Early in the game, Survivor‘s Kucha tribe won a reward challenge that included in the prize toothbrushes and toothpaste. The other Survivor contestants’ lack of oral hygiene and their soft diet with little nutritional value could cause periodontal problems to flare up. Bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless substance that forms on the teeth constantly, can turn into a hard substance called calculus in less than two days. If calculus develops below the gums onto the tooth root, it can irritate the gums, causing infection.

A Journal of Periodontology study followed a group of 15 third-year dental students who gave up oral hygiene activities for 21 days to monitor the effects on their oral health. By day 21, all subjects exhibited signs of gingivitis, including plaque and overt clinical inflammation. The toxins produced by gingival infections can destroy the supporting tissues around the teeth, including the bone. When this happens, gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets that will fill with even more plaque and infection. As the disease progresses, these pockets deepen, more gum tissue and bone are destroyed and the teeth eventually become loose. In addition to being a major cause of tooth loss, periodontal disease has been linked to serious health threats such as heart attacks, diabetes and preterm births. Study Abstract *

“While most people don’t have to worry about not being able to brush their teeth for several days, they should understand that plaque, when not removed, can harden to the point it can only be removed during a professional cleaning after only a day or two,” said Michael McGuire, D.D.S., president of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). “When people don’t floss daily, plaque builds between the teeth, and periodontal disease often begins between teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach.”

One possibility for people without access to toothbrushes and floss may be to chew on sticks. Dental researchers have studied the periodontal status of Sudanese populations who use Miswak chewing sticks and found that their periodontal health status was comparable to Sudanese toothbrush users.

A referral to a periodontist in your area and free brochure samples including one titled How to Brush and Floss are available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP’s Web site at www.perio.org.

About the AAP

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for periodontists—specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also dentistry’s experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. They receive three additional years of specialized training following dental school, and periodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. The AAP has 8,000 members worldwide.

Neglecting the mouth is just as dangerous for the rest of us, according to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), which cites studies linking periodontal (gum) disease to heart and respiratory disease.

“When bacterial plaque is allowed to build up on your teeth, you put yourself at high risk for periodontal disease,” says Dr. Robert Schoor, president of the AAP. “And the bacteria associated with periodontal disease can travel into the blood stream to other parts of the body, jeopardizing your health.”

The impact of periodontal disease, one of the most common infections, is far more widespread than the mouth. One study found that people with advanced periodontal disease are 4.5 times more likely to have a chronic respiratory disease. Another study found that people with periodontal disease may have nearly twice the risk of having a fatal heart attack as those without periodontal disease.

While periodontal disease cannot always be avoided, proper oral hygiene is the best means of prevention.

• Daily flossing breaks up the bacterial colonies between teeth.
• Proper brushing prevents plaque buildup.
• Professional cleanings at least twice a year are necessary to remove calculus from places your toothbrush and floss may have missed.
• And, because there are often no symptoms of the disease in its early stages, a trip to a periodontist can determine if you have it.

The January 1999 Journal of Periodontology reports that at the very least, nearly 30 percent of people in this country age 30 to 54 have periodontitis – an advanced state of periodontal disease in which there is bone loss around the teeth. Study Abstract *

In addition to heart disease and respiratory disease, periodontal disease has been linked to diabetes and premature, underweight births.

A referral to a periodontist in your area and free brochure samples including one titled Ask Your Periodontist About Periodontal Disease & Heart Disease are available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP’s Web site at www.perio.org.

About the AAP

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for

Researchers analyzed the case of a 26-year-old female who had localized gingival recession around the area of her lip piercing. The patient noticed soon after getting the oral barbell that her gums started to progressively recede in the area of the piercing. The barbell had direct contact with the area where the gums were receding. Since the patient’s gingival recession was present only in the area of the oral metal device, the piercing was considered to be the cause of the gingival recession.

Click for enlarged photo.

“Oral piercing has become a popular trend, and most people do not seek advice from a dental or medical professional prior to the piercing,” said Michael McGuire, D.D.S, president of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). “Another important concern is hygienic maintenance of the pierced oral area. The mouth contains millions of bacteria, and infection is a common complication of oral piercing.”

Other consequences of oral piercing may include swelling, increased flow of saliva, pain, fractured teeth, interference with speech and metal hypersensitivity. “Many people with oral piercing do not think about the harmful effects it can have on their oral and overall health,” explained McGuire. “In this particular case, the doctors were surprised that the patient had a history of mitral valve prolapse, and she was unaware of the consequences of piercing on her medical status. In fact, a case of infective endocarditits following nasal piercing has been reported.”

A referral to a periodontist in your area and free brochure samples are available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP’s Web site at www.perio.org.

About the AAP

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for

Researchers from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry and Ohio State University College of Dentistry examined and surveyed 52 young adults with pierced tongues. They found gum recession in 35 percent of subjects with pierced tongues for four or more years, and in 50 percent wearing long-stemmed barbells for two or more years.

“During tongue movement, long-stem barbells are more likely to reach and damage the gums than short barbells,” said Dr. Dimitris Tatakis, professor of periodontology at the Ohio State University College of Dentistry and coauthor of the study. “Over time, this damage may cause the gums to recede, which can lead to more serious dental/oral complications.”

Additionally, 47 percent of young adults wearing either type of barbell for four or more years had chipped teeth. The prevalence of tooth chipping was significantly greater in those wearing short-stemmed barbells (1/4 inch – 5/8 inch) for four or more years.

Researchers believe tooth chipping is a result of habitual biting of the barbell. “A short barbell is possibly easier to position between teeth, which could be one reason why we are seeing more chipped teeth in this group,” said Tatakis. “Another factor that was not investigated could be the size or material type of the screw caps attached to the barbell.”

