Lorenzo has had issues with red and bleeding gums in the past. Recently, his teeth have become loose and longer. He then casually lost two teeth while eating a soft muffin. This suggests he may have periodontal disease, which can be diagnosed through dental x-rays, probing of the gums, and genetic testing to check for predisposition.

1. LORENZO HAS HAD SEVERAL ISSUES, IN
THE PAST, WITH RED AND BLEEDING
GINGIVAL TISSUE. OVER THE LAST FEW
MONTHS HE NOTICES THAT HIS TEETH
SEEM TO BE GETTING ‘LONGER’, AS
WELL AS BEING LOOSE. ONE MORNING
HE BITES INTO A SOFT MUFFIN AND
TWO OF HIS TEETH CASUALLY FALL
OUT.

2. What would you diagnose Lorenzo
with?

3. What tests can be done to prove your
diagnosis?

4. DISEASE DETERMINATION
-DENTAL PANORAMIC X-RAY
-PROBING OF GUM TISSUE
-IDENTIFY ORAL HEALTH OF PAST/PRESENT
-GENETIC TESTING (PREDISPOSAL OF DISEASE) USING DNA-PCR OF SALIVA

6. http://researchnet.org

7. Journal of Applied Oral Science
Print version ISSN 1678-7757On-line version ISSN
1678-7765

8. Have you gums ever bled after brushing or
flossing?

9. PREVENTION
• Can be genetically related, testing can be done by DNA-PCR of the
saliva
• Brushing 2x daily, for two minutes each time minimum
• Flossing daily, BEFORE brushing
• Early Diagnosis: Gingivitis occurs before Periodontal Disease, and
often leads to the disease. Bleeding of the gums after flossing and
brushing is not something that should be taken lightly. This early
stage can be reversed with prompt, optimal oral health. However,
once the bacterial is spread to the bone, there is no reversal or cure.

10. -Antimicrobial mouth rinse,
chlorhexidine
-Enzyme suppressant, doxycycline.
Keeps destructive enzymes in check
from breaking down the gum tissue.
-Flap surgery
-Bone and tissue graft
-Dentures (Approx. $300-5000, per plate.
Dependent on a number of factors)
-Dental Implants (Approx. $1000-3000, per tooth.
TREATMENTS