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This score is based on four risk factors:

A gum health score that indicates that you may have gum disease
Your age
If you have diabetes
If you smoke cigarettes

The following factors will increase your score:

You have had seven or more of your teeth extracted
You have any loose teeth
You have had gum surgery
Your dentist has told you that you have loss of bone that supports your teeth
You have had a deep cleaning under the gum line (also called scaling and root planing)
Your gums bleed when you brush

Your tooth decay risk score is calculated with factors that increase risk (e.g., snacking regularly between meals), and others that reduce risk (e.g., using fluoride toothpaste).

The following factors will increase your score:

You have fillings or crowns
You have had new fillings in the last two years, or have any false teeth
You have had teeth extracted due to decay
You have experienced pain while chewing or sensitivity to hot or cold
You have missing teeth you think should be replaced

The risk of oral cancer increases if you use tobacco or alcohol.

Estimate My Dental Scores

Answer all of the questions below for your personalized Dental Score report.

There are three main oral (teeth and gum) diseases: tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancer. Below we will ask you some questions that will help us estimate your risk of experiencing these diseases and their effects. Additionally, we ask if there is any disease you are currently experiencing. Please answer all of the questions below to the best of your ability.

Questions that will help us assess the health of your teeth:

How old are you?

How often does your child visit the dentist?

Never been to the dentist

Once or twice a year for exams

Only for problems

Unknown

Routine oral examinations by a dentist can identify the best way for your child to avoid or minimize tooth decay. Children should start visiting the dentist within six months of the first tooth erupting, or by their first birthday.

Has your child had any tooth extracted because of decay or an infection?

Yes No Unknown

A past history of cavities is the best predictor of decay in the future.

Does your child have any teeth with a filling?

Yes No

A past history of cavities is the best predictor of decay in the future.

Has your child had any new fillings or cavities in the last two years?

Yes No

Recent tooth decay means more frequent monitoring and preventive measures like fluoride treatments and sealants may be necessary.

Does your child have any intellectual or developmental challenges that prevent daily brushing or flossing?

Yes No

Almost all children require assistance or at a minimum, supervision, with brushing and flossing up to about age 6, but some children may require additional assistance even at older ages due to physical or intellectual difficulties with these tasks.

Are any of these true? 1. Your child drinks fluoridated water, 2. Your child receives fluoride supplements, 3. Your child's teeth are brushed using a fluoride toothpaste.

Yes No Unknown

The effectiveness of fluoride in preventing tooth decay is well established. Start using a dab of fluoride toothpaste to brush at age 2. If your child is at higher isk of decay your dentist may advise to start using fluoride toothpaste earlier.

Does your child sleep with a bottle or use a sippy cup filled with a liquid other than water for long periods of time?

Yes No

When a child sleeps with a bottle containing any liquid other than water, their risk of developing tooth decay is significantly increased. The same is true for extended usage of a sippy cup containing any liquid other than water, including fruit juice. Common harmful habits could include letting the child have a bottle or sippy cup with sugary liquids for long periods in their car seat, stroller or just to walk around the house with or watch television.

Is your child allowed to nurse on demand?

Yes No

Breast feeding is important for the health and well-being of both mothers and their children. Keep in mind, however, that on demand feeding, particularly at night, can be a risk factor for tooth decay. Mother's milk is food not only for baby, but also for the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Once a baby's teeth erupt, starting aound 6 months of age, wipe the child's teeth with a soft cloth or tooth brush after they are done feeding.

Does your child complain of dry mouth or take medications that may cause a dry mouth?

Yes No

Normal saliva production helps decrease your child's risk of tooth decay. Some medications can intefere with the body's natural ability to produce saliva. These include medications for childhood conditions such as asthma, allergies, anxiety and attention deficit disorder. Inform your dentist if your child frequently takes any prescription or over the counter drugs. In addition, if your child frequently takes liquid medications many contain high amounts of sugar, which can cause tooth decay. After taking these type medications have your child rinse with water, or even better, brush with a fluoride toothpaste.

How often does your child have sugary or starchy snacks or beverages between meals?

