Gum Disease Symptoms Are Not Primary Motivators for Treatment

Gum Disease Symptoms Are Not Primary Motivators for Treatment, Study Concludes

CHICAGO -- Periodontal (gum) disease symptoms are not the primary motivators for most people seeking treatment, concluded a study appearing in the March 1999 issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association. The two most common motivators reported were: "I was told I have gum disease" and "I would like to save my teeth." Neither of these is a true periodontitis symptom, according to lead-author Michael A. Brunsvold, DDS, associate professor, Department of Periodontics, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio. At least 60 percent of adults in the United States have moderate-to-severe gum disease, yet patient awareness and demand for periodontal treatment is generally low, said Dr. Brunsvold.

A national survey conducted in 1993, the authors said, confirmed a critical lack of recognition of periodontal disease by patients, even among those who already had symptoms.

"Based on this information, we believe that it is important to know what factors -- symptoms of the disease or other factors -- are successful in motivating patients to seek periodontal treatment," Dr. Brunsvold said. In the study, the authors examined dental records of 191 patients undergoing treatment in the Department of Periodontics at the University of Texas Health Science Center. They wanted to determine the patients' chief complaints (reasons) for having a periodontal examination.

Eighty percent of the patients diagnosed had moderate or moderate-to-severe periodontitis. Of the 336 chief complaints recorded, patients reported 21 different reasons for undergoing a periodontal examination. However, the top two reasons: "told they had gum disease (31.4 percent)" and "wanting to save their teeth (22 percent)" were not true periodontal symptoms. The third and fourth most reported reasons: "I have bleeding gums (20.4 percent)" and "My teeth hurt (15.2 percent)" are true periodontal symptoms, the authors said.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the following are gum disease symptoms: * gums that bleed when you brush your teeth * red, swollen or tender gums * gums that have pulled away from the teeth * bad breath that doesn't go away * pus between your teeth and gums * loose teeth * a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite * a change in the fit of partial dentures

In its most common form, periodontal disease, generally, is considered a painless process until it reaches severe stages. For this reason, it is often overlooked in its in early stages, especially when inflammation is not obvious or painful. The authors found that the motivation to seek periodontal treatment was most commonly based on information given to the subjects by a dental health professional, rather than a periodontitis symptom.

"Renewed efforts and increased responsibility of the dental health team members to inform patients about the presence of periodontitis are needed," the authors said. "As well as emphasizing to the public the risk of losing teeth as a result of periodontitis."

For more information about oral health care, visit ADA's web site: http://www.ada.org

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