Dental Disease Management Based On Risk Assessment

In medicine it has been recognized for years that certain individuals are at a higher risk for certain diseases. It's no different in dentistry. For years you were told to brush and floss and see your dentist every six months. As if this blanket statement can be applied to everyone no matter your age, you health, your goals, or your risk level for developing disease. The fact is I see patients in my office who have not been to the dentist for years and don't have any problems. I also see patients who have been seeing their dentist regularly and always have problems. So what's really going on here?

Dental health or disease is determined by many factors. Genetics, the status of the immune system, the micro hardness of enamel, the anatomy of the teeth, the gum tissue type, the type and number of bacteria present in the mouth, salivary flow, diet, oral hygiene, the level of care received, and the patient commitment to their oral health.

It's important to first determine what dental diseases you are at risk for. Only then can a strategy be used to not only fix the current problems but help reduce your risk for future problems. The three main dental disease are gum and bone disease, tooth decay, and bite problems that accelerate the breakdown of your teeth. A thorough exam is the most important step in the process. From there we can develop a life long plan for your dental health.