Flabby Gums are Worse than Flabby Abs
Since I recently wrote about the connection between gum disease and oral cancer, I thought I'd write a little about the assessment of gum health during routine hygiene appointments. Part of a regular dental visit includes the dentist reading off a set of numbers while pointing at your teeth.
That assessment is a quick check of gum health and ranges from 1 mm to 9 mm. Teeth with a reading between 1 and 3 mm is healthy, 4 mm are a warning, and anything over 5 mm is clinically significant. The millimeter reading refers to the space, called pocket, between the gum and the tooth/root. The larger the pocket, the more dental attention the mouth may need as the pocket is likely to catch food particles that can lead to inflammation and infection.
If the dentist finds teeth with a reading above 4 mm, they will normally recommend a deeper cleaning to help alleviate the possible infection in hopes of leading to healing. Additionally, it may be recommended that the patient come in for regular check-ups and cleanings every three months until the gum pockets have improved.
Gum disease and tooth decay cause up to 90% of tooth loss, according to the American Dental Association. Although it is common, it is easily preventable by regular brushing and flossing as well as regular dental exams. A few minutes of brushing and flossing a day can save hours of time needed for more intense dental treatment as well as the expenses associated with gum disease and tooth loss.
Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/01/150126124443.htm
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
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