1. Which of the things listed below are risk factors for gum disease (periodontitis)?
a. Pregnancy
b. Underbite
c. Diabetes
d. Genetic make-up
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. Bleeding gums
d. Tender gums
3. Which of the items below are possible health issues 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 methods are used for gum disease?
a. Scaling and root planing
b. Soft tissue 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 see any symptoms.
3. a,b,d.
4. c.
5. a,b,c.
Hi, I’m Dr. Cutbirth of Steven T. Cutbirth DDS in Waco. Gum disease usually responds favorably 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 254-772-5420 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
Contact Steven T. Cutbirth DDS:
254-772-5420
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1613 Lake Success Dr
Waco, Texas
76710