Reasons for a Comprehensive Periodontal Exam

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) recommends a person undergo a comprehensive periodontal examination each year. A Dentist Fort Collins CO can assess a person’s periodontal health. The dentist can also identify dental conditions that can cause long-term pain or health issues later. These dental issues include three stages of gum disease that a person can develop but are preventable.

What is a Comprehensive Periodontal Examination?

A comprehensive periodontal exam is one way a dentist can assess a health of their gums, teeth and bite. They check the amount of plaque on teeth and/or the gum line. They also study a patient’s bone structure. In addition, they check for other risk factors to determine your overall dental health.

Gingivitis is a Condition that Causes Plaque on the Gum Line

Another thing that a dentist looks for during the examination is gingivitis. Gingivitis is a condition where the gums become inflamed around the gum line. The inflammation is caused by plaque that is not removed. The plague is typically removed by flossing and brushing. Gums become swollen and may start bleeding. This is often noticed when brushing teeth. Untreated gingivitis can develop into another periodontal disease.

Periodontitis is the Second-Most Common Periodontal Disease

Periodontitis is similar to gingivitis is also caused by bacterial plaque around the gum line. It can cause loss of both bone and teeth and can develop into gingivitis. Signs of periodontitis includes bleeding, red and swollen gums. The gum pocket, located around the tooth, may form. This formation allows more bacteria to enter the gums. Tarter can also move deeper into the gum line.

Not everyone who has gingivitis will develop periodontitis. However, risk factors can increase the changes of a person developing the dental condition. These risks include genetics, poor oral hygiene, smoking and obesity. Diabetes also may cause a person with gingivitis to develop periodontitis. Untreated periodontitis can lead to developing some medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease.

The Examination Checks for Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is inflammation and infections in the bone and gums that support a person’s teeth. This oral disease has many stages that often goes unnoticed until it is too late. The periodontal disease can cause the gum to pull away from the teeth. This causes a person’s teeth to fall out or need to be removed. The warning signs of periodontal disease includes bad breath, tender gums and bleeding gums.

Discuss Having a Comprehensive Periodontal Examination with a Dentist

The way to prevent gum diseases include flossing. Also, brush teeth with an antibacterial toothpaste. Use a mouthwash to kill bacteria in and around the gums. Visit the dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings. The AAP leaves the decision of whether to have a comprehensive periodontal examination to the dentist and patient. The purpose of the examination is to maintain oral health. A person who does undergo this examination should ask the dentist any questions about the evaluation and explain any oral health concerns.

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