August 2001 Trust Talk
DENTAL – Are you at risk for periodontal disease?
(Courtesy of MetLife)
Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria that collect on teeth and in the space between the
tooth and gum. If untreated, periodontal disease results in the destruction of the bone that supports the teeth. Periodontal disease is the major
cause of tooth loss in adults.
TAKE THIS QUIZ TO DETERMINE YOUR RISK LEVEL FOR PERIODONTAL DISEASE:
For each question, answer yes or no, based on your regular habits, and write down the score
that appears for your answer (roll your mouse over your answer). At the end of the quiz, tally your points to calculate your total score.
1. Do you smoke more
than 10 cigarettes a day?
2. Do you have diabetes
that requires you to take insulin?
3. Do you have diabetes
but are not required to take insulin?
4. If you have been
treated for periodontal disease, do you go to the dentist as often as
recommended?
5. Have you lost a
tooth in the last three years due to periodontal disease?
6. Do you have your
teeth cleaned at least once a year by a dentist/dental hygienist?
7. Do you brush your
teeth at least once a day?
8. Do you clean between
your teeth with dental floss or an interproximal brush at least once a
day?
9. Are you over 50
years old?
10. Do your gums bleed
when you brush or floss?
11. Do your gums hurt
when you brush or floss?
12. Have you noticed
your gums shrinking?
13. Do sensitive teeth keep you from brushing more often than you’d like?
Total Score ____________________________________________________________
If your total score is 15 points or higher, you may be at higher risk for developing
periodontal disease. You should see your dentist and discuss your self-assessment.
The best way to prevent periodontal disease is to brush and floss daily, and have regular professional
cleanings and periodic evaluations by your dentist. Remember, the Trust provides members and dependents with two cleanings and exams every 12
months (plan year), paid at 100% of the network fee or reasonable and customary charges, depending on which plan
you have.
For more information about your Trust dental coverage, see your dental plan
booklet or review the dental benefit now. For more information on periodontal disease, review these websites (recommended
by MetLife):
• www.perio.org/consumer
• www.ada.org
• www.merckhomeedition.com
• www.cdc.gov/nohss
| 
