{"id":1402,"date":"2022-10-19T11:22:35","date_gmt":"2022-10-19T11:22:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dental.dev\/farless\/?p=1402"},"modified":"2022-10-19T11:26:24","modified_gmt":"2022-10-19T11:26:24","slug":"annual-comprehensive-periodontal-evaluation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gsodentist.com\/annual-comprehensive-periodontal-evaluation\/","title":{"rendered":"Protect Your Oral Health With an Annual Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/a> (CDC), 47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease, the more serious form of gum disease, results from infections and inflammation of the gums and bones surrounding the teeth. Though periodontal disease is more common in men than women, it is a risk for everyone and remains one of the greatest threats to your dental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation can keep gum disease at bay. <\/h1>\n\n\n\n

When we think about our oral health, we often think about our teeth and stop at that. But our oral health includes our gums as well. If you have shown signs of gum disease<\/a>, you may need more than a trip to your dentist every six months for a dental cleaning and oral evaluation. A visit to a periodontist for an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation may be in order to assess your risk of periodontal disease and determine whether treatment for periodontal disease is necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During your evaluation, the following six areas will be assessed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Teeth <\/li>
  2. Plaque <\/li>
  3. Gums<\/li>
  4. Bite<\/li>
  5. Bone structure<\/li>
  6. Risk factors <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    After these areas have been assessed, your dentist or periodontist will review the findings with you and discuss any necessary treatment. At this time, you will be encouraged to ask questions to ensure you understand what was discovered and to make sure you are on board with the recommended next steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What are the signs of periodontal disease?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Our patients often ask us what signs they should be on the lookout for that might indicate the presence<\/a> of periodontal disease. Though your dentist will do a cursory look for these issues during your oral evaluation at your appointment every six months, oftentimes patients will notice these issues before that next appointment comes up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Red or swollen gums<\/li>
    2. Tender or bleeding gums<\/li>
    3. Halitosis (bad breath) that doesn\u2019t go away when you brush your teeth or rinse with mouthwash<\/li>
    4. Pain when chewing<\/li>
    5. Loose teeth<\/li>
    6. Sensitive teeth<\/li>
    7. Gum recession (gums that have pulled away from your teeth)<\/li>
    8. A change in the way your dentures fit, making them loose or less comfortable than the way they were before<\/li>
    9. A change in the way your teeth come together when you bite down<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Who is at risk for periodontal disease?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Many factors can increase your risk of developing periodontal disease. If any of these factors apply to you, it is critical to share them with your dentist or periodontist to ensure that they can appropriately diagnose your illness and provide the best treatment plan possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      1. Diabetes<\/li>
      2. Use of tobacco products<\/li>
      3. Poor oral hygiene (be sure to brush your teeth twice a day, floss once daily, and rinse once a day with a fluoridated mouthwash)<\/li>
      4. Stress<\/li>
      5. Heredity (if your family members before you have had periodontal disease, you may be at greater risk)<\/li>
      6. Crooked or misaligned teeth (crooked teeth make it harder to brush between, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum recession)<\/li>
      7. Defective fillings<\/li>
      8. Immunodeficiencies<\/li>
      9. Various medications that cause dry mouth<\/li>
      10. Poor fitting dental bridges  <\/li>
      11. Hormonal changes in females such as pregnancy or the use of oral contraceptives <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        The Long-term Risks of Periodontitis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        Unfortunately, failure to control your periodontitis (periodontal disease) can lead to various other dental and medical concerns. As bacteria in your mouth continue to grow and fester, they can work their way into your bloodstream, traveling throughout your body and causing further problems. The same bacteria that causes tooth decay has been found in the plaque in your arteries, which also contributes to heart disease. In fact, periodontal disease is closely tied to many full-body illnesses such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n