If you have jumped to this page, then the question you are looking for an answer to is “Do you need to visit a periodontist in Arlington, MA, and when? If so, you've come to the correct page. As per statistical data by the American Dental Association, more than half of Americans aged 30 or older are struggling with chronic periodontitis, so the chances are higher that they need to visit a periodontist in Arlington, MA. The question is, what is the actual difference between a periodontist and a dentist?

You might be visiting your general dentist regularly, twice a year, and you will get the required encouragement to develop good dental hygiene habits. But the question is, if you are regularly visiting your general dentist for regular checkups, then what is the need to see a periodontist?

The difference is that periodontists don’t just focus on teeth, but they focus on gums and bone structures that provide the support to your teeth, helping you to have your natural teeth for a longer time. Periodontists complete their general dental school and then get trained to treat gums (gingiva) and bone.

When should you visit a periodontist?

• When brushing or flossing, and your gums are bleeding

The most obvious indication that there is a gum issue is bleeding gums. It is a sign of early-stage gingivitis, which is a gum disease. If your gums start to bleed after brushing or eating something solid, then you need to consult with a Periodontist in Arlington, MA, right now.

• Get deep cleaning services

If a dental patient requires deep cleaning services, then visiting a periodontist is excellent to offer them nonsurgical and other necessary treatments. In periodontic language, the deep cleaning service is also known as scaling and root planning, which is performed below the gum line. This procedure helps in removing tartar, plaque, and other kinds of buildup, which means you may end up having good oral health.

• Red and tender gums

Inflammation is also caused by the same bacteria that cause gingivitis. If the condition is left untreated, then the inflamed gums create deep pockets around the teeth. The deep periodontal pockets mean there is an increased risk of losing your teeth. Generally, inflamed gums are red in appearance when compared to your normal gums, which are pink in color. 

• Having chronic bad breath (halitosis)

If you are having persistent bad breath, then this is a sign that there is some underlying disease present. If it does not improve over time, then it means there is a periodontal infection, and you should consult with a periodontist.

• Having hot or cold sensitivity

If you have advanced gum disease, then this can cause increased sensitivity in the tooth. The exposed roots and receding gum lines are showing that you need a periodontist urgently. Also, if there is temperature sensitivity and you are having hot or cold teeth, then this can be caused by eroded enamel, which a periodontist can determine. In the end, for teeth sensitivity, make sure you visit a periodontist to stop the progression of the teeth problem or bacteria. The progression of the disease can be halted with the assistance of a periodontist.

• Gum recession

If you find that your teeth are longer than usual, then this is due to gum recession. A sign of periodontal disease, gum recession can result in the loss of gum tissue surrounding teeth.

These are some of the reasons why you need to visit a periodontist. However, the reasons are more.