the lips, cheeks, palate, and gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face, and/or neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology and, curiously, is not often associated with oral cancer. However, any patient with facial and/or oral pain without an obvious cause or reason may also be at risk for oral cancer. Dr. Noraian recommends 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 Dr. Noraian‘s office so they may help with any questions you may have.