1. Which of the items below are risk factors for gum disease (periodontitis)?
a. Pregnancy
b. Overbite
c. Diabetes
d. Genetics
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. Loose teeth
d. Swollen gums
3. Which of the following are possible health concerns 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 services 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. Kirby of Vaca & Kirby Dental in Longview. 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 dilemmas with your gums or teeth, I invite you to call 903-663-0861 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 Vaca & Kirby Dental:
903-663-0861
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
3121 H G Mosley Pkwy
Longview, Texas
85605
