CHICAGO – December 23, 2002 – Bad breath is one of the most embarrassing and most annoying problems to have. If not treated properly, beastly breath could interfere with your work life and social life, not to mention your sex life.

“One of the most common misconceptions is that halitosis is caused by the foods you eat,” said Gordon Douglass, D.D.S., president of the American Academy of Periodontology. “Actually, bad breath can be caused by the sulfur compounds released from our digestive process.”

Anaerobic bacteria that live within the surface of the tongue and throat break down proteins in food, blood and diseased oral tissue. When these bacteria come in contact with certain amino acids in proteins, sulfur compounds are released from the back of the tongue and throat causing your yuck mouth.

While many manufacturers promote home remedies to tame the beast, they only mask the problem or have the potential to cause more harm. The only way to rid yourself of the beastly breath is to find its source.

“The only full-proof way of eliminating halitosis is to see your periodontist or dentist to determine the cause,” said Douglass. “There could be many factors at play, such as gum disease, a dry mouth or certain medical conditions.” He added, “Many home remedies exacerbate the problem or are just temporary fixes. You should see a specialist to determine the most effective treatment.”

The American Academy of Periodontology asked its members for the most ineffective home remedies their patients have used to tackle yuck mouths.

1. Excessive use of mouthwash. Produces sloughy, stinky tissue that is worse than what your breath is already like.
2. Breath mints. A sweet smelling mouth doesn’t mean a healthy mouth. Long-lasting sugar candies subject teeth to acid attacks, increasing your risk for cavities.
3. Chewing gum. Chewing gum can increase salivary flow, but only masks bad breath. Try drinking water throughout the day instead.
4. Mint chew tobacco. Smokeless tobacco causes gums to recede and increases the chance of losing the bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place, and more importantly, causes oral cancer.
5. Infomercial Items. Only use items that have the ADA Seal of Approval. Unapproved items could do more harm than good.
6. Vodka martinis or sour mash whiskey. Alcohol may further the problem by making your mouth dry, whereby saliva is unable to remove oral bacteria.
7. Brushing with cleanser. Many chemicals used for household cleaning are poisonous and should not be consumed – this is one of them.
8. Intestinal cleansing methods. Bad breath does not originate from the stomach. Actually, anaerobic bacteria in your mouth produce smelly sulfur compounds that cause bad breath.
9. Rinsing with kerosene. Talk about putting your mouth on fire!
10. Tongue piercing. Anything that allows you to harbor more bacteria on your tongue, like tongue jewelry, increases your chance of bad breath.

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

CHICAGO – December 23, 2002 – Good at-home oral hygiene is recommended by the American Academy of Periodontology to ensure a beautiful smile, and prevent periodontal disease, which is the major cause of tooth loss in adults.

“It’s important to practice a meticulous at-home oral care routine of daily brushing and flossing to ensure your teeth will last a lifetime,” said Gordon Douglass, D.D.S., and president of the American Academy of Periodontology. “Although periodontal disease can’t always be avoided, proper oral hygiene is the best means of prevention.”

The American Academy of Periodontology challenges the public to quit making excuses for not brushing and flossing and to start off the New Year by incorporating a daily routine of brushing and flossing. By doing this, you will reap the rewards for years to come.

