A question about perio

[FlossyFlossy]

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Hi! Im not in dental school, but I am a first year dental hygiene student. Ive only had my perio class for a couple of weeks and dont know alot about it yet.

I had my mom as a patient today and noticed that she had exposed roots on about 6 teeth. None of them were furcated (as far as Ive been taught, thats when you can stick a probe through them) or maybe she was a type I furcation... not sure.... BUT anyways you can slightly see her roots. She doesnt bleed when brushing or flossing, she only bled in one spot when I probed her, she had a few 4 mm probe readings, and has no mobile teeth. She is one of those people who are CRAZY about brushing their teeth. She told me sometimes she brushes 4 times a day and she uses a medium tooth brush... I honestly think she has brushed her gums off.

But what I was wondering is does this sound like perio or is it possible to have exposed roots and it not be perio? My teachers arent a big help, Ive googled everything I possibly could and didnt find much, so I thought Id try on here. Im just kinda worried about her and wanted some answers before I continued her appointment next week.

If anyone can help me I really appreciate it!!

 

[aphistis]

Hi! Im not in dental school, but I am a first year dental hygiene student. Ive only had my perio class for a couple of weeks and dont know alot about it yet.

I had my mom as a patient today and noticed that she had exposed roots on about 6 teeth. None of them were furcated (as far as Ive been taught, thats when you can stick a probe through them) or maybe she was a type I furcation... not sure.... BUT anyways you can slightly see her roots. She doesnt bleed when brushing or flossing, she only bled in one spot when I probed her, she had a few 4 mm probe readings, and has no mobile teeth. She is one of those people who are CRAZY about brushing their teeth. She told me sometimes she brushes 4 times a day and she uses a medium tooth brush... I honestly think she has brushed her gums off.

But what I was wondering is does this sound like perio or is it possible to have exposed roots and it not be perio? My teachers arent a big help, Ive googled everything I possibly could and didnt find much, so I thought Id try on here. Im just kinda worried about her and wanted some answers before I continued her appointment next week.

If anyone can help me I really appreciate it!!

You know the saying "when the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail"? That's kinda how the hygienists I've worked with are about perio. Gingival recession is a periodontal problem by definition, but there are multiple things that could be causing it. That said, I'd pursue the bolded part above as the most likely cause. She didn't "brush her gums off," but brushing 4x/day with a medium toothbrush is enough to cause certain gingival problems.

 

[FlossyFlossy]

Thanks for the response! I was worried about her! The 4 mm probing depths still concern me but Im hoping I read my probe wrong cause its really hard to see those little mm markers. I hate probing!

Guess I will find out what to do about that next week if thats the case. I can chill out about perio until then at least!

Thanks so much!

 

[bigstix808]

hey there aph...

i dont mean to call you out...but does this post not seem like medical advice???

i just know i have seen a number of posts shut down because of your doing...

to the OP, i'm sorry to impede as i cannot answer your question at all as i am a future D1. i am just curious as to why this post, as compared to some of the others, does not constitute as a "medical advice" thread...

 

[aphistis]

hey there aph...

i dont mean to call you out...but does this post not seem like medical advice???

i just know i have seen a number of posts shut down because of your doing...

to the OP, i'm sorry to impede as i cannot answer your question at all as i am a future D1. i am just curious as to why this post, as compared to some of the others, does not constitute as a "medical advice" thread...

I thought the same thing, but the biggest difference is that she's asking for advice as a dental care provider, which is consistent with the TOS.

 

[bigstix808]

I thought the same thing, but the biggest difference is that she's asking for advice as a dental care provider, which is consistent with the TOS.

good to know. thanks bud 😎

carry on...