Periodontal disease: diagnosis and management.
Approximately 50% of all adults in the United States have some form of gingivitis, and 80% have experienced some degree of periodontitis. Despite the use of fluoride, a critical element in the prevention of periodontal disease, many children and adults still suffer needlessly from this "silent" destroyer of the gum tissue and its underlying bone structures. This article highlights the prevalence, pathophysiology, classifications, health risk factors and clinical management of clients with periodontal diseases. Regardless of the health care setting, the advanced practice nurse plays a critical role in the prevention, early diagnosis and intervention of periodontal disease.
Ridgeway
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Community Advanced Practice Nurses, Inc., Homeless Women and Children's Services, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. eerdbr@aol.com
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D010808:Physical Examination; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology