February is Gum Disease Awareness Month and Connecticut periodontist Richard Amato, DDS, is recognizing it by spreading awareness of the importance of maintaining periodontal health to maintain overall health.
Gum disease affects oral tissues and is caused by bacteria that live on the tooth root under the gums. If left untreated, this bacteria cause chronic infection of the gums and eventually bone loss. To help patients recognize common signs of gum disease, Dr. Amato has created this easy gum health quiz.
Test your oral health! How many of these signs do you have?
Yes = 1 Point, No = 0 Points
Add them up to get your results. Good Luck!
- Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth?
- Have the spaces between your teeth changed recently?
- Do you have any loose teeth?
- Are your teeth sensitive to drinking cold water?
- Anyone ever told you that you have bad breath? (Add a point if it’s your significant other or good friend. Subtract a point if it’s your ex.)
- Any red, swollen or sensitive gums?
- Has a dentist or dental hygienist every told you that you have periodontitis (gum disease) or gingivitis (inflamed gums)?
- BONUS: Two point question! After you floss all your teeth and spit in the sink, do you see any ‘pink in the sink’?
Scoring
0: Are you a dentist?
1-2: Not bad, keep flossing!
3-4: Schedule a dental cleaning, floss every day for a week and take this test again to measure your progress.
5- 6: Sounds like trouble is brewing. Learn more about gum disease and your treatment options including laser gum disease therapy.
7-8: There are definitely problems that should be treated. If you live in Connecticut, call our office at 203-268-2000.
9-10: Run, don’t walk, to the phone and give us a call!
What Gum Disease Means for Your Health
If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss. It has also been linked to heart disease, diabetes, low birth weight babies, and some forms of cancer. Thankfully, gum disease treatment is now less invasive and more convenient than ever before. LANAP® is the first FDA-cleared laser dentistry protocol for the treatment of gum disease. It is a procedure in which a laser is used to target the harmful bacteria in gum tissue while leaving healthy gum tissue unharmed.
If based on your score you think you may have gum disease, Dr. Amato invites you to visit his periodontal office for a consultation. Dr. Amato is a recognized and respected periodontist and authority in cutting-edge gum disease treatment at his Monroe, CT practice, Advanced Periodontics and Dental Implant Center of Connecticut. Dr. Amato serves Northeast Fairfield County and the surrounding towns of Newtown, Danbury, Bethel, New Fairfield and Brookfield, CT. To learn more, please contact us at 203-268-2000.
