- How common is perio disease? |
- What is periodontal disease? |
- What causes perio disease? |
- Whats the big deal if I lose a tooth? |
- How can gum disease be prevented? |
- Is there anything else that can affect periodontal disease? |
- What are the signs of gum disease? |
- How is gum disease diagnosed?
During an exam, the dentist or hygienist inspects the color and firmness of the gums. Teeth are tested for looseness. The bite is checked. At some point, a small measuring instrument - actually its a millimeter ruler - is gently inserted between the tooth and gum to measure the depth of the pockets. If the depths are greater than the norm of 1-3 millimeters, improved oral hygiene measures and more deliberate therapy may be suggested. This "periodontal" exam should be done at frequent intervals for all adults, especially when there is a history of periodontal disease in the immediate family (like a parent needing dentures by age forty).
X-rays should be taken at appropriate times to evaluate changes in the bone supporting the teeth. X-rays also reveal dental decay and can be useful in detecting a variety of abnormalities.