Never

Occasionally (once or twice a day)

Frequently (3 or more times a day)

Sugary or starchy snacks and beverages include candy, cookies, baked goods, chips, cereals, crackers, bread, soda, fruit juices, or chewing gum containing sugar.

Does your child have pain when drinking cold or sweet drinks?

Yes No

Tooth pain when exposed to hot or cold may be a sign of tooth decay.

Has your child stopped eating foods that require chewing?

Yes No

Chewing pressure on a decayed or abscessed tooth can cause pain. Children may not complain when they are having pain in a tooth but one sign is that they will avoid eating hard or chewy foods that they may have previously enjoyed.

Has the mother or caregiver had any new cavities, fillings or extractions in the past two years?

Yes No Unknown

Childhood caries is frequently transmitted from mother to child, so the caregiver's oral health status helps determine the child's risk for tooth decay.

How often does your child visit the dentist?

Never been to the dentist

Once or twice a year for exams

Only for problems

Unknown

Routine oral examinations by a dentist can identify the best way for your child to avoid or minimize tooth decay. Your child's risk for dental disease will determine how often your child should go in for check-ups, but should visit the dentist at least once a year.

Has your child had any tooth extracted because of decay or an infection?

Yes No Unknown

A past history of cavities is one of the best predictors of tooth decay in the future.

Does your child have any teeth with a filling?

Yes No

A past history of tooth decay is one of the best indicators of future risk.

Has your child had any new fillings or cavities in the last two years?

Yes No

Recent tooth decay means more frequent monitoring and preventive measures like fluoride treatments and sealants may be necessary.

Does your child have any intellectual or developmental challenges that prevent daily brushing or flossing?

Yes No

How often does your child have sugary or starchy snacks or beverages between meals?

Never

Occasionally (once or twice a day)

Frequently (3 or more times a day)

Sugary or starchy snacks and beverages include candy, cookies, baked goods, chips, cereals, crackers, bread, soda, fruit juices, or chewing gum containing sugar.

Does your child drink fluoridated water?

Yes No Unknown

The tooth decay preventing benefits of using fluoridated water are well documented. It is beneficial for all ages. If you live in a non-fluoridated community ask your dentist if your child would benefit from taking fluoride supplements.

Are your child's teeth brushed daily with a fluoridated toothpaste?

Yes No Unknown

The tooth decay preventing benefits of fluoride toothpaste is well-documented. Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and drinking fluoridated water is all of the fluoride that children at low-risk for decay usually need.

Does your child wear braces or an appliance?

Yes No

Braces can trap food particles and collect sticky plaque where the braces attach to the teeth which can lead to decay.

Does your child have pain when drinking cold or sweet drinks?

Yes No Unknown

Tooth pain when exposed to hot or cold may be a sign of tooth decay.

Has your child stopped eating foods that require chewing?

Yes No Unknown

Chewing pressure on a decayed or abcessed tooth can cause pain. Children may not complain when they are having pain in a tooth but one sign is that they will avoid eating hard or chewy foods that they may have previously enjoyed.

Does your child complain of dry mouth or take medications that may cause a dry mouth?

Yes No Unknown

Has the mother or caregiver had any new cavities, fillings or extractions in the past two years?

Yes No Unknown

The bacteria that cause tooth decay are frequently passed from the mother or other primary caregiver to the child. Children whose parents or siblings have tooth decay are more likely to have decay as well.

How often do you visit the dentist?

Never been to the dentist

Once or twice a year for exams

Only for problems

Routine oral examinations by a dentist can identify the best way to avoid or minimize tooth decay. Your risk for dental disease will determine how often you should go in for check-ups, but you should visit the dentist at least once a year.

Have you had any tooth extracted because of decay or an infection?

Yes No Unknown

A past history of cavities is one of the best predictors of tooth decay in the future.

Are any of your teeth filled or crowned (capped)?

Yes No

A past history of cavities is one of the best predictors of tooth decay in the future.

Have you had any new fillings or cavities in the last two years?

Yes No

Recent tooth decay means more frequent monitoring and preventive measures like fluoride treatments and sealants may be necessary.

Do you have any physical or developmental challenges that prevent daily brushing or flossing?

