Q: What causes your gums to turn white?

A: You could have some viral or bacterial lesions in your mouth. A Laser trained Periodontist should exam you and determine what the white areas are. This could also be caused by medications and tobacco.

Q: What to do when you have an itchy palate (roof of mouth)?

A: You could have a food allergy or sensitivity to certain foods such as citrus or certain spices.  You should also check the toothpaste and mouth rinses you might be using. Do you smoke?

I would also advise having a Periodontist or your general dentist do a full exam to verify that there isn’t any pathology.

Q: Does good oral hygiene really have something to do with heart disease?

A: If you can maintain excellent oral hygiene, then your chances of developing periodontal or gum disease is reduced. If that happens, there is less of a chance that the “bad” bacteria will do any damage to your heart and blood vessels.

Q: From whom should I seek help about jaw bone erosion: a regular dentist or a periodontist?

A: I would suggest seeing a Periodontist if you are referring to bone loss around your teeth or edentulous ridges where you are missing teeth. Once a diagnosis is made, then the Periodontist can refer you to a restorative dentist with whom he can work in implementing a treatment plan appropriate for your situation.

Q: Sometimes when I eat or drink the roof of my mouth hurts. Does that mean gum disease?

A: If you have discomfort on the roof of your mouth, you should be seen by a qualified dentist or specialist for consultation. It doesn’t necessarily mean you have gum disease, but it might be indicative of something else. Please seek a consultation.

Q: Is gum swelling linked to other diseases of the body?

A: Numerous diseases can affect the gums, and vice versa. I would suggest a consultation with a Periodontist to see if you have gum disease and whether a consult with your physician is indicated.

Q: How common is gum disease or mouth cancer from smokeless tobacco?

A: Mouth cancer and gum disease are associated with smokeless tobacco. There are numerous studies that show this risk. My suggestion: QUIT!

Q: Can gum disease be associated with a toothache?

A: A toothache can be associated with an infected gum. I would suggest a consultation with a qualified dentist or specialist to determine the cause of the pain.

Q: I have severe tooth decay from GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) and several chronic illnesses. Should I get all my teeth pulled? I have diabetes, hypertension, GERD, and have had five back surgeries. I developed gum disease, presumably because of my diabetes and not being able to get treatment.

A: I would suggest consultations with a Periodontist and a restorative dentist to get a treatment plan.

Q: Is there a connection between heart disease and gum disease? My dentist is treating me for gum disease, and mentioned that there may be a link between heart disease and gum disease. Is this true? Do I have to worry about heart disease now as well as about losing my teeth?

A: Yes, it’s true. There have numerous studies showing an association between unstable gum disease and heart disease.

Q: What is relationship of gum and heart disease?

A: There is a strong association between gum disease and heart disease. Many studies done in the US and in Europe have shown this consistently. If you have untreated or unstable gum disease, then you should get it under control to lessen the chances of having heart disease issues.

Q: How can gum disease give you heart disease?

A: Several studies have shown a strong association between untreated/unstable gum disease and cardiovascular disease. The bacteria present around the clogged arteries are similar to those found in gum disease.

Q: If you have gum disease while pregnant, will you deliver a healthy baby?

A: Studies have suggested that untreated periodontal (gum) disease elevates the risk of having a pre-term baby. This is why we try to treat all our female patients before pregnancy. Please seek the help of a laser trained periodontist if you are currently pregnant and have gum disease.

Q: What can I do to numb the tooth pain from gum disease and sinus pressure?

A: Are you under the care of a Periodontist? You shouldn’t be experiencing pain if you are under the care of a qualified specialist.

Q: Which gum disease leaves spots on the gums?

A: Spots on the gums can be from many things, including viruses, bacteria, infection, mucosal lesions, gum disease, systemic disease, malnutrition, stress, etc. As you can see, a consultation with an experienced laser trained periodontist would be smart move to get an accurate diagnosis.

Q: What disease causes the following symptoms: bleeding gums, loose teeth and swollen joints?

A: Bleeding gums and loose teeth are signs of gum disease. Swollen joints can be something systemic which might have nothing to do with the gum disease symptoms. I would suggest a consultation with your medical doctor and a Periodontist.

Q: What are the symptoms or signs of gum disease? I have a bump on the right side of my gums on my lower jaw. I have had it for a few years and it has gotten bigger over time. Very rarely it will cause immense pain (aching and throbbing) and form into a headache. It’s about the size of a pea.

A: I would have this checked immediately by an experienced laser periodontist (specialist) who has extensive knowledge in oral medicine. This bump can be caused by a number of different things, so even though it isn’t always painful, please do not ignore it. Get it checked out and treated ASAP.