Your gums are the foundation of your smile, so how do you know you need specialized care from a periodontist instead of your regular dentist? While your general dentist handles routine cleanings and basic oral care, certain symptoms, like persistent bleeding, swelling, chronic bad breath, loose teeth, and gum recession, require the advanced training and precision of a professional focused on the structures supporting your teeth.
At Middlesex Periodontics & Dental Implants, PC, we help patients throughout New Jersey, recognize when gum problems have progressed beyond basic dental care. Dr. Daniel Reich, our board-certified periodontist with over 25 years of experience, provides comprehensive treatment for advanced gum disease, dental implants, and complex periodontal procedures. With this expertise and our gentle, patient-focused care, you can rest assured your gum health is in the right hands.
Recognizing the warning signs of periodontal problems can help you seek appropriate care before minor issues become serious complications. The following key symptoms indicate when it’s time to move beyond routine dental care to the advanced treatment a periodontist provides:
Healthy gums should not bleed during regular brushing or flossing. If you notice consistent bleeding, swelling, or tenderness around your gum line, these may be early signs of periodontal disease. While minor irritation from aggressive brushing can cause temporary bleeding, persistent symptoms lasting more than a few days warrant professional evaluation.
Swollen gums often appear red, puffy, or enlarged and may feel tender when touched. Healthy gums should have a firm, pink appearance. When gum tissue becomes inflamed, it can create pockets where bacteria accumulate, leading to more serious complications if left untreated.
Bad breath occasionally happens to everyone, but persistent halitosis may indicate underlying periodontal issues. When bacteria build up in gum pockets, they produce sulfur compounds that create an unpleasant odor not easily resolved with regular brushing or mouthwash.
You may also experience a persistent metallic or bitter taste in your mouth, even shortly after brushing your teeth. These symptoms may accompany gum disease—which affects over 42% of all adults over 30— because bacterial toxins can affect your taste buds and overall oral environment.
Adult teeth should remain firmly in place throughout your lifetime. If you notice teeth becoming loose, shifting position, or developing gaps where none existed before, these changes may indicate advanced periodontal disease. As gum disease progresses, it can destroy the tissues and bone supporting your teeth, causing them to lose their stability.
Pay attention to how your teeth fit together when you bite down. If your bite feels different or you notice new spaces between teeth, these changes could signal bone loss around tooth roots. You may also experience sensitivity when chewing or notice your teeth feel different when eating certain foods.
Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue covering your teeth is lost, exposing more of the tooth root. This condition can make teeth appear longer and may cause increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or acidic foods and drinks. Recession can result from aggressive brushing, but it’s often a sign of periodontal disease.
Your general dentist may recommend periodontal treatment if routine cleanings and improved oral hygiene haven’t resolved your symptoms. Deep cleaning procedures, also called scaling and root planing, may be necessary to remove tartar and bacteria from below the gum line.
Depending on the severity of your gum disease, you may require more advanced treatments, such as the following:
These procedures require advanced training and equipment of our experienced, trusted periodontal practice. With our gentle, personalized care and early intervention, you can protect your natural teeth and restore your oral health.
If you’re experiencing any warning signs of gum disease, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Early evaluation and treatment can help protect your oral health and preserve your smile for years to come. We provide comprehensive periodontal care using the latest techniques and technology, ensuring comfortable and effective treatment for all our patients.
Dr. Daniel Reich brings exceptional credentials to your periodontal care as a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and current Director and Associate Professor of Periodontics at Touro College of Dental Medicine. We combine clinical excellence with cutting-edge research to provide the highest level of care. Contact Middlesex Periodontics & Dental Implants, PC today at 732-257-7300 or complete our contact form to discuss your periodontal health and discover the best treatment for your unique needs.