Yes No

Proper brushing and flossing typically requires good use of both hands and fingers. Many people require additional assistance in brushing or flossing due to physical or devlopmental difficulties. Ask you dentist about oral health care aids such as battery powered toothbrushes, oral irrigators, floss threaders and other helpful devices.

How often do you consume sugary or starchy snacks or beverages between meals?

Never

Occasionally (once or twice a day)

Frequently (3 or more times a day)

Sugary or starchy snacks and beverages include candy, cookies, baked goods, chips, cereals, crackers, bread, soda, fruit juices, or chewing gum containing sugar.

Do you drink fluoridated water?

Yes No Unknown

The tooth decay preventing benefits of using fluoridated water are well documented. It is beneficial for all ages.

Do you brush your teeth daily with a fluoridated toothpaste?

Yes No Unknown

The tooth decay preventing benefits of fluoride toothpaste is well-documented. Almost all toothpaste now contains fluoride. Brushing with a non fluoride toothpaste provides little decay prevention. Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and drinking fluoridated water is all of the fluoride that most people at low-risk for decay usually need.

Do you wear braces or an appliance?

Yes No

Braces can trap food particles and collect sticky plaque where the braces attach to the teeth which can lead to decay.

Do you experience pain when drinking cold or sweet drinks?

Yes No

Tooth pain when exposed to hot or cold may be a sign of tooth decay.

Do your teeth hurt when you chew?

Yes No

Chewing pressure on a decayed or abcessed tooth can cause pain.

Do you experience dry mouth or take medications that may cause a dry mouth?

Yes No Unknown

Normal saliva production helps decrease your risk of tooth decay. Some medications intefere with the body's natural ability to produce saliva. These include medications for such common conditions as allergies, asthma, anxiety and depression. Inform your dentist if you routinely take any prescription or over the counter drugs.

Are all of your teeth gone?

Yes No

If all of your teeth are missing, you are no longer at risk for tooth decay or gum disease but you should still have dental check ups to observe your lips, cheeks, tongue, floor of the mouth and other soft tissues for signs of oral cancer or other sores that can develop at these sites.

Are any of your teeth filled or crowned (capped)?

Yes No

A past history of fillings or crowns (caps) is often the best predictor for future needs. No dental restoration is permanent. The life expectancy of a filling or crown depends on many factors including diet, oral hygiene practices, and oral habits like bruxing, grinding, ice chewing or other possibly destructive oral habits.

Have you had any new fillings or crowns (caps) in the last two years?

Yes No

Tooth decay results from a bacterial infection. Recent fillings often mean that you have had active infection in your mouth and are likely at higher risk for new decay. You should receive an accurate diagnosis of your problems and appropriate preventive care from your dentist.

Have you had any adult teeth extracted because of decay, gum disease, or pain? (not counting wisdom teeth or teeth removed for braces)

Yes No

Missing teeth due to disease are often an indicator for higher future disease risk.

Do you have any false teeth?

Yes No

Do you have missing teeth that you think should be replaced but have not been replaced yet?

Yes No

Missing teeth may affect not only your appearance but also your ability to chew your food effectively and the stability of the rest of your teeth. Not all missing teeth need to be replaced, but consult with your dentist for the proper treatment plan to deal with missing teeth.

Have you had any pain from chewing, aching, or sensitivity to hot or cold in your mouth during the past year?

Yes No

Tooth pain when exposed to hot or cold or when chewing may be a sign of tooth decay.

Do you frequently snack on sugary or starchy snacks or drink sugared beverages between meals?

Yes No

Sugary or starchy snacks and beverages include candy, cookies, baked goods, chips, cereals, crackers, bread, soda, energy or sport drinks, fruit juices, or chewing gum containing sugar.

Have you had a major health change (like diabetes, a heart attack, stroke, diagnosis of disease such as cancer, Parkinson's, etc.) during the past 12 months?

Yes No

People that undergo major health changes often neglect their oral health while undergoing life-saving or life-changing therapy for their disease. They may also begin taking medications that cause dry mouth. Your risk for tooth decay can increase dramatically after these life-changing events. Check with your dentist for guidance.

Do you do any of the following - drink fluoridated water, brush your teeth daily with a fluoride toothpaste, or use a nonprescription fluoride product such as a rinse or gel on a daily basis?

