Have you ever wondered why the dentist and hygienist are always poking at your gums? Do they bleed? What is that pointy probe and what are those numbers they are calling out? Well an important part of a comprehensive dental exam is a tooth by tooth periodontal check. This is done with an instrument called a periodontal probe that is designed to check the attachment of the tooth to the jaw bone. This exam gives us more than just information on your gums and teeth, it can also be a good indicator of your health in general.
The dentist calls out or charts a series of numbers ranging from 1 – 10+. These are millimeter increments that translate to either a healthy mouth or a diseased mouth. Usually 1 – 3 mm is considered good or healthy, 4 mm is borderline, and anything 5 mm and higher is classified as a periodontal pocket or disease. This is important because bacteria like to hide under the gums and can do some serious damage in these pockets. These bugs can make the gums bleed, cause inflammation/infection, and eventually tooth loss. Worse still, many studies have linked periodontal disease to many other potentially deadly health issues. Here at Cumming Dental Care we identify our patients that have periodontal disease and partner with them through a series of treatment to get back to a healthy mouth state. This could also require collaboration with a periodontist.
Periodontal disease can lead to coronary artery (heart) disease, stroke, diabetes, some forms of arthritis, and cancer if left untreated. All of these conditions are complex in nature but do have some similarities. Inflammation caused from toxins found in the blood stream can do a lot of damage to organs and systems of the body. Many times these toxins are a derivative of the same bacteria found in the mouth. Simply chewing food or a piece of gum can stir up quite a problem in a mouth with periodontal disease. It is estimated that about 1/3 of adults over 50 have some level of periodontal disease.
The good news is that most diseases in the mouth, including gum disease, are preventable. Scheduling regular check-ups, good oral hygiene, and proper brushing/flossing techniques are big contributors to a healthy mouth. Our hygienists here at Cumming Dental Care can instruct you on proper brushing techniques and oral hygiene. If it has been a while since you have had a professional cleaning (remember it is advised to come in every 6 months for a healthy mouth and every 3 -4 months for periodontal treatment), call our office at 770-889-1990 or schedule online http://www.cummingdentalcare.com to have a thorough exam. It could save more than your teeth!