1. My hands are too big and I have no dexterity – for people with dexterity problems, power floss holders may be useful.
2. The floss pushes the food down further into the pocket – floss cleans about 30 percent of the tooth’s surfaces, and its primary function is to remove the invisible film of bacteria that constantly forms between the teeth, causing plaque.
3. My gums bleed – in the mildest form of periodontal disease called gingivitis, gums redden, swell and bleed easily. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene and can be reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.
4. I get my teeth professionally cleaned twice a year, so I don’t have to brush and floss – If plaque is not removed, it can turn into a hard substance called calculus/tartar in less than two days. It’s so hard that it can only be removed by a professional cleaning. Daily cleaning will help minimize calculus formation.
5. It takes too long – Thorough brushing and flossing take about ten minutes. This is less time than shaving or applying make-up.
6. It gets in the way of my sex life – research suggests periodontal disease can pass through saliva. This means that common contact of saliva from kissing may put your loved ones at an increased risk for contracting periodontal disease.
7. Losing teeth is part of aging – this is definitely not true. More people are keeping their natural teeth longer with brushing and flossing. And, make sure that you’re using the right equipment. The AAP recommends a soft-bristled toothbrush that doesn’t have bent or frayed bristles. Brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle in a gentle circular motion several times using short, gentle strokes. More about keeping a healthy smile for life
8. My teeth are too tight for the floss – people with tight spaces between their teeth may prefer a polymer floss that’s been ADA approved.
9. I’m afraid of damaging my gums when I floss – that’s why technique is so important. When flossing, gently insert the floss between the teeth using a back-and-forth motion, guiding the flossing with your forefingers. Guide the floss to the gumline and curve the floss into a C-shape. Slide it into the space between the gum and tooth until you feel light resistance. Repeat this process between every tooth and don’t forget the back sides of your teeth.
10. I went hiking and forgot to bring floss – One possibility for people without access to 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.

CHICAGO–March 9, 1999–University of Chicago internist and anesthesiologist Dr. Michael Roizen is making headlines with his RealAge program, which he designed to provide people with a scientifically valid age reduction plan.

You may have read about it, seen him on “Oprah” or “20/20″ or even bought his book. And maybe you were surprised that flossing your teeth ranks right up there with taking your vitamins, quitting smoking and reducing stress as one of the top five things you can do to reduce your “RealAge.” In fact, keeping your teeth and gums healthy allows you to add 6.4 years to your life, according to Roizen’s plan.

“It makes sense,” says Dr. Robert Schoor, president of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). “Periodontal (gum) disease is a bacterial infection of the gums, and that bacteria can travel into the bloodstream and other parts of the body, putting a person’s health at risk.”

Recent research has found that periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases and premature, underweight births.

If you want to keep your teeth and gums healthy, and take care of the rest of your body at the same time, it’s not quite as simple as regular flossing. The AAP offers 10 suggestions to help you ensure good oral health:

• Use the right equipment. A soft-bristled toothbrush allows you to reach every surface of each tooth. If the bristles on your toothbrush are bent or frayed, buy a new one. Ask your dentist or periodontist to help you decide which among the wide variety of oral care products on the market may be most helpful for you.
• Choose a toothpaste with fluoride. In conjunction with brushing and flossing, fluoride products can reduce tooth decay by as much as 40 percent.
• Brush properly. To clean the outside surfaces of all your teeth, position the brush at a 45-degree angle where your gums and teeth meet. Gently move the brush in a circular motion several times using short, gentle strokes. To clean the inside surfaces of the upper and lower front teeth, hold the brush vertically. Make several gentle back-and-forth strokes over each tooth and its surrounding gum tissue. To clean the biting surfaces of your teeth, use short, gentle strokes. Spend at least two-and-a-half minutes brushing. This may not sound like much, but keep in mind it is about the same amount of time as one song or five commercials if you brush with the radio or TV on.
• Floss properly. Gently insert floss between the teeth, using a back-and-forth motion. Do not force the floss or snap it into place. Guide the floss to the gumline. Curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth. Slide it into the space between the gum and tooth until you feel slight resistance. Using both hands, move the floss up and down on the side of one tooth. Remember that there are two tooth surfaces that need to be cleaned in each space, so repeat this technique on each side.
• Find out if your teeth are free of plaque. Use a disclosing tablet or solution, available at your local drugstore. Chew the tablet until it dissolves. Swish vigorously and empty your mouth. Rinse with water. Then look in a mirror. The stains will indicate where plaque is still present.
• Stop using tobacco products. In addition to other serious illness linked with smoking, tobacco users are at increased risk for periodontal disease.
• Watch for signs of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is often silent, meaning you may not have symptoms until its very advanced stages. However, people with periodontal disease may experience:
  • Bleeding gums during brushing
  • Red, swollen or tender gums
  • Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Pus between the teeth and gums
  • Loose or separating teeth
  • A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
  • A change in the fit of your dentures
• Be aware of habits such as teeth grinding, which can put excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and speed up the rate at which these tissues are destroyed. You may need to have a dental professional fit you with a mouth guard to wear while sleeping if you grind your teeth at night.
• Tell your dental professional about any medications you are taking, as some drugs such as oral contraceptives, antidepressants and certain heart medicines can affect oral health.
• See your dentist and periodontist regularly. Regular professional cleanings will remove tartar in places that your toothbrush and floss have missed. Regular periodontal appointments are an important part of your oral hygiene program to prevent gum disease and keep your teeth for a lifetime.