Yes No

The preventive benefits of fluoride are well-documented. For most people with a low-risk of tooth decay, using fluoridated water and brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste are all you need. If you have factors that place you at higher risk of decay your dentist may recommend additional fluoride such as over the counter home rinses, prescription strength gels, or professionally applied varnishes.

Do you have at least one routine dental exam visit per year?

Yes No

Routine dental check-ups are the best way to detect oral health problems before they become serious. The frequency of visits depends on your level of risk for various oral health conditions. Once a year is usually adequate for those at low risk of oral diseases but check with your dentist for what is best for you.

Does your mouth frequently feel dry?

Yes No

Normal saliva production is critical to protect your teeth from the risk of tooth decay. Dry mouth can happen to anyone occasionally, such as when you're nervous or dehydrated. If the condition persists, there are a number of potential causes. Illnesses such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease and Sjogren's syndrome can affect the salivary glands. Cancer treatments, particularly radiation to the head and neck and many types of chemotherapy can damage the salivary glands and cause dry mouth. Over 400 medications interfere with the body's natural ability to produce saliva. These include medications for such common conditions as high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, allergies, anxiety and depression, among others. Depending on the cause of your dry mouth, your health care provider can recommend appropriate treatment.

Do you have developmental or special health care needs that prevent you from brushing or flossing properly?

Yes No

Proper brushing and flossing typically requires good use of both hands and fingers. Many people require additional assistance in brushing or flossing due to physical or developmental difficulties. Ask your dentist about oral health care aids such as battery powered toothbrushes, oral irrigators, floss threaders and other helpful devices.

Questions that will help us assess the health of your gum tissue:

Are all of your teeth gone?

Yes No

Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth?

Yes No

Periodontal (gum) disease is a common problem with the mouth, and bleeding when brushing can be one of the first signs. Gum disease is caused by bacteria that infect the gums. The mildest form of gum disease is called gingivitis and usually causes the gums to bleed easily when brushed. Start brushing and flossing properly every day and this will typically clear up on its own within a week or so. If left alone, early, easy to treat gum problems can lead to swollen, sore gums, bone loss, loose teeth, and a much more difficult problem to treat.

Have you been told by a dental professional that you have bone loss around your teeth?

Yes No

Bone loss around the teeth happens in the later stages of periodontal disease. This does not heal by itself and you need to see a dentist for treatment. Once you have bone loss you may need surgical correction of the problem and then long-term regular maintenance to prevent recurrence. Maintenance usually includes excellent home care and more frequent dental visits for extensive cleanings called scaling and root planning.

Have any teeth become loose NOT due to an accident?

Yes No

Loose teeth in adults can be a sign of periodontitis. When gingivitis (inflammed gums) is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis. In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces (called "pockets") that become infected. Bacterial toxins and the body's natural response to infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed and the teeth may become loose.

Have you had 7 or more adult teeth extracted because of decay, looseness, or pain? (not counting wisdom or impacted teeth, or teeth knocked out by an accident or removed for orthodontics)

Yes No

I have had or am currently scheduled for a deep cleaning (scaling & root planing).

Yes No

You are typically scheduled for scaling and root planning when your gum disease has gone past the gingivitis stage and you now have deposits of plaque and calculus (tartar) below the gumline. If you are scheduled for scaling and root planning you either currently have periodontal disease or have been treated for periodontal disease and are now in maintenance.

I have had or am currently scheduled for gum surgery (periodontal surgery).

Yes No

When periodontal (gum) disease progresses past the early, easily treated stage, surgery is often necessary to correct problems related to loss of the supporting bone and gum tissues.

The frequency that I use dental floss or another device to clean between my teeth is:

Never

Daily

Occasionally

Dental floss helps prevent periodontal disease by getting rid of not only the bits of food from between your teeth but also the sticky bacteria-filled plaque that attaches to the tooth above and below the gum line. Flossing reaches the areas that your toothbrush can't. If the plaque isn't removed daily the bacteria can irritate the gums and cause inflammation (gingivitis). Left long enough, the plaque bacteria and the toxins it produces begins to destroy the gum tissue and eventually the bone supporting the teeth.

