Talking to Your Health Care Provider about Periodontal Disease

by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD

You have a unique medical history. Therefore, it is essential to talk with your doctor, health care provider, or dentist about your personal risk factors and/or experience with periodontal disease. By talking openly and regularly with your health care provider, you can take an active role in your care.

General Tips for Gathering Information

Here are some tips that will make it easier for you to talk to your health care provider:

Bring someone else with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask.
Write out your questions ahead of time, so you don't forget them.
Write down the answers you get, and make sure you understand what you are hearing. Ask for clarification, if necessary.
Don't be afraid to ask your questions or ask where you can find more information about what you are discussing. You have a right to know.

Specific Questions to Ask Your Dentist

About Periodontal Disease

What symptoms might suggest that I have periodontal disease?
Do you always check for periodontal disease at my regular dental check ups?
What methods do you use to monitor me for the development of periodontal disease?
What type of toothbrush do you suggest I use?
Do you recommend a particular type of toothpaste?
What should I use to clean between my teeth?
Should I use a fluoride mouth rinse?
How frequently should I undergo cleanings and checkups?

About Your Risk of Developing Periodontal Disease

How likely am I to develop periodontal disease?
Are there times in my life when I am at higher risk?
During higher risk periods, should I take any special precautions?
I�d like to get pregnant. What kinds of things should I know about periodontal disease and pregnancy?
If I get pregnant, what risks does periodontal disease pose to my baby?

About Treatment Options

Do you recommend that I see a periodontist?
Would antibiotic treatment help?
Should I take antibiotics by mouth, or use one of the methods that apply the antibiotic close to the area of periodontal disease?
Is my periodontal disease severe enough that I need to undergo scaling and planing?
Might I need a surgical procedure?

About Lifestyle Changes

Should I stop smoking?
Can you help provide me with information about programs/devices that might help me stop smoking?
Can you help me learn how to eat nutritiously?
Should I change my toothbrushing/flossing regimen?
Could you or your dental hygienist watch me brush/floss, and teach me the most effective techniques?

About Outlook

If I have periodontal disease, how can I stop its development?
Might I lose teeth?
Could I have any other complications from periodontal disease?
What�s the latest information about the possible connection between periodontal disease and heart disease?

SOURCES:

American Academy of Periodontology

American Dental Association

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

Last reviewed October 2004 by Judy Logan, MD, MS

All EBSCO Publishing consumer health and medical information found on this site is accredited by URAC. URAC's Health Web Site Accreditation Program requires compliance with 53 rigorous standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audits.

Previous | Next

