Among the many issues that can arise with oral health, the health of the gums is not to be taken lightly. In fact, according to the dentists at New Britain, CT-based Gladstein Dental Center, gum disease is present in approximately half of American adults over the age of 30, and this condition can lead to a host of other dental issues. This is why the practice’s lead dentist, Dr. Eric L. Gladstein, DMD, MAGD, recommends annual periodontal exams to patients.

But what do periodontal exams entail? Let’s learn a little more about the procedure:

• What The Dentist Is Looking For: First and foremost, these examinations allow your dentist to see if gum diseases are present. They’ll be able to catch cases of gingivitis, which is the first stage of full-blown periodontitis, or inflammation of the gums. In addition, other conditions like receding gum line, exposed roots, and tooth grinding can be caught.
• How It’s Conducted: Basically, the dentist will divide your set of teeth into six sections to help focus their approach. The dentist will go through each one and measure the size of the gap between gum and tooth using a special tool. Put simply, the larger the gap, the more likely there’s some kind of issue.
• Long-Term Implications: If gum issues aren’t taken care of, you might end up with more significant issues, including tooth loss and a reduction in the jaw bone. Also, recent research has linked the health of gums to other chronic inflammatory conditions, including diabetes, respiratory issues, and even cardiovascular problems. 

Ultimately, a periodontal exam can end up becoming a lynchpin procedure that’ll help improve your overall health. If you’re in the New Britain area, there’s no better team to take care of your smile than the one at Gladstein Dental Center.

Learn more about periodontal exams, extractions, checkups, cleanings, and other restorative and cosmetic dental work at this practice by visiting their website or calling (860) 223-1162. You can also keep up with the dental team on Facebook.