How Much Do You Know About Gum Disease?

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

a. Pregnancy
b. Underbite
c. Diabetes
d. Genetics

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

a. Teeth that appear longer
b. A change in the way dentures fit
c. Bleeding gums
d. Inflamed gums

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

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

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

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

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

a. Scaling and root planing
b. Gum grafting
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 notice any symptoms.
3. a,b,d.
4. c.
5. a,b,c.

Hi, I’m Drs. Blaisdell of Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise. 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 208-377-9696 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