Category Archives: Periodontics
Periodontal Disease Risk Assessment
Are You at Risk for Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria that collect on teeth and in the space between the tooth and the gum.
If left untreated, periodontal disease results in the destruction of the bone that supports the teeth. It is the major cause of tooth loss in adults.
The following questions may help you determine if you are at higher risk for periodontal disease:
Do you have diabetes that requires you to take insulin? If YES, give yourself 20 points.
Do you smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day? If YES, give yourself 20 points.
Do you have diabetes but are not required to take insulin? If YES, give yourself 10 points.
If you have been treated for periodontal disease, do you return to the dentist as often as recommended? If NO, give yourself 10 points.
Have you lost a tooth in the last three years due to periodontal disease? If YES, give yourself 09 points.
Do you have your teeth cleaned at least once a year by a dentist or a dental hygienist? If NO, give yourself 7 points.
Do you brush your teeth at least once a day? If NO, give yourself 4 points.
Do you clean between your teeth with dental floss or an interproximal brush at least once a day? If NO, give yourself 4 points.
Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth? If YES, give yourself 4 points.
Are you over 50 years old? If YES, give yourself 4 points.
Do your gums hurt when you brush or floss your teeth? If YES, give yourself 3 points.
Have you noticed your gums receding (shrinking)? If YES, give yourself 3 points.
Do sensitive teeth keep you from brushing as often as you’d like? If YES, give yourself 2 points.
Now, total up your points
If your score is 15 points or more you may be at higher risk for developing periodontal disease. An effective way to help prevent periodontal disease is to brush and floss daily, to stop smoking, and to have regular professional cleanings and periodic evaluations by your dentist.
See your dentist and discuss your self-assessment.
More information on periodontal disease is available from the American Academy of Periodontology and the American Dental Association.
Please be advised that the information contained in this guideline is intended for general knowledge only and is not a substitute for dental or medical advice for this or any other specific dental or medical condition, or other advice from dentists or doctors.
Diabetes: Dental Tips
Tell your dentist you have diabetes and ask him or her to show you how to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
- People will diabetes get gum disease more often than people who do not have diabetes. Gum infections can make it hard to control blood sugar. Once a gum infection starts, it can take a long time to heal. If the infection is sever, teeth can loosen or even fall out. Good blood sugar control can prevent gum problems.
- Keeping your own teeth is important for healthy eating. Natural teeth help you chew foods better and easier than you can with dentures. Because infections can make gums sore and uneven, dentures may not fit right. Be sure to tell your dentist if your dentures hurt.
- Take good care of your teeth and gums. At least twice a day, brush your teeth with a soft bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use dental floss every day to clean between the teeth.
- If your gums bleed while you are brushing your teeth or eating, or a bad taste stays in your mouth, go to the dentist. Tell your dentist about any other changes you see, such as white patches, in your mouth.
And be sure to have a dental check up at least every 6 months!
