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.

In fact, 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 enfermedad del corazón, 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 un signo de advertencia de un proceso patológico. The most serious of these is cáncer oral.

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.
• Un bulto o engrosamiento en la piel que recubre el interior de la boca.
• Crónica dolor de garganta o ronquera.
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing.

Estos cambios pueden detectarse en los labios, mejillas, paladar, y el tejido alrededor de los dientes de las encías, lengua, cara, and/or neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology and, curiously, is not often associated with oral cancer. Sin embargo, cualquier paciente con dolor facial o bucal sin una causa obvia o razón también puede estar en riesgo de cáncer oral. We recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly.

Remember that your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. No ignore sospechosos bultos o llagas. Please contact us so we may help.