As part of your regular checkup, you will probably undergo a periodontal screening. This in-office examination is also known as a gum evaluation and is typically performed once per year. During the screening, your dentist will assess your overall dental health, using probes and other tools to analyze the space between the gums and teeth.
In a healthy mouth, a 2-3 millimetre pocket sits between the teeth and the gum line. Bacteria can indirectly cause this pocket to deepen. When the body detects bacterial overgrowth, it responds by sending white blood cells to prevent infection. This causes inflammation that can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth. Typically, good brushing and flossing habits will prevent periodontal disease from forming, but genetic factors and dietary habits can have an effect.
In its early stages, gum disease can be difficult to detect. The medical term for early periodontal disease is "gingivitis," and while some patients encounter chronic bad breath and tender gums, others notice few symptoms. Periodontal screenings help to identify gum issues before they become seriously problematic for the patient.
Periodontal screenings allow our professionals at Your Dental Office in Toronto, and Etobicoke, to identify the early signs of gum disease by measuring the depths of the pockets between the gums and teeth. This is a crucial part of your dental hygiene regimen, as periodontal disease is the leading preventable cause of tooth loss.
When caught early, gum disease can be treated easily in most cases with in-office cleanings and proper oral care at home. Advanced periodontal disease may require scaling, root planing, pocket reduction, and other regenerative procedures to reattach the gums to the tooth structure. Fortunately, regular screenings significantly reduce the need for periodontal surgeries and other serious dental interventions.
Every person should receive annual periodontal screenings regardless of age, diet, brushing habits, or other factors. Our team at Your Dental Office in Toronto, and Etobicoke, can provide comfortable, professional screenings as a part of your regular checkup. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!