You'll find it everywhere today - in telephones, cars, home appliances, you name it. I'm talking about computer technology. Like other professionals, your dentist may rely on computer technology to care for your teeth.

One of the newest wrinkles in digital dental care is a computer program for checking your teeth. It's called periodontal screening software, and uses voice-activated technology.

Your dentist wears a headset with a microphone while measuring the pocket depth of each tooth. The computer records the dentist's voice reciting those measurements, then produces a color graphic displaying those measurements -- healthy gums in one color and problem areas in another color.

The graphic helps you understand your oral health and plan any necessary treatment. Then your dentist stores the graphic, prints it or e-mails to a specialists needed.

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