Diagnosis of periodontal diseases

Diagnosis of periodontal diseases

Diagnosis of periodontal diseases is made by the dentist, on the regular dental examination. However, the existence of one or more of the following symptoms is an important reason for someone to seek a periodontal assessment:

  1. gums that bleed easily, during teeth brushing
  2. red, swollen or sensitive gums
  3. gums that have been migrated apically or have been detached from the tooth
  4. persistent mal-odor
  5. suppuration between the teeth and gums
  6. loose teeth attachments with mobility
  7. teeth occlusion change when biting
  8. one or more teeth position has changed during last months in the dental arch

If there is a family member with periodontal problem (familial predisposition):

Modern research data suggests routine periodontal examination in families whose members have periodontal problems.
There is a genetic correlation between the size and extent of the periodontal tissues destruction, affected by periodontopathogenic bacteria. Moreover, the microbes of the oral flora can easily be transmitted to family members.

In case of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, renal disorder, epilepsy or osteoporosis:

Research findings indicate that periodontal disease may be associated with these pathologies. Periodontopathogenic bacteria can travel through the bloodstream and threaten other organs. It has been shown that periodontal patients have an increased risk of vascular atherosclerosis, acute myocardial infarction, insulin resistance. Thus, gums health is much affected by all these disorders. Furthermore, literature reports regarding pregnancy and periodontal disease support that mothers with severe periodontal problems have an increased tendency to deliver premature or low weight babies, while the pre-existing periodontal disease is exacerbated during pregnancy.
Generally, healthy gums help to have a healthier body.

If you feel that your teeth are very short giving a gummy smile, or very long, just visit your dentist or your periodontist for a routine clinical examination. You can also ask for clinical examination and a treatment plan from your practitioner, in case you lost one or more teeth, or if you are not satisfied with the existing restorative rehabilitation (i.e. bridge, denture, etc.), or even if you want to replace missing teeth with implants.

Moreover, If you have a mouth wound, ulcer or irritation that does not improve during some 2 weeks period of time you can also visit your practitioner.