How Much Do You Know About Gum Disease?

1. Which of the things listed below are risk factors for gum disease (periodontitis)?

a. Pregnancy
b. Overbite
c. Diabetes
d. Heredity

2. Which of the following are possible signs of gum disease?

a. Teeth that seem to be longer
b. A change in the way dentures fit
c. Bad breath
d. Swollen gums

3. Which of the items below are possible health problems linked to untreated gum disease?

a. Asthma
b. Low birth weight babies
c. Parkinson’s disease
d. Stroke

4. What percentage of men and women age 65+ have gum disease?

a. 5%
b. 12%
c. 25%
d. 50%

5. Which of the following treatments 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 Dentist Brian Kruchoski of Alaska Premier Dental Group in Anchorage. Gum disease usually responds successfully 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 907-337-0404 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 Alaska Premier Dental Group:

6611 DeBarr Rd, Ste 100 and 200
Anchorage, Alaska 99504
Phone: 907-337-0404

865 N Seward Meridian Parkway, Suite #201
Wasilla, Alaska 99654
Phone: 907-373-5930