Importance of Periodontal Screenings

By Joshua Anderson, DDS

Renova Smiles

. http://www.renovasmiles.com/

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Importance of Periodontal Screenings

Gums that are red, tender, or swollen may indicate periodontal (gum) disease. However, you can have periodontal disease without knowing it. That's why it's important for your dentist to perform a periodontal screening.

Many dentists use the Periodontal Screening and Recording (PSR) technique. Using this technique, your dentist or dental hygienist will use a probe to measure the depth of the space in the pockets between the teeth and gums. A depth of three millimeters or less is generally considered normal. A depth of four millimeters or more could signal periodontal disease.

If gum disease is suspected, your dentist may begin treatment, or refer you to a gum disease specialist, called a periodontist. Early detection is key. Brush twice a day, floss once a day, and visit your dentist regularly to help prevent gum disease.

If left untreated, gum disease has been shown to have a close relationship to heart disease and stroke

Heart Disease

Several studies have shown that periodontal disease is associated with heart disease. While a cause-and-effect relationship has not yet been proven, research has indicated that periodontal disease increases the risk of heart disease.

Scientists believe that inflammation caused by periodontal disease may be responsible for the association.

Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions. Patients at risk for infective endocarditis may require antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Your periodontist and cardiologist will be able to determine if your heart condition requires use of antibiotics prior to dental procedures.

Stroke

Additional studies have pointed to a relationship between periodontal disease and stroke. In one study that looked at the causal relationship of oral infection as a risk factor for stroke, people diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia were found more likely to have an oral infection when compared to those in the control group.

Risk Factors

The main cause of periodontal disease is plaque, but other factors affect the health of your gums, including

• Age
• Smoking/Tobacco Use
• Genetics
• Stress
• Medications
• Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth
• Other Systemic Diseases
• Poor Nutrition and Obesity

Make an appointment with your dentist today to find out if you're at risk for gum disease.