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Tests and diagnosis

By Mayo Clinic staff

Diagnosis of periodontitis is generally simple. Diagnosis is based on your description of symptoms and an exam of your mouth. Your dentist will look for plaque and tartar buildup and check for easy bleeding.

To check the health of your gum tissue, your dentist may use a metal probe to measure the depth of the gingival sulcus, the groove between your gums and your teeth. The probe is inserted beside your tooth beneath your gumline, usually at several sites throughout your mouth. The measurements can help determine how severe your periodontitis is.

Treatments and drugs Preparing for your appointment
References
  1. What is gum disease? Association of General Dentistry. http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=G&iid=324&aid=1251. Accessed Aug. 24, 2010.
  2. De Oliveira C, et al. Toothbrushing, inflammation and risk of cardiovascular disease: Results from Scottish Health Survey. British Medical Journal. 2010;340:2451. http://www.bmj.com/content/340/bmj.c2451.full.pdf. Accessed Aug. 23, 2010.
  3. Periodontal (gum) disease: Causes, symptoms and treatments. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/GumDiseases/PeriodontalGumDisease.htm. Accessed Aug. 24, 2010.
  4. Wilder RS, et al. Gingivitis and periodontitis in adults: Classification and dental treatment. http://www.uptodate.com. Accessed Aug. 27, 2010.
  5. How to keep a healthy smile for life. American Academy of Periodontology. http://www.perio.org/consumer/smileforlife.htm. Accessed Aug. 24, 2010.
  6. Gonsalves WC, et al. Common oral conditions in older persons. American Family Physician. 2008;78:845.
  7. Mouth-body connection. American Academy of Periodontology. http://www.perio.org/consumer/mbc.top2.htm. Accessed Aug. 23, 2010.
  8. Pocket depth reduction. American Academy of Periodontology. http://www.perio.org/consumer/pocket.htm. Accessed Aug. 24, 2010.
  9. Soft tissue grafts. American Academy of Periodontology. http://www.ada.org/2624.aspx. Accessed Aug 27, 2010.
  10. Cleaning your teeth and gums. American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/2624.aspx. Accessed Aug. 27, 2010.
  11. Gum disease and diabetes. American Academy of Periodontology. http://www.perio.org/consumer/mbc.diabetes.htm. Accessed Aug. 31, 2010.
  12. Gum disease and respiratory diseases. American Academy of Periodontology. http://www.perio.org/consumer/mbc.respiratory.htm. Accessed Aug. 31, 2010.
  13. Esposito M, et al. Enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain) for periodontal tissue regeneration in intrabony defects. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2010:CD003875.
DS00369 Nov. 23, 2010

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