Practical periodontics. Awareness of periodontal disease--the patient

This paper looks at awareness by the public and our patients' knowledge of the health of their gums and the tooth supporting tissues, what it means to them, how they interpret this information and whether they seek care as a result of such knowledge. The way a dentist and a patient interact with and without such knowledge is considered. It is contended that knowledge of the periodontal disease processes and of how to treat, manage, control, and even prevent must be accompanied by an awareness by the patient, the profession and industry. This recognises that the dentist and patient are in a partnership, especially in management of periodontal diseases.