Teeth
Gum disease
Periodontal Disease Self-Assessment:
How to know if you have it. by Dr. Susan Maples
Q. A.
Can gum disease affect my general health and how do I know if I have it?
Current medical research has helped us to understand the close connections between the health of the mouth and the rest of your body. For instance: • Gum inflammation is a prime risk factor for heart disease, heart attack, hypertension and stroke • Dangerous oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and migrate to infect your heart and other vital organs. • Gum inflammation is also linked to Alzheimer’s disease,diabetes, kidney disease, colon cancer and osteoporosis. • Gum inflammation puts pregnant women at risk of preterm, low-birth weight babies and threatens other fetal complica tions.
Your dentist can provide a comprehensive periodontal examination that includes: “pocket” measuring around the neck of each tooth, an assessment of the inflammation in the tissue, gum recession measurements, mobility testing, and necessary x-rays—all to evaluate bone loss and gum tissue breakdown. Your exam may also include medical lab tests such as 1) Genetic tests to see of your body has a heightened sensitivity to inflammation, 2) Bacterial DNA tests to identify the specific bacteria involved in your gum infection, and 3) Blood tests for systemic or general inflammation (C-reactive protein or CRP). Your dentist must also consider compromising health factors that may predispose you to an increased risk of gum disease. Meanwhile, let me offer you a simple self-assessment tool that might help.
Scoring: Yes=2 points, Occasionally=1 point, No=0 points _____Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss? _____Do your gums appear red (Do they match your lips rather than your skin)? _____Do you suffer from bad breath? _____Do you have any loose teeth or teeth that have shifted? _____Do you smoke? _____Are there areas on your gums that ever get swollen or sore? _____Do you get food wedged between your teeth? _____Do you see exposed roots at the gumline? _____Are your teeth sensitive to cold temperatures? _____Have you ever been told you have “gingivitis”, “bone loss”, “gum disease”? _____Has it been more than a year since your last professional dental cleaning? _____Have your parents or siblings lost teeth due to periodontal disease? Score total points: 0-3 unlikely host of periodontal disease: learn more about prevention; 4-7 low suspicion of localized periodontal disease/ inflammation: seek consultation; 8-11 moderate suspicion of generalized disease: seek consultation; 12+ high suspicion of generalized disease: get immediate attention
Our team would like to recognize Dr Susan and her team for these two prestigious national recognitions!
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Healthy & Fit • www.healthyandfitmagazine.com
FEBRUARY 2013