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.

The American Academy of Periodontology is an 8,000-member association of dental professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. Periodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.

For more information, contact the AAP Public Affairs Department at 312/573-3243 or 312/573-3242.

CHICAGO – March 19, 2001 – Crocodiles, poisonous snakes and the scorching sun are not the only things the Survivors have to fear. Neglected oral hygiene may also put the survival of their teeth at jeopardy, as well as increase the risk that an infection in their mouth could spread and put other parts of their body at peril.

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.

CHICAGO – February 10, 2003 – Are you making special plans for you and your loved one or hoping to find someone to whisper sweet nothings to on Valentine’s Day? If so, the American Academy of Periodontology is offering a few tips to ensure your breath doesn’t put a damper on one of the most romantic days of the year.

Nothing can ruin a romantic mood like a yuck mouth. Although candies and mints can mask the smell, getting to the root of the problem is the only answer for a cure.

“The first thing you need to do is frequently check your breath for a foul odor,” said Gordon Douglass, D.D.S., president of the American Academy of Periodontology. “This is easily done by taking a dry cloth and wiping it across the back part of your tongue for about five seconds. Wait about a half minute and then smell it.”

If your bad breath is consistent, you may have periodontal disease, a chronic infection of the gums, or other medical conditions. A quick visit to your dentist or periodontist will help determine the cause of your bad breath.

In the meantime, Douglass offers the following tips to ensure you don’t give the kiss of death this season:

• Floss and brush your teeth, gums and tongue daily. Don’t forget to clean behind the back teeth in each row.
• Keep your mouth moist by drinking plenty of fluids, chewing sugar-free gum or sucking sugarless candy.
• Be aware of foods that may contribute to bad breath such as onions and garlic.
• Brush your teeth after consuming milk products, fish and meat.
• Talk to your dentist or periodontist about oral problems that might be the cause of bad breath.

A referral to a periodontist in your area and free brochure samples including one titled Periodontal Disease: 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 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.

CHICAGO – August 1, 2006 – The list of excuses for not brushing or flossing is endless, but according to a study published in the Journal of Periodontology, these are two tasks that should not be omitted from the daily hygiene routine. Study Abstract *

Researchers found that tongue and tooth brushing in combination with dental flossing significantly decreased gingival bleeding by 38 percent after a two-week oral hygiene program. Halitosis, or bad breath, was also reduced. In the group that did not floss as part of their daily routine, gingival bleeding sites increased by almost four percent.

“Gingival bleeding and halitosis is often the first sign of poor oral hygiene that may eventually lead to further periodontal problems,” said Walter A. Bretz, DDS, PhD, Department of Cariology and Comprehensive Care, New York University College of Dentistry and the mentor of the study. “A good way to prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay is through at-home oral hygiene care and routine dental visits.”

“Bad breath and bleeding gums can also occur in people who routinely brush their teeth and gums,” said Kenneth A. Krebs, DMD and AAP president. “Bleeding gums can be a sign of periodontal disease, and bad breath may be from certain bacteria that have built up in the mouth. People with bleeding gums or bad breath should ask their dentist or periodontist about their periodontal health.”

Background Information

Fifty-one sets of twins between the ages of 12 and 21 years of age were examined for gingival bleeding and halitosis. Each set of twins was then divided into two groups. One group of twins manually brushed their teeth and tongue twice a day for two weeks. The second group of twins was given the same instructions in addition to using dental floss twice a day. After two weeks, the twins were examined again for gingival bleeding and halitosis.

Twins were examined in this study because each individual set shares the same environmental factors such as dietary habits, health and life practices, thereby constituting a perfect case-control matched study.

