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Diseases » Gum disease » Tests
 

Diagnostic Tests for Gum disease

Gum disease Tests: Book Excerpts

Gum disease Diagnosis: Book Excerpts

Diagnosis of Gum disease: medical news summaries:

The following medical news items are relevant to diagnosis of Gum disease:

Diagnostic Tests for Gum disease: Online Medical Books

16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the diagnostic tests for Gum disease.

BLEEDING GUMS: DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP
(Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs)

A CBC, sedimentation rate, chemistry panel, ANA titer, and coagulation profile are basic studies that need to be done. If these are negative, referral to a dentist or periodontist would be appropriate. X-rays of the teeth need to be done to look for dental caries, abscesses, and pyorrhea. X-rays of the teeth will also help identify scurvy. A plasma or platelet ascorbic acid level needs to be done if scurvy is suspected. If syphilis is suspected, a VDRL test needs to be done.

 

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs, 2003

Gum bleeding [Gingival bleeding]: History and physical examination
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))

If gum bleeding isn’t an emergency, obtain a history. Find out when the bleeding began. Has it been continuous or intermittent? Does it occur spontaneously or when the patient brushes his teeth or flosses? Have the patient show you the site of the bleeding, if possible.

Find out if the patient or any family members have bleeding tendencies; for example, ask about easy bruising and frequent nosebleeds. How much does the patient bleed after a tooth extraction? Does he have a history of liver or spleen disease? Next, check the patient’s dental history. Find out how often he brushes his teeth, flosses, and goes to the dentist and what kind of toothbrush and floss he uses. Has he seen a dentist recently? To evaluate nutritional status, have the patient describe his normal diet and alcohol intake. Finally, note the prescription and over-the-counter drugs he takes.

Next, perform a complete oral examination. If the patient wears dentures, have him remove them. Examine the gums to determine the site and amount of bleeding. Gums normally appear pink and rippled with their margins snugly against the teeth. Check for inflammation, pockets around the teeth, swelling, retraction, hypertrophy, discoloration, and gum hyperplasia. Note obvious decay, discoloration, foreign material such as food, and absence of teeth.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006

Gum bleeding [Gingival bleeding]: History and physical examination
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

If gum bleeding isn’t an emergency, obtain a history. Find out when the bleeding began. Has it been continuous or intermittent? Does it occur spontaneously or when the patient brushes his teeth or flosses? Have the patient show you the site of the bleeding if possible.

Find out if the patient or any family members have bleeding tendencies; for example, ask about easy bruising and frequent nosebleeds. How much does the patient bleed after a tooth extraction? Does he have a history of liver or spleen disease? Next, check the patient’s dental history. Find out how often he brushes his teeth, flosses, and goes to the dentist, and what kind of toothbrush and floss he uses. Has he seen a dentist recently? To evaluate nutritional status, have the patient describe his normal diet and intake of alcohol. Finally, note any prescription and over-the-counter drugs he takes.

Next, perform a complete oral examination. If the patient wears dentures, have him remove them. Examine the gums to determine the site and amount of bleeding. Gums normally appear pink and rippled with their margins snugly against the teeth. Check for inflammation, pockets around the teeth, swelling, retraction, hypertrophy, discoloration, and gum hyperplasia. Note obvious decay, discoloration, foreign material such as food, and absence of any teeth.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006

Gum swelling: History and physical examination
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

After ruling out pregnancy or the use of phenytoin or similar prescription drugs as the cause of gum swelling, take a history. Have the patient fully describe the swelling. Has he had it before? Is it localized or generalized? Find out when the swelling began, and ask about any aggravating or alleviating factors. Is the swelling painful? Then explore the patient’s medical history, focusing on major illnesses, bleeding disorders, and pregnancies. Also check his dental history. Does he wear dentures? If so, are they new? Ask about use of alcohol and tobacco, which are gum irritants. Then have the patient describe his diet to evaluate nutritional status. Ask about his intake of citrus fruits and vegetables.

Next, inspect the patient’s mouth in a good light. If he wears dentures, ask him to remove them before you begin. As you examine the gums, characterize their color and texture, and note any ulcers, lesions, masses, lumps, or debris-filled pockets around the teeth. Then inspect the teeth for discoloration, obvious decay, and looseness.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006

Gum bleeding: Physical assessment
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

Perform a complete oral examination. If the patient wears dentures, have him remove them. Examine the gums to determine the site and amount of bleeding. Gums normally appear pink and rippled with their margins snugly against the teeth. Check for inflammation, pockets around the teeth, swelling, retraction, hypertrophy, discoloration, and gum hyperplasia. Note obvious decay, discoloration, foreign material such as food, and the absence of any teeth.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007

Gum bleeding [Gingival bleeding]: History and physical examination
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

If gum bleeding isn't an emergency, obtain a history. Find out when the bleeding began. Has it been continuous or intermittent? Does it occur spontaneously or when the patient brushes his teeth or flosses? Have the patient show you the site of the bleeding, if possible.

Find out if the patient or any family members have bleeding tendencies; for example, ask about easy bruising and frequent nosebleeds. How much does the patient bleed after a tooth extraction? Does he have a history of liver or spleen disease? Next, check the patient's dental history. Find out how often he brushes his teeth, flosses, and goes to the dentist and what kind of toothbrush and floss he uses. Has he seen a dentist recently? To evaluate nutritional status, have the patient describe his normal diet and alcohol intake. Finally, note the prescription and over-the-counter drugs he takes.

Next, perform a complete oral examination. If the patient wears dentures, have him remove them. Examine the gums to determine the site and amount of bleeding. Gums normally appear pink and rippled with their margins snugly against the teeth. Check for inflammation, pockets around the teeth, swelling, retraction, hypertrophy, discoloration, and gum hyperplasia. Note obvious decay, discoloration, foreign material such as food, and absence of teeth.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007


 » Next page: Diagnosis of Gum disease

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