Dr. Timothy Roberts from the University of Rochester School of Medicine in New York presented study results on 4,500 adolescents aged 12 to 21 and found that teens with body piercings are more likely to smoke cigarettes, use drugs and exhibit other types of unhealthy behavior. Study findings were presented at the Society of Adolescent Medicine’s annual meeting in Boston.

“Mouth piercings and smoking combined could cause a mouthful of trouble,” said Dr. Kenneth Bueltmann, president of the American Academy of Periodontology. “As a smoker, you are more likely than nonsmokers to have calculus on your teeth, deep pockets between your teeth and gums and loss of the bone and tissue that support your teeth. Combine these problems with gum recession from tongue piercing and you are on your way to having a serious infection called periodontal disease and not to mention a not so cool looking mouth.”

“Given this new information, I strongly recommend discussing potential risk factors with your dentist before mouth piercing,” said Bueltmann. “Additionally, anyone with a pierced mouth should receive a thorough oral examination of their gums and teeth to identify problem areas. Taking precautions now will increase your chance of keeping your teeth for a lifetime instead of needing dentures like many of your grandparents.”

In addition to periodontal diseases (serious bacterial infections that destroy the attachment fibers and supporting bone that hold your teeth in your mouth) tongue piercing may cause other complications such as t ongue swelling, difficulties with chewing, swallowing and speech, increase of saliva flow, localized tissue overgrowth and metal hypersensitivity.

A referral to a periodontist in your area and free brochure samples are available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP’s Web site at www.perio.org.

About the AAP

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for

On one episode, the patient was unable to proceed with breast augmentation because of a bacterial infection in her mouth known as periodontal disease. The periodontist and plastic surgeon were concerned that the bacteria in the patient’s mouth may affect the outcome of her plastic surgery.

“Periodontitis is a bacterial infection of the gums, bone and periodontal ligament. The bacteria from periodontitis can enter the blood stream and cause systemic complications,” said Gordon Douglass, D.D.S., and president of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). “The bacteria in the bloodstream can compromise recovery from any surgery, but is particularly problematic for patients receiving implants, transplants or replacements of body parts since it may cause these procedures to fail. Before undergoing surgery, patients should have a periodontal examination to ensure that they don’t have bacteria in their mouth that may affect their recovery.”

In addition to treating the periodontal infection, the patient’s smile may also improve. This is important because a smile is often one of the first things people notice about another person. “When watching people on television receive a total makeover, it’s obvious that the appearance of the person’s smile can greatly affect their self-esteem. I see this in my practice everyday,” said Douglass.

Now that Americans are living longer, cosmetic surgery has become more popular. Oral plastic surgery has also felt this trend as it has experienced a significant shift toward cosmetic-related surgery to help improve the smile.

Excessive gum tissue can create a “gummy” smile, but the periodontist can perform a crown lengthening procedure to remove excess gum tissue and expose an ideal smile. Conversely, a person’s teeth may appear too long if their gums have receded or shrunk. This can often be corrected with soft tissue graft procedures. Dental implants, an artificial tooth root placed into the jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge, can be used to replace missing teeth.

“These procedures improve the smile, and are functional as well,” said Douglass. “A soft tissue graft can reduce further recession and bone loss, and in some cases reduce tooth sensitivity. Crown lengthening uncovers the tooth or teeth and improves its function. After the procedure, my patients can’t stop smiling, and it’s very rewarding when a patient says that periodontal plastic surgery changed their life by making them look and feel younger.”

A referral to a periodontist in your area and free brochure samples including one titled Periodontal Diseases: What You Need to Know are available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP’s Web site at www.perio.org.

About the AAP

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for

CHICAGO – July 5, 2006 – Researchers found that prolonged use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) is closely associated with significant levels of gingival enlargement, according to a new study published in the Journal of Periodontology. Study Abstract *

Gingival overgrowth is a condition in which the gingival tissues become swollen and grow over the teeth. Overgrown gums make it easier for bacteria found in plaque to accumulate and attack supporting structures of the teeth, potentially leading to severe periodontal infection.

“It was found that AAS abusers had statistically significant levels of gingival enlargement compared to non-users, requiring a gingivectomy (removal of excess or diseased gum tissue) for many cases,” explains Onur Ozcelik, DDS, PhD, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Periodontology, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey. “Although it has been reported that many of the adverse effects of AAS abuse are fully reversible within several months after the cessation of the drug, it is not known if gingival enlargement would also regress after the withdrawal of AAS.”

Researchers also found that gingival inflammation was higher in the AAS user group compared to the non-AAS users. “Further studies are required to find out if increased gingival scores in the user group are a direct effect of AAS or if the inflammation is a result of compromised oral hygiene due to gingival enlargement,” said Ozcelik.

“It is not surprising that gingival tissue is a target for the actions of steroid hormones,” said Kenneth A. Krebs, DMD and AAP president. “Clinical changes in tissues of the periodontium have been identified during periods of hormonal fluctuations such as puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, contraceptives and ovulation induction drugs in women.”

People taking AAS without medical supervision, should be informed of the adverse effects and strongly encouraged to begin a cessation program. Since periodontal infection may be a risk factor for more serious conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and pre-term, low birth weight babies it is important for patients to take care of their periodontal health.

Background Information

Researchers examined 24 athletes between the ages of 17 and 29 who had been using AAS for more than one year. All subjects were examined for plaque levels, gingival inflammation and gingival enlargement. The results were then compared with a control group of 20 bodybuilders who had never used AAS drugs and matched for age, educational level and oral habits according to the data obtained from the AAS user group.

A referral to a periodontist in your area and free brochure samples including one titled Periodontal Diseases: What You Need to Know are available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP’s Web site at www.perio.org.

About the AAP

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for