How Much Do You Know About Gum Disease? - Advanced Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry, Gum Disease / August 18, 2017 by backup

1. Which of the items below are risk factors for gum disease (periodontitis)?

a. Pregnancy
b. Overbite
c. Diabetes
d. Family history

2. Which of the things listed below are possible signs of gum disease?

a. Teeth that appear to be longer
b. A change in the way dentures fit
c. Loose teeth
d. Swollen gums

3. Which of the things listed below are possible health matters linked to untreated gum disease?

a. Asthma
b. Low birth weight babies
c. Parkinson’s disease
d. Stroke

4. What percentage of people age 65+ have gum disease?

a. 5%
b. 12%
c. 25%
d. 50%

5. Which of the following protocols are used for gum disease?

a. Scaling and root planing
b. Gum grafts
c. Flap surgery
d. Flip surgery

Answers
1. All of the above. Pregnancy, menopause, or any other condition that causes hormonal changes is a risk factor as is any type of malocclusion.
2. All of the above. Note: some patients don’t observe any symptoms.
3. a,b,d.
4. c.
5. a,b,c.

Hi, I’m Dr. McKay of Advanced Cosmetic & Laser Dentistry in Seattle. Gum disease usually responds well to treatment—especially if caught early. If you haven’t seen a dentist in a while, or have been noticing problems with your gums or teeth, I invite you to call 206-381-3055 today to schedule an appointment.

Sources:
John Donavan, “5 Things You Didn’t Know About Your Teeth,” WebMD, December 15, 2015, http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-your-teeth#3, accessed March 20, 2017
“Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments,” National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/GumDiseases/PeriodontalGumDisease.htm, accessed March 20, 2017
“Diseases and Conditions Periodontitis,” Mayo Clinic, February 4, 2014, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/basics/risk-factors/con-20021679, accessed March 20, 2017