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

CHICAGO – November 2, 2004 – With the shortage of influenza vaccines this year, Americans not immunized will want to diligently guard themselves against the sniffling and sneezing germs. While it is especially important to wash your hands often, avoid close contact, and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, maintaining and protecting oral hygiene equipment is also important this flu season.

“In addition to daily wear and tear a toothbrush goes through, overtime it can become contaminated with bacteria, blood, saliva and toothpaste,” said Dr. Michael P. Rethman, DDS, MS, and president of the American Academy of Periodontology. “Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is unaware of any adverse health effects directly related to toothbrush use, CDC’s recommendation is to rinse the toothbrush thoroughly with water following brushing and to tap off excess water.”

To protect your toothbrush from bacteria, follow the steps listed below.

Do:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing.
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, since the bacteria most harmful will die when exposed to oxygen.
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position, so water drains from it and it dries faster.
• Replace it every 3-4 months or sooner if the bristles appear worn or you’ve had a cold or flu to prevent possible reinfection.
• Clean the cover or container often to kill potentially harmful bacteria that could cause periodontal diseases, a serious bacterial infection that destroys the attachment fibers and supporting bone that holds teeth in the mouth.

Do not:

• Share your toothbrush. According to the CDC, the exchange of body fluids from sharing toothbrushes could increase the risk for infections.
• Re-use or share the same disinfecting solutions or mouthwashes to disinfect toothbrushes because this can lead to cross-contamination.
• Routinely cover toothbrushes or store in closed containers. This creates a humid environment that is more susceptible to bacterial growth.
• Use a community toothbrush holder. If you must, clean it often and make sure that the bristles do not touch one another.
• Touch the toothpaste tube to your toothbrush.

“It’s also important to take a good look at your toothbrush to see if the bristles are bent or frayed,” said Rethman. “The American Dental Association says that toothbrushes should be replaced every 3-4 months or sooner when the bristles become worn out or loose effectiveness.”

He also explained that a study showed that new toothbrushes removed significantly more plaque and gingivitis (the earliest stage of gum disease) than worn brushes.

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

CHICAGO—August 5, 2008—In dental offices all over the world, patients are often told they are not flossing enough or instructed to floss more. As the old saying goes, you only need to floss the teeth you want to keep. After all, not flossing regularly can lead to tooth decay and to periodontal disease, the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

A recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology (JOP), the official publication of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) demonstrates that including flossing as part of one’s routine oral care can actually help reduce the amount of gum disease-causing bacteria found in the mouth, therefore contributing to healthy teeth and gums. Study Abstract *

The study, conducted at New York University, examined 51 sets of twins between the ages of 12 and 21. Each set was randomly assigned a two-week treatment regimen with one twin brushing with a manual toothbrush and toothpaste and the other twin brushing with a manual toothbrush and toothpaste and flossing. At the end of the two-week trial, samples were taken from both pairs of twins and compared for levels of bacteria commonly associated with periodontal disease.

The study findings indicated that those twins who did not floss had significantly more of the bacteria associated with periodontal disease when compared to the matching twin who flossed in addition to tooth-brushing with toothpaste.

“This study illustrates the impact flossing can have on oral health. The twins experimental model is a powerful tool to help sort out genetic and environmental factors that often confound the interpretation of treatment studies. This study demonstrates that flossing can have an important and favorable impact on an individual, as compared to that of a non-flossing individual with similar genetics and possibly similar habits,” explains Dr. Kenneth Kornman, editor or the Journal of Periodontology. “Twins tend to share the same or similar environmental factors such as dietary habits, health and life practices, as well as genetics. In this case, the only difference was flossing, and the outcome was significant. Flossing may significantly reduce the amount of bad bacteria in the mouth.”

The study results support that old saying, and show that including flossing as an integral part of your regular oral care can help reduce the amount of periodontal disease-causing bacteria in the mouth, thereby helping you keep your teeth. Periodontal disease is an infection caused by a build-up of bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. Flossing, or using interdental cleaners, helps clean the bacterial plaque from between your teeth that regular brushing can’t reach.

“As a practicing periodontist, I am constantly telling my patients to clean between their teeth more using dental floss or interdental cleaners,” says Dr. Susan Karabin, President of the AAP. “Patients tend to think that flossing can’t possibly make that much of a difference. But this study demonstrates that the addition of flossing to your dental hygiene routine can significantly reduce the amount of periodontal disease causing bacteria. Even after just two weeks!”

To learn more about gum disease, locate a periodontist, or to find out if you are at risk for periodontal diseases, visit perio.org or call (800) FLOSS-EM (800/356-7736).

About the AAP

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

Chicago – October 13, 1997 – Several recent studies support the association between periodontal (gum) disease and family members:

• Periodontal (gum) disease may be passed from parents to children and between a couple, according to an article in the September 1997 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association. Researchers suggest bacteria that cause periodontal disease pass though saliva. This means that the common contact of saliva in families puts children and couples at risk for contracting the periodontal disease of another family member. Periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss.M
• Up to 30% of the population may be genetically susceptible to developing severe periodontal disease, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology. These findings could result in the early identification and treatment of at-risk patients.

Based on this research, The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) recognizes that treatment of gum disease may involve entire families. If one family member has periodontal disease, the AAP recommends that all family members see a dental professional for a periodontal disease screening.

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

CHICAGO – February 1, 2001 – February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, but in children good oral care is critical every day. The first comprehensive study on the nation’s oral health released recently by the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General calls dental and oral diseases a “silent epidemic,” even in children. The report states that more than 51 million school hours are lost each year to dental-related illness. In fact, a recent study pointed to dental care as the most prevalent unmet health need among American children.

To help counter this, the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is launching an effort to educate children and parents about the prevention of dental diseases – including periodontal disease – in children.

• View an AAP Video News Release on Children’s Dental Health

“This is important because oral problems can impact self-esteem for children and lead to problems eating, speaking and attending to learning,” said Michael McGuire, D.D.S., president of the AAP.

Common dental problems seen in children are cavities and gingivitis, which is found in the majority of U.S. children. “When these problems are not caught early and treated, they can develop into more severe problems and cause unnecessary suffering,” said McGuire. “However, much of the time, oral problems are avoidable problems.”

In the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, a group of more than 120 dentists volunteers to deliver dental care to thousands of low-income children each year with its Mobile Dental Unit that travels from school to school.

“In the Rio Grand Valley, dental disease is the number one cause of absenteeism among elementary school children,” said AAP member David Woolweaver, D.D.S., a periodontist and the program director for Dentists Who Care. “It’s vitally important that all children see a dentist at an early age. I’ve found that those children see a dentist on a regular basis are the ones who take better care of their teeth and gums and don’t have the significant problems that I often see in children who haven’t seen a dentist previously.”

“According to the Surgeon General’s Report, about 37 percent of children have not had a dental visit before starting school,” said McGuire. “When children don’t see dental professionals they miss the opportunity to have problems caught early before they escalate into larger, more expensive problems to treat, and parents miss the opportunity to learn how to promote good oral habits in their children.”

In addition to advising regular dental visits that include a periodontal examination, the AAP offers these tips to parents to help ensure good oral health in children:

• Establish good oral health habits early. When your child is 12 months old, you can begin using toothpaste when brushing his or her teeth. However, only use a pea-sized portion on the brush and press it into the bristles so your child won’t eat it. And, when the gaps between your child’s teeth close, it’s important to start flossing.
• Serve as a good role model by practicing good oral health care habits yourself.
• Check your child’s mouth for any signs of gum disease, including bleeding gums, swollen and bright red gums, gums that are receding away from the teeth and bad breath.
• Make sure your child consumes a balanced diet. Studies have shown insufficient levels of calcium and vitamin C may make people more susceptible to periodontal disease.
• Educate your child regarding the health risks of using tobacco products. Smoking is the number one preventable risk factor for periodontal disease.
• A referral to a periodontist in your area and free brochure samples including one titled Periodontal Diseases in Children and Adolescents are available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP’s Web site at www.perio.org.
• Read AAP’s online feature on children’s oral health for more information.

About the AAP

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