Do you know the stages of gum disease

Many dental hygienists encounter patients who are unaware of gum disease stages. It’s interesting to see how often gingivitis is mistaken for a minor issue when it can escalate to periodontitis if not treated properly. What strategies do you use to educate your patients about each stage and its implications?

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Educating patients really starts with visuals. I often show them pictures of healthy gums versus those affected by gingivitis and periodontitis to emphasize the importance of early detection. It’s surprising how much more they engage when they can see the differences.

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