When to See a Periodontist

Your general dentist or a hygienist may refer you to our office if they find signs of periodontal disease through the course of a checkup or other dental care appointment.

You may also contact us directly for an appointment.  

We encourage you to schedule a consultation if you are experiencing any of the following:

  • Bleeding gums
  • Bad breath
  • Gum recession
  • Loose teeth 
  • Related health concerns (e.g. heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis)

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 for 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 the inside of the mouth.
  • A chronic sore throat or hoarseness.
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing.

These changes can be detected 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. We recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly.