What is a Periodontal Screening and How Important is it?

In order to ensure their oral health is maintained, people should regularly visit their periodontist in Toronto to undergo a periodontal screening. A periodontal screening, coupled with a routine oral examination, can help detect and prevent gingivitis and periodontitis, both of which are chronic inflammatory diseases.

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is quite prevalent among adults, and is known to be linked to many health conditions, including diabetes and heart conditions, such as heart disease and stroke. Gum disease (periodontitis) can be a result from a number of different factors, such as poor or hygiene, poor dietary habits, genetics, and smoking, to name a few.

So What Is a Periodontal Screening?

A periodontal screening is essentially an examination conducted by a periodontist in Toronto, that helps assess the appearance and texture of one’s gum tissues. This screening involves a thorough analysis of your gums (probing) and radiographs (x-rays) and may even involve the dentist or hygienist asking questions related to one’s overall health or family history. Typically, but not always, gum disease is associated with puffy, red, and bleeding gums, and with a periodontal screening the dentist can determine by probing the gums, any presence of bleeding, plaque and calculus deposits, which may be present within the depths of the pockets of one’s gums.

How Important Is a Periodontal Screening?

A periodontal screening is essential for preventing serious irrevocable oral issues, such as loose teeth, bone loss, and even tooth loss. Having regular visits with your dentist and undergoing periodontal screening for gum disease can help prevent the progression of existing periodontitis and can assist your dentist with providing you the necessary treatments needed due to the damage caused by gum disease. Early detection of gum disease can prevent one from having to go through much more invasive procedures, such as surgical procedures to repair extensive damage from serious periodontitis.

Nobody typically enjoys going to the dentist, but neglecting to go for regular oral checkups and cleanings can have a very detrimental effect on your health, and can even shorten your lifespan if neglected for a great period of time. If you don’t have a Periodontist in Toronto yet, consider a reputable periodontal clinic, such as Cumberland Periodontics.