The number of periodontal maintenance appointment(s) I have had in the last 24 months is: (Note − exclude normal teeth cleaning appointments)

None/Don't Know

1 or 2

3 or 4

5 or more

Once you have developed periodontal (gum) disease or have been treated for the disease a lifetime of maintenance is important. Regular examinations are very important to keep track of the present status of your disease and to make sure that it is not progressing. Based on a number of factors such as your overall health, bone loss around your teeth, your level of personal oral hygiene and risk factors such as smoking and genetics, your dentist or periodontal disease specialist will determine how frequently you should come in for recall. This may vary from twice a year to once every few months.

What is your diabetic status?

Not Diabetic

Diabetic, well controlled

Diabetic, not controlled

Diabetic, unknown control

People with diabetes are at special risk for periodontal (gum) disease. In fact, periodontal disease is often considered one of the major complications of diabetes. Good blood glucose control is a key to controlling and preventing mouth problems. People with poor blood glucose control get gum disease more often and more severely than people whose diabetes is well controlled. In addition, people with diabetes often get dry mouth, which can cause soreness, ulcers, infections and tooth decay. Smoking makes these problems worse. Daily brushing and flossing, regular dental check-ups and good blood glucose control are the best defense against the oral complications of diabetes.

Do you smoke cigarettes?

Never used

Formerly used

Use, less than 1 pack per day

Use, 1 pack or more per day

There are a number of risk factors for gum disease, but smoking is one of the most significant. In fact, smoking can even lower the chances of successful treatment. The severity of gum disease and how well it responds to treatment is related to other key disease modifying factors including diabetes and genetics.

Questions that will help us determine your risk of oral cancer:

Have you had oral cancer?

No Yes

Oral cancers have a high risk of producing second, primary tumors. This means that patients, who survive a first encounter with the disease, have up to a 20 times higher risk of developing a second cancer. This increased risk factor can last for five to 10 years after the first occurrence.

Do you smoke cigarettes?

Never Used

Formerly Used

Use, less than 1 pack per day

Use, 1 pack or more per day

Tobacco use causes most cancers of the mouth and back of the throat. Smoking avoidance and smoking cessation result in decreased incidence and death from oral cancer. Preventing high risk behaviors, including cigarette, cigar or pipe smoking, use of smokeless tobacco, and excessive use of alcohol, is critical in preventing oral cancers. Early detection is key to increasing the survival rate for these cancers. If you use any form of tobacco seek help in quitting. Ask your dentist if he or she has checked your mouth for signs of oral cancer.

Do you use chewing or smokeless tobacco?

Never Used

Formerly Used/Rarely Used

Current User

There is no safe form of tobacco. As long ago as 1986, the advisory committee to the Surgeon General concluded that the use of smokeless tobacco "is not a safe substitute for smoking cigarettes. It can cause cancer and a number of noncancerous oral conditions and can lead to nicotine addiction and dependence." At least 28 chemicals in smokeless tobacco have been found to cause cancer. Using smokeless tobacco may also cause heart disease, gum disease and oral lesions other than cancer, such as leukoplakia (precancerous white patches in the mouth).

Do you smoke cigars or pipes?

Never used

Formerly used/Rarely Used

Current User

All tobacco products are harmful and cause cancer. Cigar smoke, like cigarette smoke, contains toxic and cancer-causing chemicals that are harmful to both smokers and nonsmokers. Cigar smoke is possibly more toxic than cigarette smoke. All cigar and pipe smokers, whether or not they inhale, can directly expose their lips, mouth, tongue, throat, and larynx to tobacco smoke and its toxic and cancer-causing chemicals. The use of these products is strongly discouraged.

How many alcoholic drinks do you typically have in one week?

1 to 7

8 to 14

more than 14

According to the National Cancer Institute and based on solid evidence, high alcohol use (three or four drinks per day) is an independent risk factor for the development of oral cancer. People who use tobacco in any of the commonly available forms (cigarettes, cigars, pipes and smokeless tobacco) or have high alcohol intake are at elevated risk of oral cancer, and they are at particularly high risk if they use both tobacco and alcohol.

Estimate My Dental Scores

Answer all of the questions below for your personalized Dental Score report.

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